Friday, September 28, 2012
The Washington Post has a recent article examining the "throwing gap". This gap refers to the robust difference between males and females in the skill of throwing. The gender difference in throwing skill spans cultures and has at least some biological basis. The article interviews Jerry Thomas who did the research, and who will bet "there's something neurological" at the root of the throwing gap. This reminded me that men throw like girls with their non dominant hand (video).
Of course there are always exceptions, like ambidextrous baseball pitchers and female quarterbacks (video), but perhaps the throwing gap could be examined by looking at males and females practicing throwing with their non dominant hand. If the gap is closed with the non dominant hand, would that not be conclusive that there is a neurological basis? What is definitely conclusive is that men throwing rocks with their non dominant hand set to music is funny.
Posted by Rob at 4:13 PM