elbowfocused

Elbowfocused is a term used in coaching and rehabilitation to describe a movement-principle or cueing strategy that treats the elbow joint as a central element in upper-body mechanics. The core idea is that explicit attention to elbow position can improve the efficiency of force transfer from the trunk to the hand, enhance movement precision, and reduce abnormal loads on the elbow and shoulder during a wide range of tasks, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and throwing.

Principles include maintaining an appropriate elbow angle for the activity, tracking the elbow path in relation to the shoulder and wrist, and integrating elbow alignment with scapular control and overall trunk stability. Practitioners emphasize consistent elbow tracking across the kinetic chain, whether the task is bench pressing, bent-over rowing, push-ups, or overhead throwing. Cues commonly used include "keep the elbow in line with the shoulder," "lead with the elbow," and "avoid excessive elbow flare" during arm movements. Drills often use slow or resisted movements, video feedback, or spatial cues to reinforce the desired elbow trajectory.

Applications and scope: elbowfocused appears in strength training, rehabilitation programs, and athletic coaching, especially where elbow tendinopathy, throw-related elbow stress, or shoulder impingement are concerns. It is typically used as a complement to broader biomechanical analysis, not a standalone paradigm.

Origin and reception: the term is not standardized and has circulated primarily through coaching communities and practical guides rather than formal peer-reviewed literature. As a concept, it aims to augment existing technique cues by giving an explicit focus to elbow position, while recognizing individual variation in anatomy and sport requirements.