Weighted softballs

[Coach Glad]

All good info, but still confusing. Check out Rita Lynn Gilmans's web site she likes the weighted ball and has top college players starting at a young age. We use weights to get stronger at everything if done right why won't it help?

[Sam]

All good info, but still confusing. Check out Rita Lynn Gilmans's web site she likes the weighted ball and has top college players starting at a young age. We use weights to get stronger at everything if done right why won't it help?

She likely has more kids that she had at a young age that aren't pitching any more because their arms are trashed.

[Dugout Dad]

Ugg, the worst thing you can do to a pitcher. The minor strengthening benefits at the expense of the shoulder labrum is not worth it at all. You won't notice the the damage initially, maybe for years, it will usually manifest around the college years, not to mention later in life.

[hit4power]

JMHO,
My DD used weighted balls for a period of time in middle school and maybe into 9th grade. While she never had a shoulder issue, I also don't think she got much out of it. Given the risks, I don't recommend them. As others have said, long toss and long pitching seem to be much more effective. Once mine hit HS, she was in a supervised strength training program that was very effective because it focused on legs and core and that is where the power comes from for pitchers, as least as much or maybe more than the arm/shoulder. If you want to work with a weighted ball I might suggest learning some medicine ball exercises that will develop legs, core, and upper body.

[jonriv]

"Weighted Balls"? Is that one of the symptoms of "Beer Nuts?"

[Tyler Durden]

"Weighted Balls"? Is that one of the symptoms of "Beer Nuts?"

Oh no you didn't.

[jonriv]

Been holding back for a week

[Tyler Durden]

I know you have. I admired your restraint.