🔥Throwing Velocity🔥
One of the most common questions we receive is, "How can my son increase his velocity on the pitcher's mound?" Every athlete is unique in countless ways, so in our perspective, there is no perfect solution.
However, there are a few crucial factors we consider to enhance velocity, so here we go.
Mobility. We search for vital indicators in an athlete's body composition that serve as "red flags." Allow me to elaborate further. If an athlete lacks flexibility, it raises a significant concern. The throwing motion is an extremely forceful and unconventional movement that places immense stress on the body. If an athlete has limited internal/external rotation in the hips, shoulders, or restricted mobility in the spine and thoracic region, it will directly impact their velocity and increase the risk of injury.
Mass. The age-old saying "mass = power" isn't entirely accurate. Yes, mass is beneficial, as long as the body can effectively utilize it to generate the necessary acceleration for force production. Force (f) = Mass (m) x Acceleration (a). Athletes with a higher BMI or body mass index have been proven to generate more force than those with a lower BMI. This indicates that weight indeed plays a significant role in velocity production, but ultimately, we must learn to move well. In other words, lifting heavy weights with poor movement won't construct a sturdy, robust structure; it will construct a fragile house ready to crumble when confronted with strong opposing forces. If you are underweight, your body won't physically be capable of generating the necessary force for a high-velocity throw. Lift heavy, and move fast. Here are a few tips to increase weight. Double your caloric intake, consume nutrient-rich foods, incorporate a protein supplement 1-2 times per day, and develop a fondness for the weight room. Gain weight while maintaining a high level of speed.
Technique. Mechanics are a vital part of throwing velocity but I won't bore you with an extensive two-page rant on this topic because the list of elements is endless. Don’t think that we are undervaluing this topic but we will save this for a later post.
Strength. Let me reiterate, STRENGTH. The equation for power in relation to baseball and strength training is P = Force x Velocity. This implies that power, at its fundamental level, is influenced by two variables: how much force (or strength) you can exert on an object and how quickly you can apply that force in a specific direction. Simply put, strength alone cannot guarantee power. However, with appropriate power-focused training that addresses both ends of the spectrum and everything in between, we can convert strength and speed into power.
Commitment. I probably should have listed this as the first item. Without proper dedication and work ethic, everything mentioned above will fall flat. If you GENUINELY desire to increase your throwing velocity, it is attainable. We don't mean casually playing catch with your friends a couple of times a week. We mean following a strict routine, adhering to a structured throwing regimen, engaging in guided workouts, planning your meals, and putting in relentless hard work. It will require an immense amount of time and energy, but it can be accomplished.
In summary, if you are looking to increase throwing velocity, we encourage you to become flexible, athletic, gain clean weight, get strong, and develop good habits. There’s a reason why guys get paid millions of dollars to throw a baseball 95mph. It’s extremely hard to do and only a small fraction of the world actually can. Strive to be the best version of yourself, develop a routine that works best for YOU, and have a little fun on the journey!