One of the highest mechanical correlations to pitch speed is shoulder horizontal abduction (scap retraction) at front foot plant. High level throwers are able to get their arm behind their body and apply force to the arm for a long time.
Here are a few ways to train it ⬇️
Your mechanics on the mound are a byproduct of your movement capabilities. Push the envelope with your physical capabilities or you will not reach freaky positions on the mound.
Stop viewing the changeup as a finesse pitch.
Changeups and splitters are the least in zone pitches, so they should be used accordingly.
Use it late in the count when hitters are looking for heaters and watch how many whiffs you get
Most pitchers waste time in the “medium” zone.
Medium intensity throwing, medium weightlifting, half assed mental approach.
Wanna throw gas? You’re better off going 1 day per week at max intensity than 3 medium days each week. Make your body adapt!
Blessed to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Dyersburg State Community College! I’d like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. I’d also like to thank my family,friends,coaches, and teammates for all of the support along the way!
If you backspin your FB well and can’t consistently throw a quality changeup, it’s likely the splitter could be a weapon for you.
Splitters can often be picked up very quickly for certain pitchers because once you find the grip that works for you the queues can be very simple.
Fastballs in MLB in 2023:
Run Value: -0.368
wOBA: .372
Hard Hit %: 46.25%
FBs ranked last of all pitch types in effectiveness, yet has the highest average usage rate of all at 39% 🤔
So why do pitcher throw so many FBs when the data shows it is the easiest pitch to hit? 🧵⬇️
Want a hack to be a more explosive athlete? Sleep better 💤
5 easy ways to improve sleep quality
1. Quiet room
2. Cold room
3. Dark room (sleep mask or blackout curtains)
4. No screens 30min before bed
5. Sunlight right when you wake up
Not all 8 hrs are created equal!
When the hips are too closed off at foot strike, it is almost impossible to properly block. The pelvis will continue to rotate at the same time the lead leg accepts all the force generated down the mound, which will usually lead to a leak and a block after the ball is delivered.
A pitcher’s lead leg block likely will not improve from actively trying to straighten their leg harder.
A good lead leg block is a byproduct of quality pelvic rotation. The positions the body is in at front foot strike allow the body to redirect force back up thru the front leg
Depending on stride length & front hip/hamstring mobility, some pitchers will land with their foot more out in front of their center of mass. When the hips land opened up from rotation, this creates positions makes the lead leg block happen naturally.
Everyone knows you should warm up before training, but many undervalue the use of a warm up AS training.
Training 6 days a week warming up 15 min per day = 78 hours per year
Use those 78 to teach your body new things, reinforce movements that help you, and get you ready to go