Invented in the U.S. over 150 years ago, baseball has been woven into the fabric of countless players’ and fans’ lives. Simply put, baseball is a sport of two basic skills: Hitting and pitching. Both of which are very important. Although, as significant as hitting is, learning how to pitch effectively and efficiently via proper pitching practice is more important. As proven numerous times in the annals of championship baseball lore, better pitching almost always outclasses good hitting. And so, the goal of this article will be to outline some of the best strategies being used to help develop the fabric-weaving pitchers of today and tomorrow.

One of the more-common misconceptions concerning contemporary pitching workouts is that in order to gain more speed –along with better control– young pitchers need to use weights and other strengthening methods to build arm strength. The reality is that pitching is not a skill of strength but instead comes from powerful movement. So by developing specific, arm-muscle strength, in reality, the body is training to slow down. It’s true the arm is important, but it is the WHOLE pitcher’s body that produces good and effective pitching. Pitching is a complete-body motion and therefore overall body flexibility and movement should be the center of any pitcher’s training regimen. This is the reason that methods for solid pitching workouts must focus on a balanced fitness strengthening program –requiring all the body’s muscles to react with greater flexibility and motion. solid pitching mechanics are important, however should not inhibit momentum; which is what creates higher velocity and movement, two of a pitcher’s best traits.

proper pitching mechanics

Since the body’s central muscles –the abdominals and the lower back muscles– are the basis for the body stability, strengthening and conditioning them are an absolute requirement. Solid movement, and the resulting good flexibility, starts with a solid core. And therefore all effective pitching exercises should include a core-muscle, strengthening regimen. When these muscles are in good condition, proper posture and balance return thus allowing the body to develop its full range of motion and flexibility.

Another excellent development in pitching exercises has been the emphasis placed on momentum instead of fixed-mechanics pitching. Basic physics indicates that higher momentum (created by better flexibility and motion) generates greater speed. This is the reason such importance is now being placed on pitching methods utilizing a faster, less static-based, and longer method of throwing the ball. This type of method has been the “secret” of many of the greatest pitchers of the past and must therefore still be taught.

The training rooms and doctor’s offices are often-filled with pitching-related injuries created by too many poorly developed training regimens and implementations. By using more-balanced, complete-body-based, core-stabilized, and momentum-producing pitching workouts, pitchers of any age can bring added velocity, better control, and less overall injury to their sport.

Pitching mechanics resources