Another Reason Why Long Toss Does Not Improve Velocity
Does long toss improve pitching velocity? The sports science research says no. Long toss cannot improve pitching velocity because arm strength has proven not to be a factor for producing pitching velocity.
This video by Jaeger Sports, a long toss advocate, demonstrates what is referred to as the “pull down” phase which is supposed to be practiced at closer to mound distance after pitchers have thrown a long distance. The question is how could this produce more pitching velocity when pitchers are not allowed to use a crow hop from the mound?
The only radar gun reading that matters is the one from the mound. Using a crow hop allows a pitcher to gain the advantage of building more momentum with his body. But pitchers cannot use a crow hop during the game thus why radar readings using a crow hop provide no indication of what a pitcher’s velocity is going to be from the mound.
A pitcher’s velocity is totally dependent on his skill of moving from the back leg to the front leg into a long stride…since more velocity cannot be produced after the pitcher’s front foot lands. So pitchers must practice the skill of moving from one leg to another as explosively as possible in order to improve velocity. If pitchers cannot use a crow hop from the mound…why should they waste time practicing that action?
Does it make sense for pitchers to practice an activity they cannot use in games?
Is this how pitchers throw from the mound in a game? Of course not. So why would a pitcher practice something that he can never use during a game? Also, based on how these pitchers are throwing what is the likelihood that they can throw and hit spots 7 out of 10 times with all their pitches using this “pull down” phase of long toss? Isn’t the specific location of all pitches something that must be practiced?
The release point in pitching must be practiced from the mound. Practicing a different release point on flat ground using a crow hop while throwing various distances results in practicing a completely different release point than mound pitching. Does this make any sense since the release point in pitching determines the placement of the ball.
“The practice situation must mirror the actual game or match.” (Sage, 1984). Does any phase of long toss mirror the actual game situation? No. Then why practice this since it will not transfer to mound pitching?
Long toss prevents pitchers from improving velocity or overall performance
Long toss may be the single biggest reason why more pitchers never improve their velocity or their performance. The fact is that there is not one shred of evidence that long toss improves pitching velocity for any pitcher with a reasonable level of fitness.
The advocates of long toss would like pitchers to believe that long toss improves velocity by improving arm strength. However, the research says that arm strength is not a factor for improving velocity.
Arm strength is not a factor in pitching velocity
“Strength in the throwing shoulder is equal with strength in the non-throwing shoulder.” Sirota, Malanga, Eischen, & Laskowskie, 1997
What does retired 26 year major league veteran Tommy John say about long toss?
“I am not an advocate of long throwing. Shortstops don’t long toss, so why do pitchers do it.?”
If arm strength was a factor in pitching velocity wouldn’t the throwing shoulder be stronger…since pitchers make many pitches using their throwing shoulders.
The fact is that research has proven that velocity is the result of momentum and speed of movement of the entire pitcher’s body. Even Giants’ Tim Lincecum understands how the body works to produce velocity not the arm. He says his body does the work while his arm is along for the ride.
In order for pitchers to improve their pitching velocity they must learn how to use their lower body to move faster and more explosively away from the rubber into a long stride. Even though long toss requires a crow hop the pitcher’s stride is shorter in long toss than from the mound. A short stride reduces velocity and adds stress to the throwing arm because the arm must do more work.
Long toss does not transfer to mound pitching
What does world renowned movement skills expert Dr. Richard A Schmidt say about practice actions that are similar but not the same?
“The fact that an individual is skilled in one activity (long toss) does not mean he can carry the skill to another activity (pitching). R.A. Schmidt, 1991 (the parenthesis are mine)
The fact is that there are no arm strength muscles to strengthen that improve arm speed. Thus why doing special exercises or weight training will not improve pitching velocity.
In order for pitchers to improve their velocity or control while reducing the risk of arm injury, they must practice only from the mound. Any other practice will not transfer to pitching.
Our Explosive Pitching Instructional DVD program teaches parents as easy way to help their sons use their bodies to pitch instead of just their arms. Not only does this improve velocity but reduces the risk of arm injuries. We also teach them proper conditioning.
See discounts on our instructional DVD’s: http://www.pitching.com/products/
“I had spent several hundred dollars on a pitching coach who was leading my son down the path to ruin. He embraced every failed philosophy and technique you’ve identified – long toss, towel drills and more drills ad nauseum. My son’s skills were deteriorating. When I found your website and read your report, I sense intuitively your words had merit and deserved further study.”
Mark A Smith, Downers, Grove, IL
I’ve done the jaeger long toss and bands for a year, and not only has it helped my arm strength, it has also helped consistency in my pitches and improved my stamina. Can you do running and weigh lifting on the field while you are pitching? I didn’t think so, and those help a pitcher a lot.