Abstract
This study was designed to exam the relationship between the developmental skill patterns of children's throwing and throwing distance. The second purpose of this investigation was to find out the critical factors that could influence throwing distance including skill recognition, self-ability, strength, height, weight, environmental influence and regular activities. 104 students, age 9 years, voluntarily participated in the study. This study adapted the Burton's amendment (1992) of Development Sequences for Overhand Throwing from Roberton (1984) which measured throwing patterns and classified into five components, including: Backswing (step 1-4), Humerus (step 1-3), Forearm (step 1-3), Trunk (step 1-3), and Foot Action (step 1-3). The result showed that each five components and total points were associated with increased throwing distance. Of the five components, forearm and Humerus were the most significant factors. Only self-ability would influence the throwing distance and the other factors including skill recognition, strength, height, weight, environmental influence and regular activities couldn't. None of the developmental skill patterns of children's throwing were associated with recognition test. The findings suggest that the developmental skill patterns of nine-years-old children' throwing would affect the throwing distance. Teachers of elementary school should find some ways to enhance the developmental skill patterns of children's throwing especially for forearm and Humerus skills. As for factors that could influence the throwing distance, teachers of elementary school should strengthen the self-confidence of children. Besides, teachers of elementary school don't spend more time explaining the skills. Because these skills could not match the skills of children's mind, it is not necessary for teachers to spend much time explaining these skills. On the contrary,teachers should have students done more practice to feel how to do well in order to have effective learning.