Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitching with weighted ball

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What's your opinion on this one do u use weighted balls in off season? Anyone feel it's made a difference. What about resistance belt? Or the Jenny finch windmil?

 

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All three things you mentioned, plus many more, will contribute to a better pitching performance next spring. The caveat is that you educate yourself in proper methods (weight, number reps, etc.). Depending on the age, there are many other exercises your pitcher should also be doing in the off season. Forearm strengthening is very important, and absolutely do not neglect LEGS!

Age appropriateness is an important factor. Your best bet is to consult with your pitching instructor AND a qualified sports trainer who is familiar with the fastpitch windmill style pitching motion. Improper weight loads and poor mechanics can do more harm than good. The best thing she can do is get into a routine for the training (weight lifting, conditioning). That way, it becomes a natural part of her day - just like brushing her teeth!

 

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I agree that your pitching coach be consulted and that your aids are age appropriate. Although there are dozens of great pitching aids, even the best of these can have detrimental consequences when used improperly. Young muscles learn quickly but forget so very slowly!

 

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...and absolutely do not neglect LEGS!

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Amen. If you watch all the top flight pitchers from HS to Division 1, the one thing they all have in common is awesome leg drive. The first time I saw Tess Sito pitch close-up at a CSU winter pitching clinic, I was blown away at how powerful her push was, I thought she was going to rip the pitching rubber right off the mat!

 

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Weighted balls were a waste of time for us. Dd was 12.

 

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My personal opinion and I have no research to back it up, but I would look at it no differently then lifting weights. We can all agree that if you lift weights properly their can be significant strength gains...I would think the same could be said about weighted balls. If used properly, strength and conditioning to the shoulder, forearms, bi's and tri's, along with the hands and fingers could be gained. Proper use would be the key!!!

 

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Oh I agree 100 percent with the leg drive n exercises. Her pitching coach is all about that too. Does a lot of work with the new bosu ball we just bought! I was just curious on others opinions were on those mentioned.

 

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We use weighted balls, just nothing over the shoulder. Its just not worth the chance of injury just to gain a few mph. Speed counts but movement matters.

 

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We use weighted balls, just nothing over the shoulder. Its just not worth the chance of injury just to gain a few mph. Speed counts but movement matters.

So true.

 

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Ok does anybody want to set the over under on how many times this question will be asked before report day of the HS season?

I'm not busting your chops for asking RenMad a question unasked is a question unanswered! It's just that only the infamous HS eligibility question comes up more than this one. lol

 

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This is from a pitching site: An overweighted ball, when used correctly, can be an excellent aide in developing strength and pitching speed. We do NOT recommend the 1 pound ball you may have seen advertised because we feel its excess weight poses a risk of injury for some girls. Similarly, balls that are only slightly overweighted (7 oz. or 8 oz.) have had minimal effect for many pitchers. Since the regulation softball is approximately 6? ounces, we encourage our pitchers to use a regulation size (12" circumference) "training" ball that is no more than 9 oz. to 12 oz. (depending on age, strength, and physical development). However, even at this weight, it should NOT be thrown at full speed. Follow the instructions that come with the ball, and be careful!

If you have attended a Bill Hillhouse clinic he is not in favor of them. He may have comments on his web page on this subject.

 

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Personally, Im against them with younger pitchers. Now as the athlete matures, to the point where she is no longer growing, then I would introduce a weighted ball, but keep it light. As always, focus more on mechanics than speed, with proper mechanics speed will come on its own.

 

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Both DD's used them all the time, but never above the shoulder.

 

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The use of weighted balls along with under-weighted balls will not only improve strength but also speed. Worth has a set of three balls and a printed program that will work if followed. DO NOT throw a Canon ball or a 16oz ball in full arm circles-ever. You may throw the 8.5oz balls in full arm circles.

I prefer long distance throwing outside in the fall/winter. Weighted balls can be used indoors in the dead of winter.

 

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Ok does anybody want to set the over under on how many times this question will be asked before report day of the HS season?

I'm not busting your chops for asking RenMad a question unasked is a question unanswered! It's just that only the infamous HS eligibility question comes up more than this one. lol

Its probably because we are 12 u. So a lot of us are just going through things u vets have already been there done that...lol

 

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Weighted ball worked for us. We started at 10U and are in our third year (12U) using it. We are using the 9oz model for drills only right now. We have only used it in the off season though. I noticed when the season comes around she may be pitching more and warming up more, but her warm up drills decrease in repetition. When she tries to go back to the weighted ball in the summer it throws her off. When we start back up with multiple drills and reps with her instructor then we'll go back to the weighted ball.

 

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Under 12 I would stay away from weights of any kind. Jump a lot of rope and use a squeeze ball....

At 12 Starting to use a little weight like a medicine ball or a weighted ball with proper instruction in conjunction with a good plyo / resistance plan can help build strength for all athletes.

When DD pitched her instructor had her using resistance tubes, medicine balls, jumping rope push ups etc...

 

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We use a 14" ball for all warmups and some distance throwing. The extra weight has obvious benefit and the size forces the girls to get there hand behind the ball and not cheat. When she switches back to the 12" ball she will throw it high due to increase arm speed. She will need to adjust her release and NOT slow her arm down.

There has been some mention of weight training...almost all weight training done in the fitness rooms is for slow twitch muscles. The muscles you need to lift 200# ten times. Training these muscles will SLOW down your pitcher. I've had better results with the windmill and band work than straight weight work. Working the legs will help some but again a slow 5 mile jog will not do as much a series of brief intense sprints. Use exercises that mimics the game.

 

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Finch windmill, works shoulders,back,abs and it only takes 4 minutes, 5 times a day. I also have daughter do a little leg work,total work out about 6 minutes. Jenny Finch traveled the world using hers if that tells you anything. I believe if you have them doing to much extra they will find ways out of it-keep it simple. I disagree with some others on here, you dont need to spend anymore money on a sports trainer. Buy the finch you wont be dissapointed, we have had ours for 3 weeks and I have seen a slight improvement in speed( what a bonus)!