How Parents Can Help Little League Pitchers Boost Velocity And Reduce Arm Injuries

Over a recent seven year period high school pitching arm injuries increased ten times. There are probably several reasons why. Poor pitching mechanics learned in Little League is clearly one of the big reasons. Pitchers simply never learn how to use their body to develop momentum and therefor their pitching arms take on most of the stress of the pitch.

A Key To Improving Velocity and Reducing Arm Injuries

Developing forward pitching momentum is a key to not only improving velocity but also reducing the risk of arm injuries.

The above video shows an 11 year old Little League pitcher in his basement getting ready for the upcoming season. This is his first attempt to try Momentum Pitching, a new method to improve velocity and reduce arm injuries which I co-developed in early 2007.

He is using a version of Momentum Pitching which is the newest method for improving velocity by stepping back toward second base instead of to the side. Stepping back allows the pitcher to increase the distance he can move his body in a straight line toward the plate. This automatically increases forward momentum and creates a longer stride…two of the ways to improve pitching velocity because it improves elastic energy production which sports science research has recently proven is the key to developing more pitching velocity…not arm strength which has been believed for years.

Why Do Pitchers Step To The Side First?

Stepping to the side first, which is traditionally taught by most mainstream coaches, only serves to slow the pitcher’d forward momentum. If a pitcher’s goal is to move his body toward the plate without hesitation why would he step to the side first? It makes no sense. But no one ever questions what most coaches or instructors are teaching.

Although this 11 year old Little Leaguer went out and pitched two no-hitters in the beginning of the season and was dominant in his league, there are two things that he can improve upon. Do you know what they are?

Does Reaching A Balance Point Really Make Sense?

Keep in mind, Momentum Pitching eliminates any balance position. The balance position in pitching has no benefit because it mearly slows the pitcher down by producing a hesitation. This hesitation is like putting the brakes on and thus reduces pitching velocity. There is no reason to stop at a balance point…despite what is commonly believed by most instructors. However, most instructors are not reading sports science research. I do.

To improve this Little League pitcher’s Momentum Pitching delivery, he simply has to eliminate the slight hesitation when he lifts his leg up. In fact, lifting the leg up in pitching produces a slowing action and reduces forward momentum. This reduces pitching velocity.

Without the leg lift and by simply driving his front hip at the target he removes the hesitation and the slowing action and thus instantly can improve his velocity.

Momentum Pitching is now a part of our Explosive Pitching DVD program – designed to improve velocity and control while dramaticlaly reducing the risk of arm injuries in Little League and high school pitchers.  http://www.pitching.com/product/complete-pitching-instruction-program/