Help. Need tips on strengthening def. arm./non-pitcher

Depends on what you mean by radar gun at 45 degrees. How far away was the gun from where he was releasing the ball and where was it lined up relative to where he was throwing the ball? Within reason the direction the gun is pointing doesn't make any difference.

If the gun was really at 45 degrees then he might as well change over to a pitcher now. He'd be Aroldis Chapman material.

He was throwing from rf to the plate (maybe 225 ft). Gun was about 10-15 feet in front of my son. Maybe less than 45 degrees. Maybe more like 25 dergees in towards the field. Gun was pointed back at my son.

I wouldn't be that worried, 77 is not that bad for a 15 yr old. I have two articles on how to gain arm strength for pitchers but they apply to anyone who wants to increase their arm strength. Learn how extension can increase velocity along with your hips. To go along with these articles make sure your son is keeping his weight on his back leg as long as possible. Long toss is always a good way to increase arm strength as well.

Long toss: Go to Jaegersports.com and order thrive on throwing CD, and some J bands.

Weights yes. Legs, core. Focus on knees to chest. Jon Doyle who advertises here has some good stuff. Make the squat rack your friend.

Sprints. 100'x 5-10 2 x's per week.

Don't forget to stretch.

Good luck.

I made a bunch of "gadgets" that worked for my son. A rice bucket, a broomstick with weights, thera bands, a 5 lb weight attached to a cord and a pulley suspended from the basement ceiling. I also participated with him in long toss ... with a 5 gal bucket of baseballs (I'd catch them).
Fungo

Thank you for everybody's advice. We are working on it and hope to get him in time for summer team tryouts.

Best of luck, keep us posted on the progress

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