Thursday, 3 Oct 2024

Underhand Medicine Ball Throw

The underhand medicine ball throw is a test of upper and lower body strength and explosive power. It is commonly used to assess power in sports that require these attributes, such as rowing, tennis, and javelin throwing. In this test, the subject stands at a line with their feet slightly apart, holding a medicine ball between their legs with their arms extended forward and downward. Using the legs, back, and arms to assist, the subject throws the ball forward as far as possible. They are encouraged to fall forward over the line to maximize the throw’s distance.

Purpose

The purpose of the underhand medicine ball throw is to measure upper and lower body strength and explosive power. It provides valuable insights into an individual’s power capabilities, which can be essential in athletic performance.

Equipment Required

To conduct this test, you will need a 2 to 5 kg medicine ball (depending on the age group being tested) and a tape measure.

Procedure

  1. Explain the test procedures to the subject.
  2. Perform a screening for health risks and obtain informed consent.
  3. Prepare necessary forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, and test conditions (e.g., wind).
  4. Check the weight of the medicine ball.
  5. Clearly mark the start line.
  6. Conduct a standardized warm-up.
  7. The subject stands at the line with their feet slightly apart, facing the direction they will throw the ball.
  8. The ball is held in both hands between the legs, with the arms extended forward and downward, and the hands placed behind and under the ball.
  9. Using the legs, back, and arms to assist, the subject vigorously throws the ball forward as far as possible.
  10. The subject is permitted to fall forward over the line after releasing the ball, which is encouraged to maximize the throw’s distance.
  11. Allow three attempts.
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Scoring

The distance from the starting position to where the ball lands should be recorded. Measure the distance to the nearest 0.5 foot or 10 cm. The best result out of the three throws is used for scoring.

Advantages

  • This test is easy and quick to perform for an individual.
  • It provides valuable insight into an individual’s upper and lower body strength and explosive power.

Disadvantages

  • Conducting this test smoothly may require multiple people: one to mark results, another to check technique, and another to collect and return the balls.
  • Testing a large group of participants can be time-consuming.

Tips and Considerations

  • The angle at which the ball is thrown is important. It may be helpful to explain to the subject the optimal angle for maximizing the throw’s distance and allow them some practice attempts.
  • For ease of measurement, consider extending a tape measure along the expected path in front of the subject.
  • When recording the distance, you can either move the tape to where the ball landed or align where the ball landed to the approximate distance on the tape.

Similar Tests

  • Standing or Side Medicine Ball Throw
  • Overhead Powerball Backwards Throw
  • Powerball Kneeling Overhead Toss
  • Power Clean Max Test

Related Pages

  • Medicine Ball Fitness Tests
  • About Medicine Balls
  • Other Speed and Power Tests
  • Medicine Balls for Sale

FAQs

Can anyone perform the underhand medicine ball throw test?

Yes, anyone can perform the underhand medicine ball throw test. However, it is commonly used in sports that require upper body strength, such as rowing, tennis, and javelin throwing.

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How many attempts are allowed in the underhand medicine ball throw test?

Three attempts are allowed in the underhand medicine ball throw test. The best result out of the three throws is used for scoring.


Summary

The underhand medicine ball throw is a test that assesses upper and lower body strength and explosive power. It is commonly used in sports that require these attributes, such as rowing, tennis, and javelin throwing. This test measures the distance a subject can throw a medicine ball from a standing position. It provides valuable insights into an individual’s power capabilities and can be performed quickly and easily. To conduct the test, a 2 to 5 kg medicine ball and a tape measure are required. The subject throws the ball forward as far as possible, and the best result out of three throws is recorded.