Comments on: Velocity Development: Long Toss

By: Dan Blewett

Dan Blewett — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:28:16 +0000

Yeah please do. Also, look up Alan Jaeger and the Jaeger Sports Long Toss methods. That’s what I use, and I would send you to him rather than rehash many of their articles that go into depth on how to long toss most effectively. I was with Alan last week and I learned some new things about the process. All of it would still apply to her as a softballer.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:30:24 +0000

We live in Alabama unfortunately. Thanks for the info…hope to keep you posted on her progress

By: Dan Blewett

Dan Blewett — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:15:40 +0000

Yes, I would. I’ve used some different techniques with the lone softball player I had in my Warbird program this winter. She gained 2mph in about two weeks – responded very well to the program. If you’re not local, however, long toss is a great way to go about strengthening the arm, as well as the other techniques mentioned in that article.

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:33:24 +0000

Hey Dan, I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts about long toss as it relates to female fastpitch softball players. I have a daughter who is a freshman high school catcher and working on arm strength/quick release to improve her pop time (which is currently 1.8). Would you recommend using the same drills mentioned above for a 12″ softball? Thanks

By: John

John — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:13:22 +0000

Hey folks. One thing I have found that leads to injury or soreness with longtoss is guys trying to throw too far too soon. It is a long term type of program. When my son attended a camp with Alan Jaeger he was very specific with that point. Its not a throwing contest. That said, if done properly I think it can provide a great benefit both for arm strength and arm health. Dan made a couple of key points that are usually lost when people talk about longtoss and fall right in line with what Jaeger teaches. First, a complete and proper warm up (stretches–he uses yoga type stretching, some running or plyos, a set or two of band exercises for the shoulder/arm, then measured throwing) before moving back, also, when coming back in the focus is on throwing just as hard as your max throw. So, like Dan said, reduce that arc into hard, flatline throwing with a good follow through. The pull down phases when your coming back in is where arm strength and quickness is developed. Setting modest goals (say, increasing 10 yards in a couple of months) while focusing on good mechanics, accurate throws and good follow through wields the best results in my experience. Good article Dan.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:13:59 +0000

OK thanks

By: Dan Blewett

Dan Blewett — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:51:50 +0000

Yes – it’s the same thing. I use the terms loosely. I have only 1-2 spots left – email me if youre interested. Thanks!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:39:36 +0000

I’ve heard about your velocity development program and I’m interested in that, is that the winter throwing program or something different?

By: Dan Blewett

Dan Blewett — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 02:08:28 +0000

Throw. As much as possible. I have a winter-long throwing program that starts this Tuesday. If you’re interested, the deadline is 3 days from now to sign up. Thanks -Dan

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:49:50 +0000

Our school has been doing a longtoss program everyday after school for the past 6 or 7 weeks and i have noticed improvment in arm strength. My dad wants me to stop throwing over the winter however i want to keep throwing indoors and occasionaly outside. I have been to extra innings quite a few times but only once for a pitching lesson. Any thoughts on whether to throw or not over winter?