Characteristics of the Arm, Wrist and Finger Strokes
There are two important categories which determine the characteristics of each stroke. They are the speed and volume levels capable with each stroke. The volume level equals the weight multiplied by the height of a stroke at a fixed tempo (this is explained in detail in Concept 3). The volume category has been divided into two parts; weight and height.
Volume
Weight
The amount of additional weight that can be added to the stick. For example:
- The arm stroke can add the weight of the whole forearm or arm.
- The wrist stroke can add the weight of the hand.
- The finger stroke adds virtually no additional weight to the stick.
Height
The maximum possible height of the stick for each stroke. For example:
- The arm stroke can pivot from the elbow or even shoulder, making great stick heights achievable.
- The wrist stroke achieves a good height, through pivoting from the wrist.
- The finger stroke pivoting from where the stick is held, and restricted by the fingers, can only achieve relatively small heights.
Speed
The maximum speed possible with each stroke varies due to the amount of weight having to be moved and the agility of the muscles used to propel the stick. For example:
- The arm stroke is the slowest of the 3 strokes as it must move the weight of the arm. The muscles used to do this are large and relatively slow.
- The wrist stroke can achieve a good speed as the muscles used are quite agile, and the extra weight of the hand is quite small.
- The finger stroke uses the most agile muscles and moves the least weight of the 3 strokes, making it possible to achieve greater speeds.
The following diagram shows a comparative score (1 - 3) for each of the strokes in the 2 categories.
Note: Being able to understand the different strokes and isolate each for the purpose of practice, will extend their parameters and hence improve your stick control. However, often combinations of 2 different strokes are used at once. You’ll find these combinations occurring naturally as you progress.
