subject: How to Increase Your Pitching Velocity - 5 Top Tips [print this page] How to Increase Your Pitching Velocity - 5 Top Tips
If you are a pitcher chances are you want to know how to increase pitching velocity. Having a dominating fastball will always give you a big advantage over the opposing hitter. With proper conditioning and practice you definitely can increase pitching velocity.
1. Practice Long Toss - Long Toss is great for all baseball players. It will help build up arm strength and endurance. Start about 30 feet apart and gradually move further apart as you become warmed up.. Keep moving back. Throw with good form using your legsand hips. Be sure to follow through. Do not overdue long toss as it can lead to a sore or tired arm.
2. Get Stronger - Strengthen all you major muscle groups by including weight training in your routine. Perform exercise that exercise allthe major muscles groups, not just your arm and shoulder. Perform all weight training in a slow and controlled manner. Never weight train with fast motions. Also include endurance exercise such as running in your program.
3. Use Good Mechanics - Remember that pitching is a motion that used the entire body. A relaxed wind-up should be followed with a strong leg drive, hip rotation and then arm acceleration. Always complete the follow through and end in a fielding position.
4. Pitch off the mound - Practice throwing off a mound often. Since this is the exact situation and motion of pitching this is the very best way to be practicing your pitching. Focus and concentrate on each pitch. Do not just go through the motions. Practice both pitching from a stretch and with a wind-up. You should be equally comfortable with each motion. You should be relaxed and comfortable as you pitch with a controlled explosive movement as the arm comes forward.
5. Ice your arm and shoulder after pitching, even if you do not feel sore or tired. This will help reduce stress on the arm and aid your recovery. Also do not over pitch as this can lead to problems at any level of baseball.
These few tips will indeed help you learn how to increase the velocity of your pitching. As with all sports success requires dedication, focus and determination.