Understanding Walking Bottom vs. Walking Top

in Baseball Throwing Mechanics

Understanding the differences between Walking Bottom and Walking Top throwing mechanics in baseball can significantly enhance performance and reduce injury risks. These so-called mechanics are Motor Preferences that primarily differ in the Preparation and Follow-Through phases of the throwing action.

1. Key Differences

Muscle Chain Activation:

• Walking Bottom: Utilizes the Anterior Muscle Chain, favouring internal rotation of the forearm.
• Walking Top: Engages the Posterior Muscle Chain, favouring external rotation of the forearm.

2. Preparation Phase

1. Walking Top:

• At the end of the arm swing, the pinkies are low, the thumbs are high, and the palms face inward. 
• Initiates the throw with pinky low and thumb high.

• The forearm internally rotates as the elbow moves back, positioning the thumb down and pinky up, creating a wound-up “spring” effect.

• At the end of the arm swing, thumbs are low, pinkies are high and palms face outward.

2. Walking Bottom: 

• Begins the throw with the thumb low, often with a flat hand. 

• The forearm slightly externally rotates as the elbow moves back, with potential for further development.

3. Follow-Through Phase

1. Walking Top: 

• The wound-up forearm “spring” releases, leading to external rotation toward the release point. 
• The hand finishes with the pinky down.

• And to complete the movement with natural pronation

2. Walking Bottom: 

• The forearm internally rotates after the shoulder initiates the throw. 
• The hand finishes with the thumb down.

• And to complete the movement with natural pronation

4. Implications for Coaches and Trainers

By recognizing these natural Individual motor preferences, baseball coaches, trainers and biomechanical experts can better tailor their training programs. Focusing on the specific rotation preferences and muscle chain engagements can help optimise throwing techniques, leading to improved performance and reduced risk of injury.

5. Optimize Your Training

For coaches and trainers:

• Assess and Identify: Determine whether your player is a Walking Bottom or Walking Top mover.
• Customized Drills: Design drills that cater to the specific movement patterns of each type.
• Injury Prevention: Focus on exercises that strengthen the respective muscle chains and improve the natural rotation patterns.

Understanding and leveraging these differences in throwing mechanics can provide a competitive edge and enhance player development.