Abstract
This 2022 pilot study by Garcia-Buendia et al. investigated the relationship between isolated shoulder internal rotation strength and ball velocity in professional handball players. Contrary to common assumptions, the study found no significant correlation, suggesting that throwing speed is more dependent on complex kinetic chain coordination.
Coaches are advised to focus on global power and technical efficiency rather than over-prioritizing isolated shoulder exercises to increase throwing speed. The data supports the 'kinetic link' theory, where the shoulder acts as the final link rather than the primary driver of velocity.