SmashMouth

When would you ever think that Saints' Quarterback Drew Brees' arm strength or lack of it, would be part of the reasons given by some Saints fans for the Black & Gold's current malaise. It certainly showed up last Sunday on NOLA.com and Times-Picayune columnist Larry Holder's top nine list of, "How the Saints Can Salvage Their Season."

Holder said, "I've defended him (Brees). He's defended himself. Yet, this topic isn't going away." Rightfully so, Holder said, "Get off the arm strength topic. It's a tired excuse."

Over my last 40 years in pro sports, I have had the opportunity to improve the functional fitness and performance of high school, college, and professional quarterbacks; increase the ball velocity for many MLB pitchers; and, most recently, increase Serena Williams' serve speed. As a result of these many experiences, I need to dispel what appears to be a misconception related to the term - "arm strength."

While many fans, based on their recent comments on NOLA.com, are focusing on Brees' arm strength, they may have missed the fact that the arm is not (or should not) become the source of strength for the throwing motion. In fact, the arm is nothing more than a "delivery mechanism" for guidance at ball release toward a target.

For a baseball pitcher, sixty-five percent of the throwing velocity is generated by the legs - combined with the internal rotation of the dominant-side hip - which is initiated by a pivoting motion of the back foot.

The quarterback - with a 3, 5, or 7 step drop to pass - must also plant that back foot to initiate the mechanic necessary to generate the appropriate power to make a pinpoint throw.

The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) says, "For the quarterback to throw the ball to the side of the field on his throwing-hand side, the final step of the last two quick steps should open up the foot somewhat in the direction of the throw, so that the front hip can start to rotate in the direction of the target before he takes his step to deliver the ball. When the throw starts, the back foot should be perpendicular to the line from the quarterback to the target.

read more

Attached Thumbnails