Product Code Database
Throwing is a physical action that consists of mechanics acceleration a projectile and then releasing it into a ballistics trajectory, usually with the aim of impacting a distant target. Throwing typically refers to hand-throwing by with prehensile , in which the projectile is grasping in a hand and the proximal limb segments move through compounded to impart a mechanically advantaged swinging motion. For other animals, the definition of throwing is somewhat unclear, as other actions such as spitting or spraying may or may not be included.
Primates are the most proliferative throwers in the animal kingdom, and they typically throw feces as a form of agonistic behavior. Of all primates, Homo are by far the most capable throwers, and throw a large variety of projectiles with a much greater complexity, efficacy and accuracy. Throughout human evolution, humans (especially Homo sapiens) have used hand-thrown projectiles for hunting and in warfare — first through rock throwing, then refined weapon-throwing (e.g. spear, throwing axe or dart), and into modern day with payload-carrying devices such as , Stun grenade and tear gas canisters.
To overcome the biophysical limitations of throwing by hand, humans also designed tools to improve the efficiency of their throwing techniques. The atlatl, amentum, sling and various models of are notable examples of throwing mechanisms.
With the advent of the bow and arrow, and later the gunpowder-based firearm, human innovation into throwing tools as weapons essentially halted, but throwing either by hand or with tools has persisted for purposes (such as thrower tools in fishing and clay pigeon shooting) or as a form of exercise. Throwing is thus still performed in many sports and games, particularly . In throwing sports (especially track and field) throwing is the main determiner of the outcome.
Human athletes can achieve throwing speeds close to , far in excess of the maximal speed attainable by chimpanzees, at about . This ability reflects the ability of the human shoulder and to store elasticity until it is needed to propel an object.
The notion of throwing typically refers to an action performed without mechanical assistance, but mechanical assistance, as long as it does not involve the release of chemical or electric energy, does not fundamentally change the nature of the action, and can thus be considered as throwing too. As such, throwing mechanisms will be discussed in this section.
Desired qualities in the action produce a fast, accurate throw. These qualities are affected by the physical attributes of the thrower like height, strength, and flexibility. However it is mainly the throwing motion mechanics and the thrower's ability to coordinate them that determines the quality of the throw. Determining the desired qualities of the throwing motion is difficult to assess due to the extremely short amount of time that it takes professionals to perform the motion.
Track and field contains four major throwing events: discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw and shot put. The weight throw is the fifth most common field throwing event, while the club throw is unique to disability athletics.
Such use is so common that it is a common metaphor for figuratively sending something to someone (e.g. ).
An other very common use of the behavior is for disposal. The employed term is then typically throwing away, and it too is very commonly used figuratively.
Research by MythBusters found that men and women throw almost equally well with their non-dominant hand, suggesting that the sexual differences were probably due to differences in training.
Other research suggests there exist innate biological differences between the sexes that lead to disparities in throwing efficiency, with males better adapted at delivering more effective throws than females.
have been observed throwing rocks and logs, using their trunk to grab and flick items, although they lack the accuracy that primates can achieve, and it is more commonly used as a warning to aggressors.
If one is willing to consider dropping as a special case of throwing, then one can include birds, most notably , as some species are known to drop stones in order to break shells or other hard food sources on the ground.
are often observed throwing Pinniped in the air, usually by hitting them with their caudal fin. This behavior is speculated to be purely recreational.
|
|
