Losing weight help increase velocity?

Achieving your top velocity requires you to achieve your peak physical conditioning.

Losing weight could make you weaker if you rely solely on dieting, since such diets can slow your metabolism and you can lose some muscle weight.

But generally getting in shape so that you lose fat and gain muscle -- of course that can help.

Also bear in mind that a lot of a pitcher's power comes from hip/trunk turn. If you are sluggish in this turn due to a spare tire, your velocity is not where it could be.

And if you're generally not in shape, you could also expect to tire more easily and thus lose velocity as you go deeper into outings.

Pitchers are generally expected to run 1 1/2 miles, 5 times/week, plus sprints a few times per week. If you do the work, you'll see the improvement, and not just in your velocity.

Agree with Midlo Dad. DO NOT try and lose weight at your age by dieting. Just choose healthy, whole foods and then take it to the gym and on the running trails and your body will take care of itself, probably pretty quickly. As mentioned, you don't want to lose muscle mass, and 'dieting' can cause that to happen.

Definitely not! Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. So you can be lean and mean and heavy! The good news is, you've already got the muscle to support that weight you have. So now, you concentrate on getting cut.. converting fat to muscle. You won't lose weight, but you'll look like it!

My tips: NO POP. It is the enemy of mankind. Focus on a protein-rich (meat), balanced diet. Eat 6 small meals a day. No carbs at night! Lift weights. Do tons of core work and plyometrics if possible.

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DO NOT try and lose weight at your age by dieting.

Depends on how much of that 170 pounds is pure blubber. For many American kids, a lot.

It's very hard to shed pounds just with exercise. Combining a slightly restricted diet with goal oriented exercise (like running weekend 5K races)works well.

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BTW, I will try to lose weight even if it doesn't benefit my pitching velocity.

Smart. There are many benefits including looking more athletic during varsity or college tryouts.

I'll just chime in to add support to what's already been said. I know a 14 year old who was just a mediocre pitcher a year ago, couldn't go more than 2 or 3 innings before losing his control. All winter he concentrated on getting in better shape, including running nearly every day. It's amazing to watch him pitch now, he's improved so much it's hard to believe. And not only has his velocity increased significantly, he can keep on throwing heat inning after inning. I'm pretty much convinced his conversion has a lot to do with his physical conditioning.

Right now this would be my ideal day:

Breakfast: A waffle and eggs

Lunch: A Sub Sandwich( focusing mainly on bread and tomatoes and little meat. Some Carrots and an Apple. BTW, what I used to eat for lunch was a Hamburger, French Fries, Chocolate pudding and some more fries after I finished my meal.

Right after school: Do some running outside, play some basketball, and lift.

Dinner: Chicken or beef, some vegetables, and some rice.

BTW, I am trying to avoid eating snacks in between meals.

Looks like you're doing a great job, ro1249. Plus the advice you've gotten so far is very good. You are definitely on the right track.

I think the best place to start in terms of your nutrition is probably with your doctor to determine how much body fat you have, and where you should be. But I'll offer some advice since over last summer we looked into proper nutrition for the growing young man.

The best diet is a well-nourished body. I actually heard that on Oprah about 20 years ago, but it makes sense! The key to me is that when you eat something, you should be feeding your body, not just your appetite. I know waffles are yummy every now and then, but you might think about switching that out for something else. Your body still needs calories, but you can switch out the simple carbs and sugars in the waffle for maybe whole wheat bread with peanut butter, or put some yogurt and fruit into a blender and make yourself a smoothie. And you can still have a waffle every now and then. Eggs are a great protein source, so that's a good move on your part. If you're a bacon guy on the weekends like 2B, you might also see if you can get some Canadian bacon. It's not as high in fat or sodium as regular bacon, it's not a bad protein source, and it tastes pretty good, too.

Also, as long as it's lean meat in the sub, I don't see any reason to limit that. If you can change from white bread to whole wheat and go easy on the mayo and other sauces, that should help too.

I would also think that at your age, snacks are not necessarily a taboo. Just make sure that what you eat is of a reasonable portion and gives you some benefit. Apples and cheese or peanut butter, carrot sticks or raw broccoli to dip in low-fat salad dressing, a few almonds, stuff like that. And Bum is right - stay away from the sodas. Those calories will sneak up on ya.

You can do it! And you know it will pay off. Good luck!