Use Momentum-Based Pitching to Improve Speed and Control
Created in the U.S. over 150 years ago, baseball has become a significant part of numerous players’ and fans’ lives. Simply put, baseball is a sport of two primary skills: Hitting and pitching. Both skills are very important. Although, as important as hitting is, learning how to pitch effectively and efficiently via proper pitching workouts is more important. As proven time and time again in the annals of championship baseball lore, the best pitchers almost always wins more championships than good hitting. And so, the purpose of this article will be to outline a few of the most-effective methods being used to help develop the fabric-weaving pitchers of today and tomorrow.
One of the more-common misconceptions regarding modern pitching workouts is that in order to gain more speed –along with better control– aspiring pitchers need to use weights and other strengthening methods to build arm strength. The fact is that pitching is not a talent of strength but instead comes from powerful movement. So by developing specific, arm-muscle strength, in reality, the body is learning to slow down. It’s true the arm is crucial, but it is the ENTIRE pitcher’s body that produces good and effective pitching. Pitching is a complete-body motion and thus overall body flexibility and movement should be the core of any pitcher’s training regimen. This is why methods for solid pitching workouts need to 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 get in the way of momentum; which is what creates increased velocity and movement, two of a pitcher’s best companions.
Better baseball pitching mechanics from Pitching.com
Since the body’s core muscles –muscles of the lower back and abdomen– are the basis for the body stability, strengthening and conditioning them are crucial. Solid movement, and thereby good flexibility, begins 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 permitting the body to utilize its complete range of motion and flexibility.
Another incredible development in pitching exercises has been the emphasis placed on momentum rather than on fixed-mechanics pitching. Basic physics indicates that increased momentum (created by better flexibility and motion) results in greater velocity. This is the reason such an emphasis is now being placed on pitching methods incorporating a quicker, less static-based, and longer method of ball delivery. This type of method has been the “secret” of a large number 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 brought on by too many poorly developed training programs and implementations. By using more-balanced, complete-body-based, core-stabilized, and momentum-producing pitching workouts, pitchers young and old can bring added velocity, better control, and less overall injury to their game.
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