12-24-2018, 05:03 PM
(12-24-2018, 02:56 PM)Mark Hygate Wrote: {This discussion has certainly woken up...} - and a question springs to mind; given the discourse on 'overhand' vs 'underhand':
- Whilst I'm aware of, really, only one style of 'underhand' (with, or without, imparting a spin) - where I've thrown balls, lawn darts and even 'normal' darts that way on occasion...
What, precisely, is the version of 'overhand' being suggested (or perhaps more than one)? I ask that having also thrown balls; for range; for pitching (softball rather than baseball); English style bowling; the classic circular overhand for grenade throwing; pub darts; and sport javelins - all of which are actually rather different in technique.
And, thinking about it, if you have space on the spot (open-order or even soldier-level quincunx) then the plumbata could even lend itself to a circular-spin (cf discus) technique - I wonder what range could be achieved with that!
Mark: I am talking about standard overhand distance throwing, such as a baseball outfielder making a long throw to home plate. That is the only proper overhand style for devices the size and weight of baseballs, softballs (not actually soft, btw) and plumbatae, really. Everything else is just a modification of that motion imposed by the requirements of the sport (i.e. a cricket bowler's straight arm delivery is by rule) or by the peculiarities of the thrown device (long javelin, short pub dart).
I don't understand what is meant by 'discuss throw'. Plumbatae and discs are of much different design. The fletching (or 'flights') already impart a spin around its long axis to the dart just as the rifling of a gun barrel imparts spin to a bullet. If that is what you mean by spin, then it already occurs. Rotation around the short axis would be disastrous to both the dart's distance capability and accuracy. Perhaps you are thinking of using a sling to achieve even greater distances? There are parallels in history which suggest this is possible. The use of atlatls would also extend range and were known to the Romans, I understand.
Softball pitching is underhand throwing, and the classic circular overhand grenade toss (just like a cricket bowler's delivery) hasn't been taught for grenade throwing since at least the 1970's, if not much earlier. I assume your reference to 'English style bowling' is meant to describe cricket 'pitching'. The only other forms of bowling of which I am aware, such as lawn, lane, and Kegeln, are all performed underhand.
Thanks for joining in! I hope my responses clarify the issue for you.
Enjoy the Holidays!