My son's got great control but only throws 60 mph. What are the best exercises? Medicine ball? J-bands?
2006-08-09 17:45:44 · 12 answers · asked by Big Brother 3 in Sports ➔ Baseball
First, actually pitch off a mound. Make sure you have correct mechanics because every mistake you fix can add 2-3 mph to your fastball. You need to throw a lot of pitches off a mound correctly.
Some people may say weighted baseball... those are the worst things you can possibly use. You will only screw up your mechanics and hurt your arm.
Some people may also say longtoss... they dont know what theyre talking about. Longtoss does not improve velocity at all. Longtoss can improve arm strength a little but pitching is not about armstrength, it is about the final speed of your arm. Studies have shown that there is about a 1:1 ratio of hip speed and ball speed.
As for exercising, runnings, core exercises, and leg exercises. Also make sure his shoulder is strong. Try filling a tennisball can with sand and lifting it straight out, then straight to the side and repeat.
Also teach him a changeup. Effective offspeed pitches make a fastball look that much faster.
2006-08-09 18:00:03 · answer #1 · answered by weight m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only throw fastballs....an arm will get stronger that way. I didn't throw a curve or change until I was almost 18. Legs, hips, back, and stomach muscles are key. Throwing mechanically proper off of a mound can add 8-10 mph. When I was in college, I'd play long toss and work out on a pilates ball on off days to strengthen my core. At age 14, improving arm speed and strength while not damaging shoulder and elbows is key to building a man's arm. At his age, strikes should be the focus.
2006-08-09 18:46:47 · answer #2 · answered by flowgerg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to produce more speed on the fastball is to develope strong legs and back muscles...Proper mechanics is a must as well. The best exercises for the major muscle groups in the back are very simple. Start by sitting with the legs spread take a 5 lb weight and touch the ground with arms extended outside the right knee and over the opposite shoulder alternate from the left to right for a rep of 15 per side. Repeat to the kneeling posiston then standing. Start over in the sitting and extend the arms straight out in front of the body rotate at the waist as streching... repeat as above...Also I must suggest that he works his rotator with a band both arms need to be worked...And Run, Run, Run...As my college coach instructed us
2006-08-09 17:54:29 · answer #3 · answered by txwthunter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
throwing speed is mostly natural...you really can't increase it that much by exercises...except the right mechanics might add 2-3 mph...long toss and hope he is slow to mature..average speed for a 14 year old is probably low 70's for someone that is good..however when i was 14 i threw 80-81
2006-08-10 02:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by B-Dub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from what I have seen it helps by doing long toss and lots of pitching. Don't throw any 'junk' just fastballs. I had 2 kids pick-up fifteen mph in a year. Don't let him overthrow though,meaning trying to hard, if he is overthrowing it is usually a sign of being tired.
2006-08-09 17:57:32 · answer #5 · answered by dblt36 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chop down trees with a dull axe. No kidding! Both from the left and the right. You won't believe what it will do for your batting!
2006-08-09 17:53:20 · answer #6 · answered by imgma2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running a few days a week and throwing every single day. Most of your power is coming from your legs not your arms.
2006-08-09 17:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by monte_x2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practice, Practice, Practice.
2006-08-10 00:37:17 · answer #8 · answered by Carlos T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
practice. also get a rubber strip and attach it to a fence and take it and move your arm it strengthens your shoulder i do it for volleyball and baseball
2006-08-09 21:01:04 · answer #9 · answered by littlehessner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call Barry Bonds. See if his trainer is available.
2006-08-09 21:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by Michael W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