Alright, folks, let’s talk about boosting that fastball. I’ve been working on my pitching speed for a while now, and I’ve definitely seen some improvement. It’s not magic, it’s just good old-fashioned hard work and paying attention to the details. Here’s how I went about it, step-by-step:
Getting Started: Figuring Out Where I Stood
First thing I did was get a baseline. You gotta know where you’re starting from, right? I grabbed my buddy and a radar gun (you can rent these, or some batting cages have them) and just threw a bunch of pitches. We tracked my average velocity and my max velocity. This gave me something to measure against later.
The Grind: Working on Mechanics and Strength
- Long Toss: This is a classic for a reason. I started incorporating long toss into my routine several times a week. I didn’t just chuck it as far as I could right away, though. I gradually increased the distance, focusing on maintaining good mechanics even as I threw farther. The goal here is to build arm strength and endurance.
- Leg Day is King: I realized quickly that pitching isn’t just about the arm. It’s a full-body movement. I really started hitting the gym, focusing on my legs and core. Squats, lunges, deadlifts – the whole nine yards. A stronger lower body gives you a more stable base to generate power from. I pushed for weight, because I wanna bigger legs.
- Plyometrics: Box jumps, jump squats, and medicine ball throws were my best friend. These exercises help you develop explosive power, which is crucial for pitching. I started slow, making sure my form was good, and gradually increased the intensity.
- Resistance Bands: They’re not just for rehab! I used resistance bands to strengthen the smaller muscles in my shoulder and arm. These muscles are often overlooked, but they’re super important for stability and preventing injuries. I did a bunch of different exercises, focusing on high repetitions with lighter resistance.
- Mechanics, Mechanics, Mechanics: I spent a ton of time just working on my pitching motion. I watched videos of pro pitchers, tried to mimic their movements, and recorded myself to see what I could improve. It’s all about being efficient and using your whole body to generate power. I focused on things like my stride length, my arm slot, and my follow-through. It feel weird at first, but good.
Tracking Progress and Making Adjustments
Every few weeks, I’d go back to the radar gun and check my progress. Some days were better than others, but overall, I saw a steady increase in my velocity. If I hit a plateau, I’d try to tweak something in my training – maybe add a new exercise, adjust my mechanics, or focus more on a particular muscle group.
The Results (So Far!)
It’s been a few months, and I’m definitely throwing harder than I was before. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s noticeable. More importantly, I feel stronger and more confident on the mound. This is an ongoing process, and I’m excited to see how much more I can improve. Keep at it, and you’ll see results too!
