CSET Practice Test Physical Education

Biomechanics of Pitching/Throwing

The Six Phases of Pitching To make the biomechanics easier
to understand, the pitching motion can be divided into six
phases: windup, stride, arm cocking, arm acceleration, arm
deceleration, and follow-through.

1 - The windup phase begins when the pitcher stepped back
with his front foot and positions his back foot against
the rubber. The windup phase ends when the front leg is at
its maximum height and the two hands begin to separate. 2
- During the stride phase, a pitcher moves his front foot
toward home plate as the two arms swing down and apart
from each other. The stride phase ends when the front foot
touches the mound. 3 - During the arm cocking phase, the
pelvis and then upper trunk rotate to face home plate as
the throwing arm externally rotates at the shoulder. The
arm cocking phase ends when the shoulder reaches its
maximum external rotation. 4 - The arm acceleration phase
was from the instant of maximum shoulder external rotation
until ball release. 5 - From ball release until the arm
stops internally rotating is defined as the arm
deceleration. 6 - Follow-through begins with maximum
shoulder internal rotation and ends when the pitcher
regains a balanced position.

The greatest kinetic and kinematic values occurred during
the arm cocking, acceleration, and deceleration phases,
implying that these are the phases where overuse injuries
are likely to happen.

Tips for Exercising with Asthma

1. Ask your physician to help you establish a personalized
fitness program. You may also benefit from working with a
physical therapist or other medical professional skilled
in rehabilitative therapies. 2. Discuss using medicine
before exercising with your physician. 3. Always carry
your bronchodilator, the medication your physician
prescribed in case of a sudden asthma attack. 4. Take
extra time (at least 20 minutes) to warm up slowly before
and after exercising. Some people with exercise-induced
asthma find this helps to avoid asthma symptoms without
the need for extra medications. 5. Do not push yourself
when your peak flow readings are lower than usual or you
have not been feeling well. Learn to listen to your body
and stop working out if it starts sending signs that you
have had enough exercise for one day. 6. Do not exercise
outdoors on days with high pollen counts or ozone levels.
Select allergen-free indoor places carefully. Basements
and/or gyms may be dusty and moldy. 7. On cold days, use a
scarf or mask over your mouth and nose to help warm cold
air before it is breathed into raw airways. 8. Take baby
steps to reach fitness goals. Park your car in a space at
the far end of the parking lot when shopping. Use the
stairs instead of the elevator for short trips.

The goal for people with asthma is to build up strength in
their heart and lungs without triggering their asthma. New
and improved medications, thorough warm-up and cool-down
periods and a physician monitored fitness program will
help any person with asthma achieve a more healthy,
physically fit and functioning body.

For more information contact Allergy and Asthma Network at
1-800-878-4403.