Josh Allen's Quest for Throwing Perfection
Refinement Overhaul?
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is currently dedicating significant efforts towards refining his throwing motion. The primary goal? To make his throwing motion as efficient as possible. Allen is focusing on making small adjustments to improve his performance without completely changing his distinctive throwing style. He is specifically targeting areas where he tends to overextend with his arm and stride. These adjustments are designed to streamline his mechanics, thereby making them more effective.
Data-Driven Approach
Allen's pursuit of perfection isn't a solitary effort. He is collaborating with Chris Hess from Biometrik to use advanced mapping techniques that track his movement patterns. Recently, Allen and his teammate Mitch Trubisky threw passes to Chase Claypool and other Bills staff members while cameras meticulously tracked their movements. This data-driven approach provides tangible feedback, allowing Allen to shift his focus from worrying about mechanics to concentrating on execution.
Allen is handling the task of recovering from past injuries, including a right shoulder injury from the previous season. This injury slightly altered his throwing motion. His focus now is on regaining the form he exhibited before the injury. Despite the complexities involved, Allen remains committed to trusting the data that highlights areas for improvement. He likens this journey to changing a golf swing, noting that it requires time and perseverance.
Adapting to Change
In addition to his throwing mechanics, Allen is also adapting to new faces in the offense. With Khalil Shakir being the only previously targeted receiver still in the lineup, the importance of maintaining communication during the summer break and training camp cannot be overstated. Allen is dedicated to ensuring there is an open line of communication regarding routes and concepts to ensure a seamless transition.
"Making sure that we're gonna meet during the summer break that we have here, and then in training camp, just make sure that we're talking and have an open line of communication with routes and concepts," Allen emphasized.
Commitment to Improvement
The rigors of perfecting a highly skilled athletic motion are not lost on Allen. Despite having a productive and largely successful career thus far, he acknowledges that there’s always room for improvement. His throwing form has evolved significantly over the years, and he remains steadfast in his quest for continual improvement. The fine-tuning efforts currently underway are aimed at making his skills as efficient and effective as possible.
Allen has demonstrated that he is taking a methodical approach to reach peak performance, guided by data and modern technology. By adapting to new teammates and maintaining open lines of communication, he is setting the stage for an even more polished and precise version of himself on the field.
Allen's dedication is evident in his own words. "I wouldn't call it a complete overhaul of my throwing motion, but definitely some things to work on and clean up," he noted. He also added, "You show me the perfect throw, I'll tell you something wrong with it probably," and, "The [injuries change] how you throw it just a little bit because your body is shielding itself from pain."
His realistic outlook is coupled with an optimistic perspective. "It's just like changing your swing in golf; as long as you're trusting it and you keep working on it, each and every day, results will come," said Allen. He even humorously commented on his past form, stating, "Who's that throwing the ball? And it's me. It's kind of gross to look at it sometimes, but I don't think it's as gross anymore."
Buffalo Bills fans can look forward to seeing these refinements play out on the field. While the road to athletic perfection is never easy, Allen’s methodical, data-driven approach and his commitment to improvement suggest he’s well on his way to reaching new heights. The upcoming season promises a more polished and precise version of Josh Allen, one that will continue to captivate and inspire.