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My 15 1/2 yr old son is 5'9", but only 116 lbs. He started puberty later than his friends, plus he inherited my small bone structure. I think he'll make it to 5'11" (I'm 6'0", 185) and he clearly has a lot of weight to gain. He pitched well on JV this season. On the radar gun, he averaged 70 mph with good movement, good mechanics according to his ex-MLB instructor. Is there a rule of thumb for how fast he should throw when he's 140, 160 lbs? We just started a weight training program and he's due for a growth spurt. Goal is to reach mid-70's in the Fall, 80 by next Spring, his Jr. year. Does this seam reasonable? Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.
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I don't think there is a rule of thumb for size vs velocity. Tim Lincecome is the most recent example of this. Bum has said here be obsessed with velocity, but not worry about it.

Weight room now through fall should help and get him on a good long toss program and this will insure he is achieving his maximum potential. Make sure he has someone to help him on his pitching mechanics and beyond this it is genetics.
Thanks for the feedback, guys. He's already gained 5 lbs. after 2 weeks of weight training. I think if he keeps that up, and works on his extension and follow-through, that will do wonders. I hope he can gain more than 3 mph by next March. I'm optimistic because he has so much more room to grow physically. He wants to take Creatine..not sure if that's ok for a teenager.
There is all kinds of information on Creatine in the strength and condition forum. Go to that section and do a search on it and make up your own mind. I personally think teenagers should focus on good eating habits, lots of rest (overlooked), a good work out program with some additional protein supplements after workouts….. also lot’s of H2O (overlooked)

Sounds like he is doing the right things, remember there are no magic bullets, and it is difficult to access X mph per year, there are just too many variable - just lots of hard work required. Mine went from low to mid 70’s to low 80’s Fr to Soph. so it is possible, but it will probably depend when he hits puberty and the subsequent body mass growth. Good Luck!
BOF, I hope we get the same results as your son. Mine's in the low 70's as a Soph, but age-wise he could be a Fr. At what times did yours have major growth spurts?

I'll look for the creatine info. I've learned that anything I could possibly ask is already covered in prior threads. But, creatine can't be any worse for them then these new "energy" drinks that are all the rage with teens. 52 grams of sugar, plus caffeine in one can!
all these posts are great. I to have a 5ft 11in 135 lb Junior pitcher and a late bloomer. hard work is the answer. get your son to work hard. my guy cruises 85-86 and has hit 89 on the stalker. he works 3 times a week on his core, band work, plyometrics, long toss, sprints and 1 bullpen session a week until summer ball starts. your son will get there. as far as creatine it did not work for us. some kids are all fast twitch muscles with high metabolisms and mother nature needs to take her course

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