CoachCavaleaML posted:The problem with these weighted ball programs is that they teach you how to generate velocity through the arm. Proper velocity should be generated between the relationship of the foot in the ground where power is truly generated. The problem is most athletes don't know how to generate power to the ground so the Arm takes a greater beating then it should. Combined this with forward rounded shoulders, minimized external rotation, minimize internal rotation, and inconsistent arm program and the result is a blowout. There's no doubt you can increase velocity on one of these programs, But at what cost. This would be like putting a Ferrari engine inside of a Volkswagen beetle and not calibrating the braking system to match the increased power and velocity. So the question is at what cost will you develop increased velocity. On a sidenote in 12 years working with MLB players I've never seen a player engage in a weighted ball program. Take that for what it's worth. Start increasing total body power and freedom of motion and you will develop velocity the right way if you're meant to have it. Coach Dana
@mlstrength.com
I think what you're missing, coach, is that weighted ball programs definitely do not teach velocity generation through the arm. The point is to build the supporting muscle groups so that the elbow can handle heavier loads, The amount of load the ucl can handle is defined. You can't do anything about that. Any additional velocity must be supported by muscle strength. These muscles do not, in actuality, propel the ball, they simply allow the elbow to handle the forces involved with faster acceleration. Velocity is still driven largely by the kinetic chain involving the lower body extensively. If your lower body mechanics are rotten, you simply are unlikely to be able to take advantage of what a weighted ball program gives you.