Throwing Biomechanics: Aspects of Throwing Performance and Shoulder Injury Risk

This chapter will describe the biomechanics of the upper limb. The main focus will be on the biomechanics of throwing; how the coordination of the trunk, upper arm, lower arm and wrist is important for the optimal throwing performance; and how the observed variations in throwing technique may influence the performance. The last part of the chapter will further discuss how the throwing technique will influence the biomechanical loading of the joints and describe, based on current evidence, how also the overall load in combination with neuromuscular control and strength of the muscles around the scapula and shoulder joint influence the risk factors for throwing related injuries in handball.