Will College PItcher’s Mechanics And 101 MPH Velocity Lead To Surgery?

Just because a pitcher throws with high velocity should we ignore his pitching mechanics and the possibility of an arm injury.

Stephen Strasburg, the RH pitcher from San Diego State is projected to be one of the top five picks in the upcoming draft. His velocity ranges from the mid to upper 90′s. He has also hit 101 mph.

However, Stephen Strasburg has some flaws in his mechanics that could lead to a shoulder and/or elbow injury.

I have seen lots of analysis of his mechanics where these flaws are pointed out but I have yet to read one diagnosis that suggests what changes could be made to help reduce his risk of injury and possibly improve his velocity and control.

Many times it is easy to recognize the mechanical problem or what result is created. However, finding the cause of the flaw is the only possible way that the pitcher will be able to make the needed change. And many times the change is not easy. However, I am sure there are many pitchers who have had constant arm problems who would welcome some suggestions on what can be done to reduce the stress to their arm. Which ever major league team drafts Strasburg may want to know this as well.

The mechanical flaw that has many concerned is what is referred to as hyper-abduction where the pitcher’s throwing elbow continues to move above the line of his shoulders. In the case of Strasburg his elbow is above his shoulder well before landing.

This can cause stress to not only the shoulder but also the elbow

The cause is normally the result of the pitcher simply not giving his arm enough time to go through a full circle from the time he breaks his hands. This usually occurs because the pitcher breaks his hands early thus not giving his arm enough time to move through longer range of motion. This is also the case with Stephen Strasburg. He breaks his hand as his lead leg is still coming down from its leg lift position.

Unlike Mark Prior, Strasburg is not what I refer to as an elbow lifter where his throwing hand never overtakes his throwing elbow after he breaks his hands. Strasburg does swing his arm down back and up but because he has to get ready to land he starts to get his arm into position too early.

Must get the lower body moving faster and sooner

Ideally you want the pitcher to move his body well toward the plate before hand break. In other words you want to see the front hip move away from the rubber and normally the lead leg foot is already down near the mound surface. A later hand break gives the pitcher time to get his body moving explosively toward the plate so that just before landing his elbow and hand reach shoulder height. Then at landing they move into the cocked position. Nolan Ryan is a good one to watch for this timing aspect.

The other thing you will notice about Starsburg is that upon landing his elbow will continue to move in toward his head…like a dart thrower. This adds additional stress to the throwing elbow since it is like the pitcher is throwing uphill.

Mark Prior is another example of a pitcher who has timing problems that put his arm in a poor position which has caused his arm problems over the past 3-4 years.

What I like about Strasburg is his intention to break his hands quickly with good body tempo. However, his lower is the problem. With his height he should be striding out to about 80″or more. His stride is much too short for his size. This means his lower body is not moving fast enough to give his arm more time to get to a better position. This along with a later hand break could solve the problem.

It is clear that Stephen Strasburg, unlike Nolan Ryan or Giants’ Tim Lincecum does not complete his back leg drive. He lands far too soon. Instead of driving his lower body from a lower position with a more bent back leg – similar to Lincecum – into a fully extended back leg position just before landing, he cuts himself off too soon.

Because of Stephen Strasburg’s timing issues he basically is throwing the ball much too early.

A pitcher’s timing between his lower body and upper body are critical for not only maximizing velocity but for reducing the stress to his arm.