Thursday, January 19, 2012

3 Ways to Increase Baseball Pitching Speed


Watching major league baseball, you might have noticed most pitchers can throw a fastball at speeds that register more than 90 mph on the radar gun. If you watched a third baseman field a ground ball, you might have noticed he can throw the ball across the infield and get a speedy runner out at first base. A baseball must spin through the air to attain velocity. You can increase velocity by developing arm strength and using the correct grip and release.
Arm Strength
Step 1
Increase your velocity by throwing a weighted training ball to develop arm strength.
Step 2
Refer to a training chart and determine the weight of training ball for a particular age group. Regulation baseballs weight 5-1/2 oz. Typically, people ages 15 to 17 should use a 10-ounce training ball. Ages 18 and older should use a 12-ounce ball.
Step 3
Establish a target that's 10 paces away, such as a backstop or a block wall.
Step 4
Throw the weighted ball as hard as you can the first time. Throw it easily the second time. Continue throwing as you alternate hard and easy throws until you have thrown 40 times. Repeat the weighted-ball training on alternate days to allow your arm muscles to rest and develop strength.
Grip and Release
Step 1
Establish a target that's 20 paces away. The target might be a backstop or another player wearing a baseball glove. Your goal is to throw the baseball with velocity and hit the target at waist level.
Step 2
Grip the baseball with two fingers across one of the stitched seams and your thumb against the opposite side of the ball.
Step 3
Stand sideways to the target with your throwing arm away from the target and your weight on that leg. Bring your throwing arm back, bend your elbow, and hold the ball at head-height. Extend your other arm toward the target.
Step 4
Take a step toward the target with your front foot. Swing your front arm straight down in a fast swimming motion and throw the baseball hard, ensuring that you point the two fingers at the target as you release the ball.
Step 5
Notice whether the ball landed short of the target or sailed high. If the ball landed short, you released it late because your grip was too tight. If it sailed high, your grip was too loose, causing the ball to leave your hand early. Continue to practice throwing as hard as you can until you hit the target consistently. Rest when your arm gets tired.
Distance Throwing
Step 1
Increase your arm and shoulder strength by throwing the baseball long distances. Establish a target that's 60 paces away or stand 10 feet behind second base and use home plate as a target. You can ask a player with a glove to be your target.
Step 2
Grip the baseball as before, with two fingers across a seam and your thumb against the opposite side of the ball.
Step 3
Take several short quick steps toward the target as you bring the baseball back and extend your other arm toward the target.
Step 4
Gauge your steps, plant your front foot directly in line with the target and throw the ball as hard as you can. If necessary, adjust your grip so the ball hits the target. Throw the ball long distances 20 to 30 times on alternate days.

 
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