Elbowforward

Elbowforward is a term used in movement science and coaching to describe a position or cue in which the elbow is oriented toward the front of the body, with the forearm carrying or leading the limb forward in the delivery phase of a movement. It is not a medical diagnosis but a descriptive label for a postural pattern that can occur in various activities. The concept emphasizes keeping the elbow forward relative to the torso to improve alignment between the arm and trunk and to facilitate timely force production.

The biomechanical rationale is that an elbow-forward position can help maintain scapular stability, align the hand with the intended trajectory, and reduce undue stress on the shoulder by avoiding excessive hyperextension or abrupt external rotation. By leading with the elbow, athletes and therapists aim to promote a smoother transfer of energy from the core to the limb.

In practice, elbowforward appears in sports coaching, including throwing and striking mechanics, swimming, and weightlifting, as well as in rehabilitation and ergonomics. In baseball pitching, for example, cues may encourage a forward-pointing elbow during the early acceleration phase to optimize lead hand/arm alignment. In weightlifting or racket sports, an elbow-forward cue can help with bar or racket path control.

Cautions: The appropriateness of the cue depends on the movement and the individual. Overemphasis on elbow position can restrict natural range of motion or cause tension in the elbow joint if not integrated with scapular motion and trunk posture.

Origin and usage: The term combines "elbow" and "forward" in plain English and has appeared in coaching guides, biomechanical discussions, and instructional materials since the early 2000s. It remains a descriptive, non-clinical label and may be defined differently across contexts.