Heavy Med Ball Drills To Increase Pitching Velocity
1. Building Rotational Power:
Heavy medicine ball drills are particularly effective in developing rotational power, a key component of a pitcher's throwing motion. The resistance provided by the heavy ball challenges the muscles involved in rotation, helping pitchers generate more torque and power during their delivery.
2. Power Transfer through Oblique Slings
The drills with heavy medicine balls emphasize power transfer through the oblique slings, enhancing the connection between the lower and upper body. This is crucial for pitchers as it contributes to a seamless transfer of energy from the legs to the torso and ultimately to the throwing arm.
3. Explosive, Instinctive Movement:
Unlike some training methods that focus heavily on sequencing and precise movements, heavy medicine ball drills allow athletes to tap into their explosive capabilities without overthinking the mechanics. This instinctive explosiveness can translate directly to the pitching mound, promoting a more natural and powerful throwing motion.
4. Front Leg Block Improvement:
The front leg block, a critical element in a pitcher's stability and power generation, can benefit significantly from heavy medicine ball training. The resistance forces pitchers to engage and strengthen the muscles involved in the front leg block, contributing to improved balance and control during the pitching motion.
5. Versatility for Athlete-Specific Needs:
Notably, heavy medicine balls can be tailored to individual athlete needs. Athletes who are naturally strong but may lack speed can benefit from lighter balls, emphasizing the development of quick and explosive movements. Conversely, those who possess speed but need to build strength can opt for heavier medicine balls, focusing on enhancing their power and overall strength. This versatility allows pitchers to address specific aspects of their performance, ensuring that training aligns with their unique physical attributes and goals.
6. Enhanced Strength and Speed Optimization:
Recognizing that athletes vary in their physical attributes, heavy medicine ball training provides a versatile tool for optimizing both strength and speed. Strong but slower pitchers can use heavier balls to build strength, while lighter balls cater to faster but potentially weaker pitchers, facilitating quicker and more explosive movements.
7. Diversity in Training Approach:
Heavy medicine ball drills offer a refreshing change in training dynamics. The unconventional nature of these drills adds variety to a pitcher's workout routine, preventing monotony and keeping athletes engaged and motivated throughout their training regimen.
8. Preventing Overemphasis on Sequencing:
While sequencing is crucial in pitching, heavy medicine ball training allows athletes to step away from the meticulous focus on sequencing, promoting a more holistic approach to developing power and explosiveness. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes who may find overemphasizing sequencing counterproductive or mentally taxing.
Incorporating heavy medicine ball training into a pitcher's regimen, with a tailored approach based on individual strengths and weaknesses, can contribute significantly to overall performance improvement on the baseball field.