Webball stands behind the products we sell. Thank you for your support.
Lesson 10: Scapular Loading
Log in below for animated content on this page.
User
Pass

Pitching
Essentials
New Mechanics Lesson Series
1 Challenging
2 What Matters
3 First Steps
4 Pelvic Loading
5 Leg Lift
6 Stride
7 Foot Strike
8 Hand Break
9 Better Timing
10 Scap Load
11 Laxity
12 Arm Transition
13 The Elbow
14 Arm Correction
15 Flat L
16 Loops
17 Glove Side
18 Dragline
19 Exceptions
20 Slots & Tilts
21 Final Arc
22 Fly By Wire
23 Follow Through
24 Recovery
25 Backwards
26 Step by Step
27 Success Factors
Batter Deception Lesson Series
Pitch Selection
Beyond Basics
Challenge 2011
Challenge 04
Challenge 02
Defense
Wolforth Unleashed
Reddick Revealed
Coaches Corner
Catching
Hitting
Infield
Outfield
Coverage Clinic
Baserunning
All Positions
Rookie Level
Product Directory

Back to School
Loading and transferring momentum at exactly the right time is one of the new lessons in pitching mechanics (see side note). This is where the concept of the kinetic chain is critical - stored energy in each muscle group must be imparted to the next muscles in sequence. Remember, too, there is the energy from one muscle group being transferred to the next, but also there is the stored energy within the group itself.

Login to see it In-Motion.
Remainder of this page including detailed lesson and animation available to paid Team Player members only. Please login or join.

When WebBall first heard this term, 'scapular loading', it was from Paul Nyman. For all we know he invented it. As kineisiologists point out, there is no such term in medicine; bones (which is what the scapula is) don't 'load', muscles load. That's the usual argument. But in engineering, for instance, static objects do 'load' - take a strain. If you want to refer to this as trapezoid tightening and pectorals flexing, go ahead. Given the complex interactions of all muscle groups around the upper body, that's equally and overly simplistic. 'Scapular loading' has become the accepted shorthand.

Tips for outfielders Tips for outfielders Tips for outfielders Tips for the hot corner Tips for shortstops Tips for second base Tips for first base BullPen for pitchers Behind the Mask for catchers Base Running Tips On Deck center for hitters Teamwork for Coaches Click dots for topics, open field for home