The forearm muscle actually consists of at least 20 different muscles running from the wrist to the elbow, according to the Yale School of Medicine. These muscles are responsible for the flexion and pronation of not only your forearm, but also your wrist and fingers. Since many sports require a physical style of play, the strength of your forearm muscles can have a major effect on how well you perform on the field.
Physicality
Football arguably uses the forearm muscles in more ways than any other sport. Few other team sports require all players to use their forearm muscles on nearly every play. For instance, a linebacker may go an entire game without touching the football, but nearly every tackle will involve grabbing another player and pulling him to the ground. The same can be said for other position players who don't throw, carry or catch the ball.
Ball Spin
Pitchers in baseball rely on their forearms as much as they do their elbows or shoulders. Not because it drastically affects the velocity of the ball, but rather it has a major influence on how well their fingers and wrist are able to spin the ball for a specialty pitch. The movement that occurs on curveballs, sliders and sinkers is due to the spin put on the ball by the pitcher as he delivers it. The stronger your forearm, the better chance you have to put more spin on the pitch.
Ball Security
Basketball, football and baseball require catching and holding onto the ball to be successful. Basketball players must dribble the ball with precise accuracy and hold onto the ball when opposing players are attempting to swat it out of their hands. Football players must hold onto the ball when it's in their grasp, even if 350-pound opponents are attempting to rip it away. Baseball players must have the forearm strength to close a leather glove around a ball that is traveling through the air at high speeds.
Throwing Distance
Soccer also relies on forearm strength at key moments during a game. While soccer focuses more on leg strength and control, there are still points in the game where players use their hands to hold or throw the ball. For example, when the ball goes out of bounds, a player must throw the ball back into play to a teammate. This action requires that they have strong forearms to grip and throw the ball long distances.
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