The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that performance in throwing events is associated with muscular characteristics of both upper and lower limbs. Thirty-eight male throwers volunteered to participate. Bench press and half squat tests were conducted on a guided barbell. The barbell displacement signal was recorded using a kinematic system. Maximal power, corresponding optimal velocity and force (PmaxS, VoptS, FoptS and PmaxBP, VoptBP, FoptBP for half squat and bench press, respectively) were extrapolated from the power-velocity relationship. Lower limb stiffness (K) was determined during maximal hopping. The results demonstrated that PmaxS and PmaxBP were correlated with each thrower's season's best performance (SBP, r=0.54, p<0.01 and r=0.71, p<0.001, respectively). PmaxS expressed relative to body mass was not correlated with SBP. K was significantly correlated with SBP (r=0.66, p<0.001). The relationship between PmaxBP expressed relative to body mass and SBP remained significant (r=0.54, p<0.001). The results of the study suggest that high strength and stiffness values for lower limbs and strength and velocity characteristics for upper limbs may be associated with athletic throwing performance.
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