Tagged With "arm"
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The #1 Strength technique to prevent Arm Injury
Do you have a Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tear? Do you want to know how to prevent a SLAP tear, Elbow pain, or any significant injury from happening as a baseball player? Enter Chris, a 15y/o left handed pitcher who was throwing good heat for his age (sitting in the low 80's) without any formal pitcher training. Chris began developing a painful pinch on the back of shoulder early in the Spring of 2014 in the late cocking position. This pain eventually brought him to my...
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UCL Tear?
Hi guys, I am a senior left handed pitcher in high school. It has been difficult for me to pitch and do well throughout my high school career because of my elbow. During my 8th to late 9th grade year, I dealt with growth plate problems in my...
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Armory's "Rocket Launchers Road Show" Aug 10-11th at CBC
Throw Harder Faster is a velocity development academy inside of Carolina Baseball Center and we are excited to bring you The Armory's "Rocket Launchers Road Show" August 10th & 11th at CBC. The Armory has developed 37 pitchers that have eclipsed the 90 mph barrier since its owner, Randy Sullivan, established academy in February 2011. Incredibly, six of these 90 mph pitchers just finished their freshman year of high school, class of 2016. As a licensed physical therapist and owner of...
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Is 90s possible?
So I haven’t picked up a baseball in 2 years and have decided to try to play at a JC. As a junior in hs I topped at 86mph. Got way stronger after I quit. Current maxes: squat 385, bench 245, 15 pull-ups (202 bw), 185 reverse lunge, 375 deadlift. Can long toss up to 300ft. Have been throwing for a few months and got on the mound for the first time yesterday, was at 80-84. Is it realistic to expect to gain another 6+mph? I’m sure my mechanics could use some improvement and I should gain some...
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Arm Issues/Advice
So we find ourselves in a bit of a sticky situation, with unquestionably bad timing. Today is the first day of Varsity Baseball tryouts - starting a week early this year. My son is a junior and will be trying out for Varsity at a very large, very competitive public school. As a right handed pitcher who can barely touch 80 mph, he is very much "on the bubble." After fall baseball had finished up at the end of November, he had "rested" his arm, other than going to Power Throwing at a local...
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Arm Conditioning/ Velocity Program
Found this free weighted baseball velocity program. What do you guys think? I will be giving it a try. It says to use 4 ounce and 6 ounce baseballs. How much of a velocity increase should be expected? http://media.hometeamsonline.com/photos/softball/MUSTANGS32/Throwing_Workouts.pdf
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Arm Conditioning/ Velocity Program
Found this free weighted baseball velocity program. What do you guys think? I will be giving it a try. It says to use 4 ounce and 6 ounce baseballs. How much of a velocity increase should be expected? Also have done the exercises with dumbbells that are included and my arm feels great. http://media.hometeamsonline.com/photos/softball/MUSTANGS32/Throwing_Workouts.pdf
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Potential arm trouble
My Sophomore son's coach is trying to turn him into a sidearm pitcher. Whenever he pitches at practice his arm hurts and he tells the coaches but they say he needs to build arm strength. His arm has never hurt before when pitching. I told him if it hurts tell them you can't do it. He has been very successful throwing at 3/4 slot and never any pain. Should I be concerned or trust the coaches. Common sense tells me protect his arm.
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Powercore360
I recently purchased a powercore 360 to help use my core more to take some stress off my arm, are there any drills to do that will help me besides just regular throwing. (I am a catcher and I only have the hip trainer, not the whole complete package)
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
I would never risk further injury - get him the proper care and rehab and focus on getting him healthy for summer ball . "I know we should shut him down NOW and look to the summer" - follow that instinct.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Obviously, there is an issue (and there has been for a while if his arm strength deteriorated that much during last HS season) and, if I'm reading correctly, you are planning on going against doc's recommendations. I don't think that is smart at all. Sounds like the kid's baseball future is clearly on the bump and you are risking worsening an injured arm. Look, your kid is established as, at least, an important piece of the JV rotation if healthy. He doesn't stand to be an impact guy at V,...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Best advice I can give is to take care of his arm, first and foremost. He still has another year to get healthy, develop, and get stronger. I would highly recommend that he gets in with a high level PT with lots of baseball experience and top flight baseball training facility. I would also look for a biomechanical analysis, similar to driveline. I have learned over the years how poor timing during the pitching delivery can wear down an arm much quicker and expose a player to injury.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
As the parent of a player who is just over five months post surgery on his throwing arm, I completely agree with BBMomAZ, cabbage, & coachld. Healthy first and follow PT orders exactly; then worry about baseball.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
"I've always told him that we're playing a long game here." I guess I don't understand that if you are playing the long game, why you would risk his future health? I have always believed in being upfront and transparent. I would go talk to the coach, and let him know exactly what the situation is. Since it is an injury, and your son's future is at stake, I think it is appropriate for you to talk to the coach. Additionally, you mentioned that there are rumors that your son needs TJ, and it...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
