Difference between revisions of "Increase Pitching Velocity"

[[Category: Pitching Skills]]  

#Use proper finger positioning.  During a pitch you will need to fully utilize your motion to produce as much power behind the ball as possible.  Part of keeping the full force behind the ball involves properly positioning your fingers during the pitch.  Keep some of these tips in mind when pitching:<ref name="rf1">http://probaseballinsider.com/baseball-instruction/how-to-throw-a-baseball-part-1-the-4-seam-grip/</ref><ref name="rf2">http://www.youthpitching.com/velocity.html</ref>

#Build consistency.  Even though you may train often enough and have adequate strength, pitching the ball without any consistency will prevent you from developing more pitching velocity.  Consistent training is a key element of your practice that will help you develop faster pitching velocity.<ref name="rf3">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16131704</ref>

#Practice with long toss.  Long toss will train your pitching skills by gradually increasing the amount of distance you are throwing the ball.  It's a good technique to drill your throwing mechanics at different levels of intensity, improve power and velocity, and grant you familiarity with the motion of pitching in many circumstances.  Follow this basic long toss training routine to start improving the power and technique of your pitches:<ref name="rf4">http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/longtoss.htm</ref>

#Use your entire body.  It may be tempting to think of pitching as solely and upper body motion or technique.  However, proper pitching that yields high velocity throws will require your entire body to work together in one fluid motion.  This concept is know as the kinetic chain and it's something you should keep in mind when practicing technique.<ref name="rf5">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445080/</ref>

#Rotate your torso and hips when throwing.  When you are pitching you will be using your entire body.  This movement will require you to fully commit to the motion and use your maximum effort to throw the ball as fast as you can.  Make sure you are using the full motion and torso rotation to maximize the velocity of your pitches.<ref name="rf6">http://www.hardballtimes.com/fastball-mechanics-the-pitching-mechanics-of-the-hardest-and-softest-throwe/</ref>

#Keep the force behind the ball.  The main source of velocity in a pitch will come from keeping your arm and hand directly behind the ball.  Only at the very end of the pitching motion should you use your wrist to snap the ball.  Always remember to keep your arm and hand directly behind the ball to build more velocity behind your pitches.<ref name="rf7">http://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a3207/1283161/</ref>

#Improve your strength and flexibility.  Beyond practicing your pitching technique you can also add certain exercises to your training plan, yielding even greater results.  Building a stronger body and increasing the levels of flexibility will help improve your pitching velocity.  Think about adding some of the following basic exercises to your workout routine:<ref name="rf8">http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_velocity.htm#10</ref>

#Use lunges to build stronger legs.  Although training your upper body and core is important, strengthening your legs is just as important when increasing your pitching velocity.  By strength training your legs you can help build a solid pitching stance and generate more power behind your pitches.  Try some of these motions to do a proper lunge and strengthen your legs:<ref name="rf9">http://www.youthpitching.com/exercises.html</ref>

#Build upper body power with push-ups.  Push-ups are a simple maneuver that uses your own body weight to strengthen muscles and build power.  The push-up will mainly target your upper body but will also work your core and legs.  Use the following push-up technique to stay safe and build pitching power:<ref name="rf9" />

#Target your core with planks.  Planks are a static exercise that will target and fully engage your core.  The exercise itself is simple but will still require you to use proper form to stay safe and get the most from it.  Keep the following tips in mind when you are building core strength with the plank exercise:<ref name="rf9" />

#Maintain flexibility.  Strength training and consistent practice sessions can be beneficial.  However, these training methods can also reduce flexibility.  Reduced flexibility will result in lower pitching velocity.  Always maintain range of motion and flexibility by regularly stretching your muscles before and after practices or training.<ref name="rf8" />