From Ground Up: Increasing Pitching Velocity through Lower-Limb Training

Abstract

Pitching velocity is a crucial factor in effective baseball pitching performance. Upper-body-focused training is prevalent in baseball training to increase pitching velocity. However, significant pitchers, including youth league baseball players, suffer from upper body injuries due to the heavy training load of the throwing arm. This article emphasizes lower-body training to increase baseball pitching velocity. Three step-by-step recommended activities, with accompanying research support, include power training in the lower limbs, exploring and maintaining optimized stride length, and timing and mechanics of pitching sequences. The suggested lower body focused training will be beneficial in increasing pitching velocity and reducing the risk of injuries in the throwing arm. These recommendations are crucial for young baseball players, youth baseball coaches, strength coaches, and parents who aim to improve pitching performance while addressing concerns about overtraining and injury prevention.