YES, and, on the other hand, DON'T try to sugar coat it and make it sound like he'll likely be back in a few weeks. You would just be setting your son and the coaches up for frustration.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
He’s not going to improve playing injured. But he could get injured worse. It looks like very little potential for upside and a lot of potential for downside.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Talk to the coach and be up front. Can he tryout for another position or does he only pitch? Definitely don't put his arm in jeopardy for sure.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Get healthy then pitch, needs to come clean with coach on the doctor recommendation and go from there.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
He's a pitcher only, so doesn't have any other options. I remember the old saw about playing with pain or discomfort as opposed to playing when injured, but it is tougher to apply when it is your son for sure. While there is cause for concern, he isn't, at this point, injured. When I told the doctor my thoughts, about just getting through tryouts and making the team, THEN shutting him down, she didn't say anything like "Oh my God no!" or "That is literally the dumbest thing I have ever...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Well, I certainly may have misinterpreted or not fully understood the terminology in your first post regarding the prognosis. And, since I replied early, I may have led the thought process here down the injury path... apologies if that is not correct. Of course, I defer to the medical expert in this situation. You said specialist... if you are comfortable that she has reasonable experience with sport/throwing specific injuries, great. If not, a second opinion with a sports ortho with that...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
A player has nothing if not his health. Kudos to those here whose counsel is to do whatever is required to restore his health, being honest with coaches in the process
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
NorCalBBDad, The diagnosis is: He IS INJURED! Needs rest & therapy for 4-6 weeks! Please don't misinterpret what Doctor said! It may not "present" as serious, but if he's not 100%, he's HURT & it wll only get worse if not properly tended to! My son is a pitcher. Dec 7, had surgery with 4 anchors to reattach Ulnar to the bone, wil be rehabbing till July, likely career just ended. You just never know "how many bullets are in the holster"... Cabbage & others KNOW & gave you very...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Additional thoughts for you and other parents of young pitchers: ”After fall baseball had finished up at the end of November, he had "rested" his arm, other than going to Power Throwing at a local pitching/baseball training center twice a week” - So, in reality, there was zero rest! HS, summer travel and fall ball through November is longer than a MLB grown man goes through. Then he does Power Throwing right after. Where's the rest? Something for you and your son to commit to going forward:...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
NorCalBBDad, I re-read your post & what really got my dander up, was that you wan't to call this a " TWEAK ". WTH is that? " Stress reaction to bones connecting Ulnar Collateral Ligament with chronic UCL thickening." Please allow me to emphasize the necessity for you AND your son to become experts on arm health & pitching technique. First of all, let him recover 100%...Then, he needs a professional pitching coach to work on his mechanics and to prescribe a proper workout/conditioning...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
I think you have this part spot on. If he is truly a late bloomer and interested in pursuing college baseball at some level his best bet would be to sit out and get healthy for when the D3/NAIA showcases and camps heat up in August and Sept. If it were me in this situation I would take the spring off and work out HARD until May/June to put some size on, eat a lot, and ease my way back into pitching. See where he is at towards the end of May/June and start targeting schools that might be...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
It makes zero sense to risk further injury for hs baseball where he would be the bottom pitcher. None. It doesn’t make sense regardless, but I don’t see this as a hard choice.
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Norcal, Sincerely wish you and your son the best moving forward whatever you choose to do. For me, this is a no brainer. #1: Scrap the HS season. You are just throwing gas on the fire & he is admittedly not going to really be a factor at the Varsity level given current status. #2: 6'2" 140. Forget throwing & get in the gym 4-5 days a week & get on a proper diet to add good, quality strength & mass. #3: Have him take the weighted baseball, turn towards a wooded area &...
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Re: Arm Issues/Advice
Get strong and follow the 90 mph formula by Dr. Heenan! It eliminates a significant amount of arm and elbow injuries! The velo will go up in the process of it too.
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Re: Is 90s possible?
Is it realistic to expect that? Probably not. Is it possible? Definitely Go tryout, explain your situation and baseball specific workouts will help. Unless you're at a baseball power of a Juco - 84 will more than likely get you a spot on the roster.
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Re: Is 90s possible?
300ft long toss, no wind, is the ball leaving your hand at 89 mph (minimum). Sure, you can reach 90. Probaby with better mechanics.
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Re: Is 90s possible?
It seems reasonable to reach 90 with work. Be prepared with a good explanation why you left the game. It could be a test of what’s inside.
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Re: Is 90s possible?
Very difficult to attempt to answer these questions but here goes... so a max effort of 86 in high school means you're sitting 81-84 or 82-85 or lower - most guys with those numbers will never hit 90 consistently if ever (though there are always the exceptions). I would suggest if you want to pitch at your junior college or a D3 that you start working on secondary pitches more than getting a 90 mph FB. Good secondary pitches and a high 80s fastball should be good enough for many JCs and D2...
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Re: Is 90s possible?
