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Just curious what most people think about different methods of long-tossing. The Jaeger program likes to "arc" when going max distance, then throw on a line while in the "pull-down" phase (coming in). The opposite spectrum: I've also heard plenty of other pitching coaches say to throw long toss on a line (no arc) at all times.

 

So, which is right or the best and most beneficial way of long-toss, and what experiences do you have using either of the methods? Does "arcing" really promote bad mechanics? Is either better for the shoulder over the other? Which is more likely to get more velocity? More endurance? Better for overall arm health? 

Last edited by DwightMillard33
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Originally Posted by DwightMillard33:

Just curious what most people think about different methods of long-tossing. The Jaeger program likes to "arc" when going max distance, then throw on a line while in the "pull-down" phase (coming in). The opposite spectrum: I've also heard plenty of other pitching coaches say to throw long toss on a line (no arc) at all times.

 

So, which is right or the best and most beneficial way of long-toss, and what experiences do you have using either of the methods? Does "arcing" really promote bad mechanics? Is either better for the shoulder over the other? Which is more likely to get more velocity? More endurance? Better for overall arm health? 

I would think this would put more stress on an arm at the early stages of long toss. 

My son attended a camp recently run by a well respected D1 pitching coach.

 

For pitchers he said it really was dependent on your natural arm slot:

 

Over the top guys can air it out all day long on an arc as that is their natural motion anyway

 

3/4 guys should limit it to the on the line so as not to alter their natural mechanics

 

I have been a big believer of long toss with my son ever since he was young, but I had never heard it explained like that.  Made sense to me.

In my opinion on long toss the the pull down phase (throwing on a line) is where the most gains are made. The arc is to put less stress on the shoulder and allow for more throwing. I don't remember what conference I was at when I first heard it explained this way but I liked the explination. It's the reason a quarter back can throw for ever with out shoulder problems. Releasing the ball on an upward trajectory puts much less strain on the shoulder. However like  backstop said a low arm slot does not have the same non damaging effect from the arch. I believe it's from stress on the elbow but not totally sure.

So essitially if your wanting to throw a lot the majority of throws needs to be on an arc (and over the top) with on a line (at natural arm slot) to finish up. If all the throws are on a line much less throwing should be done. At least that's my opinion anyway.
Originally Posted by BackstopDad32:

My son attended a camp recently run by a well respected D1 pitching coach.

 

For pitchers he said it really was dependent on your natural arm slot:

 

Over the top guys can air it out all day long on an arc as that is their natural motion anyway

 

3/4 guys should limit it to the on the line so as not to alter their natural mechanics

 

I have been a big believer of long toss with my son ever since he was young, but I had never heard it explained like that.  Made sense to me.

I've never heard of this adjustment based on arm slot before either, but it does make logical sense to me too. Wondering if anyone else has experience with this? Where is Mr. Long Toss, aka the great Bum, when we need him?

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