Long Toss

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Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
What are the functional things that doing long toss does to translate into improved velocity?

I can't offer a technically sound answer, but here's what I've got: Long toss provides visual feedback, much like long tee does for hitters. To get more distance, the pitcher needs to find that mix of active and loose muscles. I think there's a point where ideal form breaks down to achieve a high enough trajectory, but I don't believe this hurts anything. It's also a fun way to break up a routine and provide tangible goals and feedback. If the distance improves--try to identify what you're doing better to get there. If the distance is struggling--back chain to work out the deficit.

Ending session with 110% pitches and a speed gun probably has the same effect, but also provides another way to break up a routine and set/achieve goals.
 
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SB45

Dad, Coach, Chauffeur
Sep 2, 2016
150
28
Western NY
i can offer a technically sound answer, but here's what I've got: Long toss provides visual feedback, much like long tee does for hitters. To get more distance, the pitcher needs to find that mix of active and loose muscles. I think there's a point where ideal form breaks down to achieve a high enough trajectory, but I don't believe this hurts anything. It's also a fun way to break up a routine and provide tangible goals and feedback. If the distance improves--try to identify what you're doing better to get there. If the distance is struggling--back chain to work out the deficit.

Ending session with 110% pitches and a speed gun probably has the same effect, but also provides another way to break up a routine and set/achieve goals.

Thank you...we haven't done long toss as a part of training...it's interesting. What about resistance? I could see long toss forcing you to resist better in order to achieve the angle needed to throw the longer distance.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Definitely. It's REALLY tough to "stick it" in walk throughs, so I allow for a little hop forward as long as posture is maintained. I just don't want kids muscling with the shoulders. If you've seen Abbott in the Jaeger Long Toss video, what you don't really see is her doing this hop forward when she gets way out.

I don't think that long toss or 110% pitches at the end of a session will have as much of an effect on speed as does fine tuning form and a good strength and conditioning routine. I like long toss and all out pitches at the end of a session because they're fun and help break up a work out. They feel good! As long as they aren't taken to an extreme, I say throw them into the routine making sure that form isn't sacrificed.

The other day a local girl hit 60--she just turned 13 and is pretty short for her age. Her work ethic and desire are tremendous, but I had to wonder if there wasn't a secret drill or something she used to get over 57. I asked dad about it and he attributed it to a focus on form (palm up specifically) her strength and conditioning program and her drive to achieve her goals. Looking forward to seeing where her work ethic takes her!
 
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