I think you are on the right track with mechanical improvements. You've got some power in those legs...use them. "Arm strength" for pitching is kind of a misnomer. You want your pitching arm to be flexible (like a whip)...try bands and yoga to keep that upper half flexible and core strong. If this is something you are definitely serious about, I'd find a local experienced pitching coach that can help you get on the right track. As always, JMO. Good luck!
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Re: Is 90s possible?
Get with a trainer or PC that can assess your movement quality. Your strength is good but if you can’t move like an athlete with the lower half, then it’s not likely. If you find you don’t move well, train for mobility and connect the pieces........ absolutely it can be done. I’ve seen it done many times. I’ve seen gap year guys do some pretty amazing things but you need to find a sense of urgency and the opportunity may not be the most ideal.
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Re: UCL Tear?
Originally Posted by AlexisLefty: May I request a second MRI with dye? Furthermore, have you guys had any experience with a son having TJ? Pain is usually around the forearm and back elbow, then weakness in forearm to wrist/hand. Hi Alexis! Sending you a PM / Dialogue
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Re: UCL Tear?
Originally Posted by AlexisLefty: Hi guys, I am a senior left handed pitcher in high school. It has been difficult for me to pitch and do well throughout my high school career because of my elbow. During my 8th to late 9th grade year, I dealt with growth plate problems in my elbow. During my 10th and 11th grade year, I dealt with general elbow problems such as medial epicondylitis and a grade 1 UCL sprain. During the summer of my junior year, I spent time going to physical therapy in order...
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Re: UCL Tear?
Originally Posted by AlexisLefty: Should I go to an orthopedist again to get it reviewed and possibly get an MRI and/or surgery? Yes. And if your current orthopedist doesn't think you need an MRI (with contrast), get at least one 2nd opinion. If the second one agrees, then follow the rehab exactly as prescribed. Best of luck, and I hope you're able to get this corrected.
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Re: UCL Tear?
May I request a second MRI with dye? Furthermore, have you guys had any experience with a son having TJ? Pain is usually around the forearm and back elbow, then weakness in forearm to wrist/hand.
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Re: Potential arm trouble
First question to ask the coaches is why are the asking him to drop down and throw from the side. I would get that answer and evaluate it - then decide your course of action.
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Re: Potential arm trouble
Tell them to pound sand. Listen to your kid and his arm. What hurts and where? Why can't he pitch 3/4? Do they want the other look or is there more to the story? Will he lose mound time if he doesn't conform? At that point, you need to eval what you want to do and what his potential in on the team.
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Re: Potential arm trouble
I know a few HS coaches that have a strong tendency... when they see 3/4, they want to take them all the way down to make them specialty guys. This has generally been an effective strategy. But, of course, arm health should always come first. Some make the adjustment with no issue, some do not. The transition should be introduced with some gradual ramping. Many here will not agree with me but there is a difference between some soreness and pain. Pain is a clear indicator. Some soreness can...
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Re: Potential arm trouble
A little backstory. He has been a really good pitcher since age 11. He played in A fall prep league a year before Starting H.S. and his freshman year competing with area Jv players and he has finished 1 and 2 in all categories. He is on Varsity this year and it is a young team predominantly sophomores. They had 9 or 10 seniors quit prior to tryouts this season. Most people say it was because of the coach. My gut tells me the coaches are trying to take sophomore pitchers and drop them sidearm...
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Re: Potential arm trouble
TO me the only reason to drop a guy down is because he's proven he can't get guys out any other way. Basically a last ditch effort. After that is knuckleballer!
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Re: Potential arm trouble
First, success and stats from age eleven through JV are irrelevant to the situation. Coaches look at mechanics, metrics and potential upside. The coach is telling your son he doesn’t see him becoming an effective pitcher unless he can be turned into a specialist who can get out a couple of hitters coming from a different angle. If it’s pitch in pain or don’t pitch you don’t pitch. It’s not as if some GM is staring him down about not getting his monies worth on a million dollar contract.
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Re: Potential arm trouble
What is your son's FB velocity at this point (before the sidearm switch)? If it's me and my son had a chance to play in college as a pitcher, I'd be very much against this change. A kid throwing sidearm is looked at as a novelty by college coaches....not as a true pitching prospect, unless he is unbelievably good. My thought is unless your son is throwing in the upper 60's or low 70's, which isn't going to get varsity guys out anyway I'd really have to consider talking to the coach....both...
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Re: Potential arm trouble
There is no way I would let a pitching coach make that big of a change without understanding the why? I recommend that your son talk with coach and ask him why? Tell your son to share with coach about arm pain. Speak with your son after they talk. If you are not happy with reasoning behind change, ask for meeting via email or phone. Be prepared with specific questions and your plan, should you not agree. There are some great coaches out there who make these decisions based on mechanics and...
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Re: Potential arm trouble
He just turned 16 and he throws upper 70's average and has just started hitting lower 80's some. He has tremendous accuracy and really good ball movement. I am perplexed because no other coaches have tried to change him and he was really successful his Freshman season.