Wall Ball · Shoulder Flexion at Release

Why this matters

The ball has to hit a target that is both high (10 ft / 9 ft) and slightly forward (against the wall). The shoulder-flexion angle at release sets that trajectory. It's a positioning measurement — it tells you whether the athlete is standing the right distance from the wall.

Arms straight up (≈ 180°) → too close to the wall, the ball scrapes on the way up. Pushing too far forward (≈ 120°) → too far from the wall, energy wasted going horizontal instead of up.

The sweet spot — 140–160° — aims the ball up and slightly forward, matching the target with minimal wasted effort.

What good looks like

• Arms finishing high and slightly in front of the head.
• Ball travelling up the wall toward the target, not out at it or scraping it.
• Consistent release point rep after rep.

Common faults

Too Close (> 165°)

Arms nearly straight overhead — the athlete is standing too close. The ball drags up the wall, and target contact gets inconsistent.

Fix: step back a few centimetres.

Too Far Forward (< 135°)

The athlete is throwing the ball outward — standing too far from the wall. Energy goes horizontal instead of toward the high target.

Fix: step closer; cue "throw up the wall, not at it."

Coaching cues

• "Throw up the wall, not at it" — biases the trajectory vertical.
• "Find your distance" — most positioning faults are just wall distance.
• "Same spot every rep" — consistency keeps the trajectory repeatable.

How to draw

1. Pause on the same ball-release frame as the Knee Extension.
2. First line: greater trochanter → acromion (the trunk).
3. Second line: acromion → lateral epicondyle (the upper arm).
4. Interior angle at the shoulder is the reading.

Related measurements

• Terminal Knee Extension at Release — same frame; confirms the legs (not the arms) powered the throw this trajectory carries.
• Trunk Angle at Catch — the start of the rep cycle.