Guys and Dolls,
My son is interested in some upper body work for pitchers in order to gain mass for the upper body portion of delivering the ball. Does anyone have some good insight on this?
1) As far as the upper body's role, we see it as a final step in the mechanics of throwing the ball. The upper body flexes forward and brings the arm and ball along into delivery. Physics says that if one has more bulk in the upper body that there should be more force applied to the ball, etc., etc.
2) Are we off base on this assessment? I am sure that there have been some smaller upper body guys that have been able to fling it despite this.
3) We understand, that not all upper body mass is equal and that some exercises have no value and others can actually be detrimental or even harmful.
4) We understand that as a general rule one wants to pull three times as often as they push. That said, what kind of pushing is suggested in order to add some chest and shoulder mass but not create various impingements, tightness or encumbrances to movement?
5) Are the shoulders and chest the best places to target in adding mass? Again, physics would suggest that getting a mass farthest from the hinge would be optimal.
6) How about arm exercises? Are curls and triceps extensions ever valuable?
p.s. Currently, he does arm-band work on a nightly basis, i.e., lots of pulling exercises. He also does a lot of reps of bend over rows with 15lb dumbbells. Along with trying to focus on explosive leg work, he has been doing SOME push ups and a few curls.
( He also does a fair amount of core work with a medicine ball.)
Thanks for your help. We are not asking for a personalized workout here. Just some guidance.