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

Abstract

Objective: 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.