Penn Throwing Clinic

11/07/2016

Dr. Andrisani, an orthopaedic surgeon from the University of Delaware, presents his pitching dynamometer. A functional tool to measure changes in rotator cuff strength pre and post-pitching.

10/24/2016

Increasing the throwing arm's muscular force and contractile speed theoretically enhances ball velocity. One method to accomplish this is the use of weighted and unweighted baseballs. Here is a study of a small sample that shows that weighted baseball training is actually less stressful for the throwing arm

https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/weighted-baseball-long-toss-less-stressful-on-arm/

09/20/2016

Check out the curveball delivery in this video series. If more pitchers delivered in this manner, there would be a lot less negative connotations about throwing curveballs. You have to lock the wrist and pronate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmSMSEdyNVU

I thought some notes from a presentation I gave last weekend at the Texas Baseball Ranch would be a good resource for you. Please subscribe and follow me on ...

09/14/2016

An interesting study examined the usefulness of hand grip dynamometry (measuring grip strength) as a surrogate measure of posterior rotator cuff strength. Although the study needs to be expanded to include throwing athletes, it has grip strength measurement may infer functional fatigue of the throwing arm - particularly of the principle decelerating muscle groups of the shoulder.

http://sel.sagepub.com/content/8/2/124

SAGE Publications

09/14/2016

Among high level pitchers, differences in stride length and consequent ground reaction force profiles did not affect ball velocities. This is evidence that as pitchers' skill levels improve, the ability to mechanically compensate becomes more refined. Compensation means that athletes manipulate kinetic chain actions as well as timing of sequential events to make up for reduced energy storage and transfer. This commonly occurs when pitchers fatigue, yet still want to maintain high ball velocity. It has been shown that a 20% reduction in linear energy increases shoulder rotational velocities by 34%. This means that lack of input from the lower extremities results in greater throwing arm effort. Condition your legs for repetitive power to save your arm!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiZFhbVW9VA

http://www.topvelocity.net Baseball Science Series

09/14/2016

Research on trunk action in high velocity pitchers has much to do with lower body mechanics and force production. High velocity pitchers tend to show greater ground reaction force profiles that lead to greater lower extremity joint torques for both the drive and stride leg. Seen in a number of studies, stride knee extension kinematics play a tremendous role in stabilizing the body and accentuating trunk flexion. If your pitchers are underpowered, consider a strength and plyometric training regimen to increase force production and power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OVYG_Ifk48&list=PLW1WSfciB1I9EKC6AjuhH2G6E42_6d25W

http://www.topvelocity.net TopVelocity Show Kinematic and Kinetic Profiles of Trunk and Lower Limbs during Baseball Pitching in Collegiate P...

08/17/2016

Pelvic-trunk separation is important in creating elastic energy from the diagonal stretch from lead hip to the throwing shoulder. The stored energy is then transferred to the scapula through to the throwing hand. Leading with the hip rather than opening with the hip gives the pitcher a better opportunity to create separation. It has been reported that this biomechanical action equates to roughly 80% of velocity ~ Brent Pourciau.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abDtnf5aRKs

http://www/topvelocity.net Visit for a FREE Pitching Velocity analysis NOW!

07/28/2016

PItchers can be sidelined for many reasons outside of throwing arm injuries. In this case, Parker Bridwell has made it back from rehabilitating a broken rib suffered when throwing. Breaking one's ribs while throwing hallmarks the tremendous forces transferred from the trunk to throwing hand.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-pitching-prospects-chris-lee-parker-bridwell-face-untimely-injuries-that-preclude-call-ups-20160722-story.html

As the Orioles have scooped into their farm system for pitching reserves over the last month, they’ve had to pass over two of their top pitching prospects who are already on the 40-man roster due to injuries.

07/25/2016

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfY6bUa2DNI

07/14/2016

Major League Injury Science - only fatigue is a definitive factor involved in pitching injuries. Offering the right amount of stimulus to condition the throwing arm and offer it appropriate rest to regenerate is highly individual but needs greater investigation. Nearly 25% of all Major League pitchers require Tommy John surgery with numbers escalated to include shoulder pathologies.

In the second of our four-part series imagining a better baseball, we look at whether MLB will ever solve its pitcher-injury epidemic.

07/13/2016

Pennsylvania is adopting new pitch count rules. Outdated is the count of innings, which truly do not reflect the volume of repetition. The amount of pitches thrown, biomechanics, kinetic chain strength and appropriating rest sequences are critical to throwing arm health.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-baseball/2016/07/12/High-school-baseball-pitchers-in-Pa-will-be-restricted-by-pitch-counts-in-future/stories/201607120156?utm_campaign=echobox&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook

07/12/2016

Major League pace of play may impact the health of pitchers. A simulated muscle modeling study indicated that shortened rest due to instituting a pitch clock has the ability to tire muscles and should be cautioned. Fatigue impacts muscle activation, which likely reduces restraint to large joint torques enacted by throwing.