Rob T posted:Steve A. posted:Rob T posted:Overthehill posted:Both of my sons are qb's. They both increased their velocity between their jr and sr years by throwing the football so much during the late summer 7 on 7 and in the fall every day during practice. I am a firm believer in the football.
This can't possibly be true, because throwing objects heavier than a baseball causes your arm to get injured.
The epidemic of ucl injuries among NFL starting quarterbacks is all the evidence you need.
Completely different mechanics throwing a football. Also, note how all the college & NFL QB's throw heavy footballs & reach back & long toss footballs with elevated front shoulder to see how far they can throw the football to increase their arm strength............Um, they do none of this because it is junk science & develops mechanics apart from their goals. Perfectly fine for pitchers though......
So, basically you can throw a heavy object as long as you do it with the proper mechanics?
Now if somebody would just figure out how to incorporate both of those things I'm thinking they could create a program that would increase velocity and reduce injuries.
- But that's just those voices in my head doing that crazy talk thing again.
If you threw a football with the same delivery, arm action and intensity as a pitcher your arm would last about 2 starts before you blew it out. The point is: It (the football) is a different object, with a different, less stressful, less max effort, less load delivery. Additionally, it is a different shape & yes, it weighs more.
In addition: Happy for your boys & the success & increase! They are still not yet fully mature males & please revert back to my Captain Crunch comments. They apply here. Give me a roster of fully mature, active adult pitchers. Do nothing different except add football throwing & I submit you will see no uptick in velo. In a growing, maturing male, virtually any proper additional physical activity will produce a spike. Just common sense.
The difference for me on the overload theory is that we are talking about the muscle groups of the arm (vs. core or legs). Clearly, max effort, overhand throwing of a 5 oz object, repeatedly, has a direct correlation to injury. This can not be disputed. So the theory is that instead of the prior actions with a 5 oz. implement, we sub a 12 oz (or pick a #) implement & we have a formula for strength & injury prevention is about as off the chart as it gets & frankly an insult to common sense. Does this mean that everyone who engages in it will blow their arm out? no. Does this mean that possible gains are not available? no. Does this activity pose a huge risk, especially if not expertly administered?. yes. Is there a way to expertly administer a program like this given the differing bio makeup, ages & relative strength of the new "prospect?" No, heck, we cant even limit or predict injury with the 5 oz ball!
Now, under load with a 3-4 oz implement for the arm makes some sense at face value but I admit I have not looked at it deep enough to have an opinion.