It is useful to view the launch as a system in motion. If the system is set up correctly from the start, it will work as expected as long as there are no breakdowns along the way. Many people don’t realize how critical the album release entry really is. If the system is not configured correctly, you have practically zero chance of success. Once the pitcher has a good understanding of the entire technique, he should spend time perfecting his tackle every day.
Setting
A good entry into the disk begins with the installation at the back of the circle. The feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width at the back of the ring. If the circle is bisected, the feet should straddle the bisection line.
The toes should be wide and the legs should be bent so that the knees are over the toes. It is crucial to establish this knee angle prior to the inning of the pitch and strive to maintain it until the puck is thrown. The back should be straight with a slight bend at the waist, as if the athlete is preparing to jump. The chest should be up with the head held high so that it is in line with the spine.
End up
The rope sets the system in motion. This is where the throw begins, so it is critical that the athlete understand the purpose and importance of the rope. Newton’s first law states that “an object at rest tends to remain at rest until an external force acts on it.” After the initial setup of the throw, it is the string that provides the force that makes the puck / system move.
As the puck rolls back, it is important to remember the timing of the throw. There should be a slow to fast pace, so the rope should be the slowest part of the throw. It is important for the right-handed pitcher to keep the right foot firmly planted or anchored throughout the rope. This will allow for a more controlled and balanced string, while positioning the pitcher to move to the left as the puck advances. Both arms must be kept extended and perpendicular to the body, and they must be 180 degrees apart from each other.
How far the puck is rolled back is based on the launcher’s preference and flexibility, but it should be understood that the more the puck is rolled back, the more kinetic energy is added to the system. The disc should not be rolled back more than 180 degrees. The head / eyes must remain fixed at 0 degrees during rope operation.
At the entrance to the throw, the puck is rolled back and locked in place, the arms are 180 degrees apart, the head and chest are up, and the eyes and chin remain in line with the sternum. The right-handed pitcher will shift his weight from his right side to his left, while pushing his left heel into the ring. The left foot and knee should rotate 90 degrees. The right foot should remain flat with the knee moving away from the left.
The axis of rotation of this system should be from the ball of the left foot to the left shoulder. Remember, the left knee should push down on the left toe. The left arm should remain relaxed and extended, without breaking the plane of the left knee. At 90 degrees, the pitcher will work to push the left knee down, while the right foot remains flat and the knees move away from each other.
When the legs have reached their maximum stretch reflex, the right leg will be raised. The pitcher holds the toe up with the long leg and wide knees as if riding a horse. Remember that the left foot is still at 90 degrees with the knee pressing down. The pitcher now aggressively kicks the right heel 90 degrees while pushing toward the center of the circle with the outside of the left foot.
The long right leg acts as a lever that moves around an axis, so as you kick and push the left leg, the net result is that the throwing system ends up in the middle of the circle in the desired position. The entry and sweep action adds most of the force to the throw. At this point, the stage has been set on how the launch will continue.