Gender differences in throwing form of children ages 6-8 years during a throwing game

The study purposes were to describe throwing form and gender differences before and after instruction during a game. Children's (ages 6-8, n = 105) throwing form was assessed while they played a game (snowball) using the Body Component Assessment for Throwing in Games to determine the modal developmental levels for the step, trunk, and forearm components. Each student received four 30-min sessions of throwing instruction. There were significant (p < .017) gender differences at each session and for each component. A Wilcoxon-Signed Ranks Test revealed differences (p < .017) between pretest and after instruction for boys' trunk and forearm components and girls'step and trunk components. The improvement after instruction and gender differences were similar to those found in a controlled, practice context.