Print

[jazz15c]

I am 35 years old. I have thrown the same way since I was 12 (my arm is horizontal to the target, rather than vertical). Coaches warned me that this would cause me arm/shoulder problems later on...but did I listen...? No.

Every time I throw the ball I am in agony during the action and afterwards. It's getting worse every season, and starting to creep into everyday life, as I notice the pain when I lift my arm, or move it when it's been resting in the same place for a while. Even driving (a car!) is becoming uncomfortable. The pain feels like a 2 inch rod burning about a 1/3 of the way down the side of my upper arm (not bicep or tricep). Anyway, not the point...

The point of this post is this; at 35 years of age, and with proper coaching (of which there is plenty at my club, all willing to help) can I learn to throw with my other arm? Has anyone tried this, and can you give me a glimmer of hope that it worked out for them?

It's a complete back to basics approach needed, as if working with a toddler. I realise that it'll take a LOT of time and practice, and it'll feel completely unnatural for a long time, but I do not want to spend the rest of my cricketing days standing at slip. I love being in the outfield and involved in the game.

Any advice, tips, are very much welcomed. Thanks 

[ppccopener]

Jazz before you give up on your arm...

search the forum under my OP 'golfers elbow'

and see the very good advise posted by others on this forum. If you recognise any symptoms discussed in that thread- see a physio.....

good luck...

[SirScottiod]

Have you tried 'bowling' the ball back to the keeper? Theres plenty of people I know that do that as its easier on their shoulders/arms, rather than wing it in properly

[Buzz]

Learn good technique with you normal throwing arm and it won't hurt, you need to throw with your wrist above your elbow

[HallamKeeper]

When I was young I practiced throwing with both arms just using a wall and tennis ball. Threw with my left then right alternatively. I'm sure it drove my parents mad but even now with a little practice I'm about 70% compared to my strong arm. I think by doing that exercise your body learns to mirror your strong arm. I'd imagine it would take a month or two to get strong at it. I always thought bowlers should learn to throw with their other arm to help the wear and tear.

[smilley792]

Just practice.


I decided I want to bowl with my left arm, I've become accurate and able to "bowl as such" I just need to add a lot more pace now to get a chance in a game.


As mr calver said, I just got a ball and bowled it at a wall until it felt natural, then I switched to a net so I could hone length and general direction.

Give me another 15 years and I'll be as good as Mitch Johnson........

[Nmcgee]

I had to learn to throw again at 35. My throwing technique was terrible and caused pain. I went to a baseball coach and spent an entire offseason with him. I found it embarrassing, initially, to ask for help but my coach was great.

I'm not sure about using the other arm but proper technique and practice solved all of my issues. Perhaps go to YouTube as a starter and have a look at some baseball coaches teaching.

[dougydee]

If it has crept into your normal life and causing discomfort go and see a physio. After you get your pain and movement sorted then work on constructing a new throwing technique.

[SteffanLangholz]

Buddy, I'm sorry, but that sounds like a external impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. Needs to be looked at, it will not go away on its own, and will most probably get worse in time. This could lead to the dreaded frozen shoulder disorder. As the name suggest, that's not a great disorder to get.

It might be as simple as shoulder setting exercises, stretching of the chest and rebuilding your rotator cuff via elastic band exercises.

Cheers, your ever cheerful physio

[jazz15c]

Thanks for the replies everyone. 

Fortunately, I have a physio with very reasonable rates about 50yards away from my place of work, so I've made contact with her for a session. She sorted my hammy out nicely last year, so hopefully she can work some magic. Fingers crossed. Her first advice will probably be 'stop throwing the bloody ball then!'

From what I can gather (via Google images and my admittedly limited anatomical knowledge!) the pain looks like it's roughly where the Deltoid inserts onto the humerus, that sort of area.

I've also spoke to a coach who is happy to help me work on learning to throw with my other arm. Should be fun/frustrating/entertaining...!

[HallamKeeper]

Maybe take some video recordings of your progress, would be interesting/funny.