Expert: Dennis Girardi - 11/30/2008

Question
My son is 9, first year on 9-10 minors, he wants to pitch!!  He has wonderful control, but no speed.  How can we (father and I) help him, increase his speed but keep his control.  We have heard about long toss, what else can we do?

Answer
Hey Phobe,

Here are the 10 ways to increase his speed..

1. Applying direct force to the back of the baseball

2. Flexibility in pelvis during balance/ acceleration phase of pitching motion

3. Lead leg stability after foot plant

4. Torso rotation during acceleration

5. Use of scapular muscle used during pitching motion

6. Elbow/ bicep extension during the pitching motion

7. Break/ release to plate

8. Rotator cuff strength and durability

9. Use of forearm during pitching motion

10. Use of available force from wrist during pitching motion


Go to this website.. It will explain more..


http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_velocity.htm

Good Luck,
Dennis