October 2020; Vol. 9, No. 2: Pages 50-53

Relationship between power snatch throw and backward overhead medicine ball throw in college football players

Jeramey C. Dockery, Jerry L. Mayhew, Troy L. Williams, William F. Brechue, J. Bryan Mann, George K. Beckham

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between backward overhead medicine ball (BOMB) throw and power snatch throw (PST). Design and Methods: NCAA Division-II college football players (n = 23; age = 21.0 ± 1.4 yrs, height = 184.6 ± 6.0 cm, weight = 105.6 ± 19.0 kg) were evaluated for 5 BOMB throws and 3 PSTs. PST was measured by an accelerometer attached to a specially designed Smith machine with a hydraulic catch system that allowed release of the bar at the top of the movement. A standard weight of 62.5 kg was used for PST in all players, with the best of 3 throws used to represent PST (1,737 ± 337 W). The BOMB test was performed using an 8-kg rubber medicine ball, with the best throw used for analysis (15.74 ± 1.88 m). Results: Regression selected BOMB throw to estimate PST [PST (W) = 134.89 BOMB (m) – 441.6, r = 0.73, SEE = 233 W, CV% = 13.6%). Smallest worthwhile change (SWC) for the BOMB throw was 0.79 m or 5.1% to indicate meaningful improvement. Conclusion: The higher correlation (r = 0.73, p<0.001) between BOMB and PST than previously noted for vertical jump power (r = 0.63) supports the BOMB throw as a measure of overall power. Thus, the BOMB throw can provide a cost effective and time-saving test to assess total body explosive power.

Received August 27, 2020; accepted October 20, 2020

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