Coined By Inventor And Professional Armwrestler Devon Larratt, This Technique Could Be As Effective As It Is Ridiculous…
I will preface by saying that this is the “Pumpkin Method Theory,” or “Pumpkin Method Hypothesis.” It is only being consistently employed by armwrestling legend Devon Larratt. He is an anomaly when it comes to armwrestling, and being the best at armwrestling, he can do whatever kind of training method he chooses. From a sports management and training perspective, let’s look at this training method from two angles:
1. The Pros Of The Pumpkin Training Theory
2. The Cons Of The Pumpkin Training Theory
The Pros Of The Pumpkin Training Hypothesis For Armwrestling
From watching and listening to Devon Larratt, it appears he has elected to train just one arm due to the intense training methods and surgeries he has put both arms through. Like growing a pumpkin for a festival or world record weigh-in, Devon solely trains his dominant, right arm for armwrestling matches. He only devotes his speed, strength, and endurance to his right arm.
Now armwrestling athletes, similarly to baseball and tennis athletes, athletes have a dominant arm when they are competing. Some dominant arms can be as insane as the modern armwrestling Hellboy. While they train both sides, most athletes in an arm-dominant sport will have one arm that is ever-so-slightly bigger and stronger.
However, the pumpkin training method takes this to a whole new level, treating blood and food like nutrients for a plant and siphoning all focus to the arm wrestler’s dominant arm.
A pro could be that you can focus on developing incredible technique and strength in that one big arm for armwrestling. For Devon, he can dial in his cupping strength for his hooking movement.
Another positive with this armwrestling training method is that if your dominant arm gets injured, you can quickly bring the other, non-pumpkin arm up to speed in a few months while the other heals. This might be a hidden reason for Devon Larratt committing to this method as his love for armwrestling is immense. He loathes being out of competition.
Let’s Take One Last Look At The Pros:
- An easy method to commit to integrating into practice, if you are an experienced armwrestler.
- Allows you to focus on developing a proper armwrestling technique for one arm.
- If your pumpkin arm gets injured, you can work on refining the other one, post the dominant’s surgery/physical therapy.
The Cons Of The Pumpkin Training Method For Armwrestling
Devon, if you are reading this by some miracle, apologies in advance: Folks, do not try this method at home.
As an experienced weightlifter, I believe that balance is one of the fundamental theories of physical movement. Imbalance within the strength of your body is a recipe for injury…continuous injury. I believe Devon is using this method purely for himself and he has decades of armwrestling training behind him to do whatever he wants.
Why would this pumpkin training method cause injury? First and foremost, we have overtraining. Imagine solely training your biceps every day for weeks. I would give you an award if you did not develop bicep or shoulder-related tendonitis!
Especially for beginner and intermediate armwrestlers, back pressure is critical for winning matches. The pumpkin training method doesn’t give you the proper form for training your back. Without adequate back strength, pulling your opponent’s arm across the table is much more difficult. I do not suggest this training method unless you can do pull-ups and chin-ups with one arm.
Lastly, unlike Devon, beginners and intermediates in armwrestling like yourself have not put ample time into developing techniques for both arms. And heck, developing your armwrestling technique, whether high hook or toproll, is one of the most significant aspects of the sport!
Let’s Take One Last Look At The Cons:
1. From repetitive use, imbalance, and overtraining, injury is highly likely from the pumpkin training method.
2. Unable to develop solid back pressure strength for the movement.
3. It doesn’t allow you to develop techniques and strength in both arms.
Only Do This Method If You Are An Expert Armwrestler
If your first name isn’t “Devon” and your last name isn’t “Larratt,” I don’t think you should try the “Pumpkin Training Method (TM).” This training method is likely to cause injury, and it is extremely ill-advised.
Honestly, just like Devon is a once-in-a-lifetime armwrestler, this training routine is designed for only the best Grip Gladiators of the armwrestling table. Devon Larratt designed this training regimen around his form, movements, and experience. If you believe yourself to be the next greatest armwrestler of all time, be my guest and give this pumpkin arm training with one big arm a shot!
Also, if you elect to do the pumpkin training method, please email me, at [email protected]. I need to know if you are making this work for science purposes!