Question about velocity

For my son it's a timing/sequencing issue coupled with explosive leg/hip/shoulder rotation.  He's currently in the processes of having things slot correctly.  When it's on he throws significantly harder than normal.  It will probably take until next spring for him to be able to do it all the time.  What's happening is that the lower body is connecting with the hips, then torso, then shoulders in the proper sequence resulting in constant acceleration until release point.  It's easiest to notice by the twist in his jersey indicating good hip/shoulder separation.  This is also having a positive impact on his hitting (bat speed) as the sequencing is very similar.  I believe that the explosive medicine ball training, core training, and improving mechanics has been the chief causes of his improvement.

Long toss.  Mechanical training.  Plyometrics.  Hard work.  Maturity.

Throwing in the middle of the winter, nearly every day, up against a racquetball court wall while his peers were not.

Having the heart of a champion.

I agree with BUM, but would add to the plyometrics - weight training, particularly for core and lower body.  Weight training has to be phased with mass, strength and explosiveness phases. Yoga or Pilates is also great for flexibility, which is critical in pitching.

I think the physical attributes come from two areas: 1) training and 2) genetic development. (puberty timing and genetic attributes) I consider long toss one of the training elements. Training in the gym helps, but until a kid gets to the other side of puberty training does not really accelerate the process

Don’t get me wrong training is extremely important pre-puberty, but the accelerated benefits don’t happen until post puberty.

The other key attribute that BUM mentioned is drive. I think the really hard workers get to their genetic maximum, while others fall far short.

Mechanics play a significant second element. Getting the right mechanics is huge, but my personal feeling is that until the physical development is there that magic last jump in velo cannot be achieved due to lack of physical development.  

I would stress that some kids develop early and some late, even after HS graduation so patience is required and you cannot change nature, no matter how hard you try.  My point is that until the physical elements are in place the full mechanical changes cannot be fully implemented.

This is a long winded answer that essentially says that there is no simple rule of thumb for velocity gain per year for every kid. Some gain 8 MPH in a year and some gain 2-3. Everyone has a genetic maximum and most don’t reach it due to lack of drive/will. Finally just remember it is a marathon not a sprint.

Best of luck!

Before anyone takes this the wrong way, there is nothing for sale here.  I'm sure there are others capable of doing the same thing.  In fact, I know a few who can. I have never worked with a young pitcher who has not gained velocity immediately, with in a half hour.  This is because most every young pitcher has flaws in their delivery that prevent them from reaching their velocity potential.  Yes, all the other things are very important for development but learning to use your body, the one you have right now, is also important.  Granted things might change as you mature, but efficiency is always important.

I should also say that this is not a quick fix.  Even though the velocity will increase, it takes awhile for young pitchers to keep things headed in the right direction.  In other words, what happens in the bullpen doesn't always replace old habits.

also don't think this is an extra effort sort of thing.

To clarify my earlier question.  It is my experience that most (not all) pitchers, including my own son, gain 3-4 mph each year.  Some get a certain speed and stop.  However, I noticed that several posters on here have indicated that they or their son had what I would call an increase that out of the ordinary.  Bum in particular stated that Bum Jr had normal increases until 16.  Then he had two years in row of increases in 8-9 mph range and there were others that had a similar experience.  I understand that everyone is different but my question is for those that a similar increase was there something you did differently that corresponded with the out of "ordinary" increase or had you been doing the same thing for years or was it a case of that is when he developed physically.

nt639, Bum, Jr. did long-toss year-round since about age 12 or 13.  I really credit that for his velocity increase, mechanics and arm health.  Unfortunately, a few days ago he blew out his ACL covering first base and is done for the year.   Too bad, because he said he's had good velocity and uncanny movement lately (and some control issues due to the new movement on his pitches).  I'm hoping and praying he's healthy next year. 

BUM,  First of all I hope your son makes a full recovery.  Did your son ever have issues with "dead arm" or fatigue when throwing year round?  I know my son (14) can really see an increase in velocity when he is able to long toss regularly, but I'm concerned about him throwing year round.  

Bum I'm sorry to hear about his injury and I hope Bum Jr has a speedy recovery. I know this is disappointing. 

Goin_yard,

Never a dead arm, never any pain, and never a tired arm in all the years he's pitched.  In fact, the only injuries he's ever had are a twisted ankle and now his knee.  Long-toss has been a benefit to him but also I credit the tremendous pitching coaches he has had over the years.

Just a note, when he got to college they did shut him down a few weeks each fall.  I'm not sure what the plan is at the pro level but at this point he's paid to do whatever they tell him.  I do know his team does favor long-toss.