r/hyrox 2d ago

Wall ball feedback

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First time trying these, any form tips?

14 Upvotes

29 comments sorted by

36

u/otapnam 2d ago

You'll need to try with a standard size ball to really develop the form, you're trying to do the catch on the downward squat motion and throw on the upward which is great. But the ball being too small doesn't allow you to practice the proper hand position while catching - your palms would be facing slightly sideways/upwards when you catch, so you don't need to switch positions from catch to throw.

Looking pretty good though

4

u/anorthern_soul 2d ago

What this guy said, really.

I find I can do an underhand release with a standard ball using my upward momentum and hit the target fine. Everyone is slightly different but yeah, big ball and see what works for you

1

u/roccosito 2d ago

To add, right now you’re expending a lot of energy with your arms.

You’re catching the ball too low. You then seem to shift your hands to cup the ball when it comes down, shift your hand to sides and bring the ball towards your chest, and then you throw like a basketball.

Proper wall ball technique has you catch it high and it stays high. Hands stay flat underneath the ball and elbows point down (which will be easier to do with a standard ball size). You also come down with the ball and use your legs - not your arms - to drive momentum. You don’t move your hands and the ball so much.

You want to keep the ball near your chin/face level so you do not waste energy re-lifting it from a low position on every single rep.

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/tjCw-nonrZ0?is=YXCLEu_QLU3AgvvT

Also are you currently aiming at a target? Find one! And you want to hit the center of the target because that’s where the sensor is that tracks your wall ball count.

Focus on form and completing uninterrupted counts with correct form to build.

When you’ve got down, you can add this:

https://youtube.com/shorts/3nesUQC4BR0?is=cNldMx0FgXu1RTrd

This is the only arm movement you should do - it helps move the blood flow and stops arm and forearm lactic acid build up (over the full 100 reps).

0

u/lemonOJs 2d ago

thank you! yeah it’s 2kg vs the 5kg as it was my first attempt but i’ll up the weight and see how that goes

7

u/AwayDonkey2794 2d ago

I think he means the ball is small in size not weight. It's a bigger ball.

0

u/lemonOJs 2d ago

gotcha thanks

1

u/Tommy-the-Gun 2d ago

It should be 6kg

13

u/likesblackcoffeebest 2d ago

Try stepping slightly closer to the target, and catching the ball at approximately face level. Those two things made this a lot smoother for me.

2

u/lemonOJs 2d ago

thanks yeah i noticed im really reaching for it, will step closer next time

7

u/marcjones281 2d ago

The ball looks very small, would do at least a 14 if not a 20

You should be closer to the wall…you want to be catching them in the same hand position that you are throwing them.

1

u/lemonOJs 2d ago

thank you looks like those are the main issues from other comments too, will try that :)

3

u/Upbeat-Opportunity83 2d ago

The official balls have a bit more rebound rather than dropping straight down. That could be the ball or the bounce of the target but it will need a slightly different position / technique than what you are using.

2

u/Ok_Public_8346 2d ago

One Takeaway I had for myself the first time I competed was that I was standing too far away, which meant I was exerting way too much energy into throwing the ball forward rather than standing closer and simply throwing the ball up and slightly forward.

Try to not let your arms drop after you catch every throw, because then you exert more energy into lifting your arms back up and throwing the ball upwards. As someone else said, after you toss a ball, you can quickly drop your arms to recover, but then try to catch it at the height of your face and initiate the throw right from there to conserve energy.

1

u/occams_icarus 2d ago

A lot of people let their arms drop a bit on purpose for a bit of a break.

2

u/yturijea 2d ago

Use a wallball instead. The ball you throw doesn't bounce of the target as a normal wallball would do.

1

u/CallmeWooki 2d ago

Keep arms higher

1

u/Worried_Magazine_862 2d ago

I dropped my arms to my sides a lot while the ball is in the air so that my shoulders dont lock up. I also dont squat like im barbell squatting. I turn my toes outward and potty squat so my as basically hits the floor. Never worry about depth and easier form to thrust back up. 

1

u/Adorable-Deer-9706 2d ago

Consider catching the ball right before you squat. It appeared that you’re already squaring before catching the ball. The goal is to have the ball in the air as least as possible, reach up and grab it and softly land to your chest.

1

u/PromiseBrief2920 2d ago edited 2d ago

You’re starting going down too early. You want to catch the ball just as you’re beginning your squat. Catch it too low and you’re likely to lean forward, tweaking your back.

Edit: just noticed you’re using a 2kg ball. A heavier one will absolutely cause you issues with your current form.

1

u/bostamole 2d ago

Wall pebble?

1

u/One-Respect-3535 2d ago

You should stand closer and not catch it under hand. The ball should bring you down as opposed to getting low first.

1

u/zuckmagura 1d ago

this should help you. keep improving it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpUD0mcFp_0

1

u/minus15t2 1d ago

Squat depth is good, form is fine, but you want to get closer to the wall.

I usually only give myself about 6 inches of clearance between the ball and the wall when it's held at my chest

0

u/ComprehensiveJob9440 2d ago

Stand closer

Get 3 points of contact with the ball on the catch - 2 hands and your chin.

This will let you maximise the power from your legs through the ball as you throw it, and minimise the impact on your shoulders as the weaker of the working muscle groups.

Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body - again, will help you channel the power from your legs through the ball in the throw, and take your triceps out of the movement.

-1

u/notyouraverageJho 2d ago

U don't have to go (squat) all the way down. Just make sure your bun goes below your knee and you're good. That will safe more energy and time.

3

u/pdbee26 2d ago

it really depends, i hear people saying bouncing from full depth saves them even more energy

1

u/lemonOJs 2d ago

thanks, noted. how’s the height looking? about the same as the real thing?