Does Anybody Understand Velocity Inconsistencies?

This is nothing unusual.  Every pitcher has random fluctuations in velocity.   Could be the amount of rest, diet, etc.  I really wouldn't sweat it at this point.   

2-3 mph fluctuation is pretty common.  Usual suspects such as amount of rest, diet, pregame warm up, workout type leading up to mound appearance, etc. can be factors as said by MTH.

On a deeper level Sequencing in the kinetic chain may be the  issue....Even the smallest variances in muscle firing can impact velo. Talk to Kyle at DriveLine about it since you are using his program...Kyle is a great resource!

So, if you know what "good" looks like, why not video him as a a benchmark.   Then video subsequent outings to compare the two to see what he is doing well and areas for improvement.   In my sons case, this was an ongoing process that included video review and discussions with their pitching coaches. 

All three of my sons had different arm slots, hand positions and mechanics.  For example, one son had a tendency to drop his glove hand in the stretch which effected his control and velocity.   We figured this out by video review.  We used video as a way for them to look at themselves, and reach their own conclusions.   Just a suggestion.

Strongly agree on video.  The technology is there, utilize it.  My son doesn't pitch, but we frequently use video to identify hitting & throwing mechanics issues

Eric Cressey has written several articles on this subject. He said high school pitchers have the widest velo swings of any age pitchers. He believes that there are many reasons but the two biggest are 1) changes in body weight and 2) HS pitchers not knowing their body and how to consistently prepare to pitch.

I see 2-3 MPH fluctuations quite often in my sons velocity as do most of the other parents I know.

Does he have a strength/weight training routine?  

Yes, weight training is happening, but I would say its been lower in the priority list of things he's committed to. Despite our best efforts, we just can't seem to get enough calories in him to gain weight. He had a massive growth spurt in the last year and is now 6 1 and 140 lbs. We went to a sports nutritionist 6 months ago and integrated as much of that plan as we could, and he gained a half of a dang pound over 2+ months... 

Every coach he's ever had has told him he needs to gain weight, but its been fruitless so far. 

Would love to hear from folks who had a similar issue and how/if they found a way forward. He nearly pukes at protein shakes and considers it an achievement to hit his calorie (much less his protein target) one day in a row...

You're describing pretty much standard fluctuations for a growing boy.

If what you're saying is you'd aim for more consistency at the high end, then I would suggest you look where teenagers never want to look.

Start with how he's eating day to day.  The standard teenager pizza diet during travel ball tends to make kids sluggish.

Next, check whether he gets sufficient sleep the nights before his outings.  For extra points, check on whether he generally maintains a standard and ample sleep schedule.  Generally, all kids believe that they are "fine" even if they stay up late the night before a game.  100% of them are wrong, but it's hard to get them to accept this.

Most all pitchers talk about days when they don't have their "best stuff."  In fact most days pitchers don't.  

Had a game last night that was one of the really good nights. Velocity up near his current ceiling. I took a video with my phone. Perhaps y'all can see something in it. 

CD2019 - Sent you a PM.

Slow gainers need proper nutrition and power lifting (periodization).  Try the Met-Rx protein shakes and mix in different things if you do not like the original flavor.  Met-Rx worked for me and has worked to completely regrow the hair of a cancer patient during their chemo treatments and they were almost completely bald from chemotherapy (this was my mother - she's now 86 and still eats the Met-Rx bars).

cluelessDad2019 posted:

Had a game last night that was one of the really good nights. Velocity up near his current ceiling. I took a video with my phone. Perhaps y'all can see something in it. 

PM me if you want some "Holiday Inn" feedback.  But, if he is seeing a decent P coach, be careful about getting too many outside voices chiming in, including mine.

His arm swing gets a tad off line.  But generally, his mechanics are better than most.

ive actually noticed large velocity swings depending on in season or not.   seems like during rest periods my son has come back 10 mph slower initially. 

cabbagedad posted:

 

PM me if you want some "Holiday Inn" feedback.  But, if he is seeing a decent P coach, be careful about getting too many outside voices chiming in, including mine.

That is a very classy response.  I agree with the concern of "too many cooks in the kitchen".   We have found that in regards to my son's swing.   We know the direction his instructor is going with his swing, and know what he needs to improve week to week.  Very hesitant to get off of that path....

Based on what you've said, I'm guessing his technique is varying from game to game. 

Although mass helps, you don't need muscle or weights to get to mid 80s.

cluelessDad2019 posted:

Yes, weight training is happening, but I would say its been lower in the priority list of things he's committed to. Despite our best efforts, we just can't seem to get enough calories in him to gain weight. He had a massive growth spurt in the last year and is now 6 1 and 140 lbs. We went to a sports nutritionist 6 months ago and integrated as much of that plan as we could, and he gained a half of a dang pound over 2+ months... 

Every coach he's ever had has told him he needs to gain weight, but its been fruitless so far. 

Would love to hear from folks who had a similar issue and how/if they found a way forward. He nearly pukes at protein shakes and considers it an achievement to hit his calorie (much less his protein target) one day in a row...

Just to address consistency, a moderate strength program and putting on a little bit more weight could really help him.  For hard gainers, you pretty much have to force feed yourself, but eat clean. I don't want to advise him to down a bunch of pizza, pb&j sandwiches and fruit loops every day.  That's diabetes waiting to happen.  His delivery looks good up until push off.  It's hard to tell from slo-mo but he seems to be pushing off instead of driving forward and rolling the back foot.  

My son has the exact same speeds and variations going on.  If you figure out what's going on clue me in too please.