Articles About Pitching by Dick Mills
These articles are based on the latest sports science research rather than common coaching beliefs about how pitchers can improve performance. Some articles contain video which allow us to emphasize proper pitching mechanics and common faults that may reduce velocity and control and could lead to injury. Or how to throw certain pitches. We also demonstrate proper form and techniques for developing functional strength and flexibility specific for pitching.
Video Analysis Of 15 Year Old High School Pitcher Throwing 85 mph
by Dick Mills on February 16, 2010
Here is a video of a 15 year old high school sophomore whose pitching velocity is already 85 mph. We did a a Video Analysis of his pitching mechanics about three weeks ago. So his father decided he wanted to help him maximize his potential and insure that he would not get injured. This 15 year old turned out to make our "top… watch the video.
Long Toss For Improving Pitching Performance - Many Questions Remain Unanswered
by Dick Mills on February 08, 2010
There are many questions about the value of long toss to improving pitching performance, pitching velocity, arm strength, pitching mechanics or for reducing the risk of injury. So many questions still remain to be answered but the main is - is long toss a good training workout to help pitchers improve. I find the long toss discussion somewhat frustrating as… watch the video.
Pitching Velocity Training Aide The Pitchers Power Drive Actually Reduces Velocity Potential
by Dick Mills on February 1, 2010
Here is a product review of the Pitchers Power Drive...a training aide designed to help pitchers produce better weight shift and better back leg drive for more lower body power and thus more velocity. But does it really work? read more.
Video Analysis Of Pitching Mechanics Helps Pitcher Go From 82 mph to 90 mph plus
by Dick Mills on January 26, 2010
A video analysis of a pitcher's mechanics is the key to finding which mechanical faults are reducing velocity and adding stress a pitcher's arm. This video show a college pitcher who we did a video analysis for in 2008 and in 2009 he was finally hitting 90 mph and ended up conference pitcher of the year. However, you can see… watch the video.
Pitching Mechanics Arm Action - Why Throwing Later Increases Velocity
by Dick Mills on January 21, 2010
Who else wants to boost velocity by learning how to get the throwing arm involved later so that the body can produce more energy to whip the arm through at higher speed? read more.
Common Mechanical Fault Reduces Velocity And Adds Stress To The Arm - Poor Weight Shift
by Dick Mills on January 18, 2010
The are many faults within a pitcher's mechanics that reduce velocity and add stress to the arm. Poor lower body mechanics is how most force production is reduced by most Little League, high school and college pitchers. When the lower body is not used efficiently then the pitcher's arm must do more of the work in delivering the ball. This… watch the video.
Tim Lincecum’s Mechanical Flaws That Most Pitchers Should Not Copy
by Dick Mills on January 15, 2010
What if Giants' RH pitcher Tim Lincecum, like many other major league pitches, could actually be more consistent with their pitching velocity and control while reducing the risk of injury by improving their pitching mechanics? By being more efficient with their movements. Just because pitchers like Tim Lincecum pitch at a high level does not mean they could not improve by taking certain… watch the video.
Tim Lincecum’s Father Has Some Good Advice About Pitching Mechanics
by Dick Mills on January 12, 2010
Tim Lincecum's father Chris is responsible for teaching Tim his mechanics that allow him to use his entire body to produce over-powering pitching velocity...not just his arm. As Chris and Tim say all the time - the arm is just a whip. They are right. But today few coaches understand pitching mechanics and how pitching velocity is produced. If they did… watch the video.
How Improved Mechanics And Video Analysis Helps College Pitcher Boost Velocity
by Dick Mills on January 8, 2010
Who else wants to learn how a frustrated college lefty improved his pitching velocity and went from low 80's to finally hitting 87 mph by constant videotaping of his mechanics? read more.
How Bench Pressing Can Ruin A Pitcher’s Shoulder
by Dick Mills on January 04, 2010
Conditioning the baseball pitcher for power and explosiveness does not require much time at all in the weight room. In fact, after some general strength is built over 4-5 weeks, there is no need to go back to the weight room. General strength is only required to condition the body to do explosive exercises such as lower body plyometrics, upper… watch the video.
Merry Christmas
by Dick Mills on December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Be safe, Dick, Ginny and Ryan Mills (and Mac and Sam) watch the video.
Why Incorrect Pitching Mechanics Practice Routines Reduce Velocity
by Dick Mills on December 18, 2009
If pitchers want to improve overall pitching performance including pitching mechanics, pitching velocity as well as control then they must practice correctly. Practicing improper pitching mechanics reduces velocity and will increase the risk of injury. This is why using video analysis is so important for improving pitching mechanics as well as pitching velocity. It allows the pitcher to look at the video… watch the video.
How A High School Pitcher Improves His Pitching Velocity From 82-86 MPH
by Dick Mills on December 17, 2009
Who else wants to go from low 80's to upper 80's by making some simple mechanical changes? read more.
Two Pitching Mechanics Faults That Reduce Pitching Velocity
by Dick Mills on December 16, 2009
Here are two pitching faults you will see regularly from Little League, high school and college pitchers that reduce pitching velocity. Without regular videotaping there is no way to recognize these faults. read more.
How Red Sox Pitcher Josh Beckett Could Improve His Pitching Velocity 3-5 MPH
by Dick Mills on December 15, 2009
This video comparing Red Sox Daniel Bard's velocity to Josh Becketts' reveals why videotaping as well as understanding mechanics is so important. When you fully understand that it is the body that produces velocity and not arm strength then more pitchers would be able to maximize their pitching velocity. Remember..."pitchers are made in the off-season." What are you doing right now… watch the video.