Posts Tagged ‘pitching velocity’

Weighted ball training is a hot topic of debate in the baseball world.  The manufacturers, many pitching coaches, performance coaches, and players all swear by them, claiming it’s a proven way to increase velocity.  Detractors pose that there is an increase injury risk associated with throwing weighted balls.  So, what are we to think?  In this article I’m going to sum up the theory and pros & cons of throwing weighted balls as well as offer my own opinion. Read the rest of this entry »

Some pitching instructors like Dick Mills claim that long toss is a waste of time, as it doesn’t replicate the mechanics used when throwing from a mound.  This anecdotal argument is actually the reason long toss is effective – because it gives the arm a different stimulus: while throwing at max distance it stretches, reaches and works at peak efficiency all at the same time, which when compressed into a 60 foot throw requires the arm to move faster than it ordinarily could.

The Long Toss Benefits

1. Stretches the arm out while under tension

2. Utilizes a slightly different motion compared to mound throwing, allowing for a new muscle stimulus

3. Teaches one to reach out and really extend toward the target

4.  Allows the body to find peak arm slot efficiency in throwing the ball as far as possible (i.e if you pitch over the top, but throw farthest at 3/4, maybe it’s time to pitch at 3/4)

5. Develops synchrony in the body’s movements, which helps cure mechanical timing issues

6. Teaches to pull the arm down hard when coming back in, developing more arm speed and even more forward reach Read the rest of this entry »