Course:KIN 355/Projects

Overhand Throwing

Overhand throwing is a manipulative single-handed skill where an object is thrown away and from above the shoulders. This throwing pattern requires complex motor skills that involve the entire body in a series of linked movements starting from the legs, progressing up through the pelvis and trunk, and culminating in a ballistic motion to propel the object forward. The most common sports games utilizing the overhand throwing pattern include dodgeball, football, water polo, javelin, and baseball (Parenting Counts, 2014 ). Some of the characteristics of overhand throwing, especially by the age of three, tend to be restricted to arm alone (Marques-Bruna, 1997 ). It is important that children should have developed the gross motor skills by that age in order to be able to participate in organized sports and activities that require the overhand throw (Kids at Play, 2014 ). Overhand throwing usually is developed a little later in children's lives as it requires more concentration than other routine activities such as walking or running.

During childhood, the central nervous system matures at an accelerated rate. It is during this stage of development that an excellent potential for skill acquisition exists due to the heightened neural plasticity equivalent to this age group (Lloyd, R. S. 2013 ). Neural plasticity can be defined as the ability of the brain to modify its connections to adapt in response to changes in the environment or re-wire itself. Without this ability, the brain would be unable to develop from infancy through to adulthood or to recover from brain injury. This hardware of connections also affects mood, behaviour, social skills, intelligence, memory, attention, ability to cope with stress, and the capacity for joy.

The practice of overhand throwing will not only allow physical self-confidence to evolve due to an increase of body awareness, but it will also facilitate the development of bilateral integration (Maskell, B. 2004 ), which is the ability to use both sides of the body together, promoting coordination and communication of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. A child with good bilateral integration is able to accomplish many daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even playing instruments. Teachers, coaches, parents, and childhood early educators must be aware of the importance of this skill and be responsible for providing children opportunities to practice overhand throwing as the brain can benefit from every experience.