Heavy ball training and speed

[Nun40]

Pitching speed Talking Points
• The speed at which a pitcher throws her movement pitches is important- Faster pitches are more difficult to time!
• Speed is relative- How much speed a pitcher needs depends on whom she is pitching against. Let’s face it a 52mph fastball against UCLA is not too over whelming.
• Pitching speed for the most part is natural, and can only be enhanced safely in two ways:
1) By acquiring excellent pitching mechanics- Pitching mechanics that is manifested in a smooth but powerful sequential pitching motion.
2) By acquiring excellent physical conditioning, the kind of conditioning that is advantages to the pitching process.
• Not everyone will or can have great pitching speed, so learning to pitch properly is of great importance.
• Heavy ball training if done by a licensed professional, (Trainer, Physical Therapist) may help the pitcher gain some measure of pitching strength, but has never been proven to help over-all pitching speed. In many cases this type training can be quite dangerous if taught by unqualified pitching coaches.
• Snapping a ball out of the hand, or making fast circles with the arm are only part of the whole sequential pitching motion, and if taught or emphasized to much often slows the whole pitching process down. How hard the ball is snapped, or how fast the arm moves around the body to a large part is mostly natural and can only be enhanced through conditioning.
• How fast a pitcher throws is important, but not most important! Becoming a good pitcher is different than throwing fast, it’s throwing smart! Over emphasizing pitching speed is detrimental on a number of levels and will lead to arm problems and frustration!