⚡ Pose Detection
🎯 Throwing
THROW IT 5000 🎯
A webcam-based overhand throwing assessment tool that uses pose detection to automatically analyse a student’s throwing technique in real time. Students throw on command, the tool detects key form elements frame by frame — then an instant slow-motion replay lets them see exactly what they did well.
How to Use
- 💻 Open THROW IT 5000 on a laptop or tablet
- 📷 Allow webcam access when prompted
- 🟢 Wait for POSE ONLINE to appear in the header
- ✋ Select RIGHT or LEFT arm in the header toggle
- 👟 Student stands sideways to camera in the marked position
- ▶️ Press READY to start the countdown
- 🎯 Student throws on the GO! cue
- 🎬 4-second recording captures the throw
- 📺 50% slow-motion replay plays automatically
- ✅ Checklist lights up green for each skill detected
Left & Right Hand Support
Use the RIGHT / LEFT toggle in the header to match the student’s throwing arm before starting. This flips all detection logic — including which foot should stride forward and which arm to track for elbow height, ball cock, and follow-through. The throwing arm skeleton is highlighted in cyan on screen so students can see exactly what the tool is watching.
What Gets Assessed
4 technique elements are automatically detected using body landmarks — no teacher input needed during the throw
Step Forward
The opposite foot must step forward — a right-handed thrower leads with the left foot, and vice versa. This is the foundation of rotational throwing power.
Stride Foot Position
Elbow Up
The throwing elbow must reach at or above shoulder height during the wind-up. Dropping the elbow is the most common error in developing throwers.
Elbow vs Shoulder Height
Ball Back
The throwing wrist must cock behind the head with the elbow bent between 55° and 145°. This loads the arm for a powerful release rather than a pushing motion.
Wrist Position + Elbow Angle
Follow Through
After release, the throwing arm must swing down and across the body past the midline — completing the kinetic chain and protecting the arm from strain.
Wrist Crosses Midline
Setup Guide
Ready to go in under 3 minutes — works as a standalone station or teacher-led activity
Position Your Device
Set a laptop or tablet on a table or chair at roughly hip-to-chest height. The camera needs a clear side-on view of the thrower from head to toe — side-on is essential so the arm cock, elbow height, and follow-through are all visible. Avoid placing the device directly in the ball’s flight path.
💡 Landscape orientation only
Set the Throwing Arm
Before the first student steps up, tap RIGHT or LEFT in the header to match their throwing hand. The on-screen skeleton will highlight the correct arm in cyan so you can confirm it’s tracking the right side.
💡 Change this between students — it takes one tap
Wait for Pose Engine & Check the Skeleton
After opening the tool and allowing camera access, wait for ● POSE ONLINE to appear in the header. You’ll then see a white skeleton overlaid on the student’s body — this confirms they are being detected. The READY button unlocks automatically once the engine is live.
💡 First load takes ~10–15 seconds
Student Gets in Position
The student stands sideways to the camera — throwing shoulder closest to the lens — on the foot guide shown on screen. Their full body from feet to raised hand should be visible. The guide disappears once the assessment starts.
💡 6–8 feet from camera works well for most students
Press READY & Throw on Cue
Press the READY button to begin the 3-2-1 countdown with audio beeps. On GO! the student performs an overhand throw. The tool records 4 seconds of movement from that moment — no ball is needed, the motion alone is assessed.
💡 No ball required — the throwing motion is all that matters
Review the Instant Replay
The video plays back at 50% speed automatically. The checklist shows each element as green ✓ or red ✗. Each check requires 5 consecutive frames of correct form — a brief flash of good position won’t trigger a tick, encouraging students to hold their technique throughout the movement.
💡 Press TRY AGAIN to immediately attempt another rep
Scoring & Ratings
Score out of 4 — each check worth 1 point
💡 Teacher Tips
- 🔄 Run as a station — one device handles a rotation of 4–6 students while others practise at separate throwing stations
- 📺 Connect to a TV or large monitor so the group can watch the slow-motion replay together and discuss what they notice
- 🎯 No ball is needed for the assessment — students perform the throwing motion only, making it safer and simpler to set up indoors
- 🔢 Use the score as a simple pre/post benchmark across a unit — three attempts per student gives a clear picture of progress
- 👟 Remind students to stand sideways to the camera — this single adjustment makes the biggest difference to detection accuracy
- ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight behind the student — consistent, even lighting gives the pose engine the best chance of detecting all body points
- 🔋 Keep the device plugged in — pose detection is CPU intensive and will drain battery quickly during a full lesson
Launch THROW IT 5000
Opens in a new tab — allow camera access and select your throwing arm to begin.
Members Only
THROW IT 5000 is available on our Starter and Pro plans. Sign up to access all assessment tools.