sudden loss of velocity

Could be any number of things. Maybe they were different guns? Maybe they were not gunning him at the right time? Maybe they got crossed up? Maybe the gun settings were off or changed? Really need more information here. Went to a camp last year where the fastest senior only threw 79 on a stalker. Everyone was saying how the guns were off, etc, etc. Players were bummed and everyone was disheartened in some degree. Truth is the guns were right on and other factors came into play. It was a little cold, it was in the winter when not a lot of throwing happens, and couple that with the fact that they were clocked on the last day of the 3 day camp meant that they were probably a little tired. These same kids a few months later, in warmer weather, and better conditioned and fresh were able to throw 3-5 mph faster being clocked again at another camp by another stalker. So, suddenly 79 turns into 83-84 and there becomes new light once again for the pitcher.

It could be easy to cause alarms to go off but I wouldn't be too concerned unless if you noticed with your physical eyes a noticeable drop in their velocity. An 8-10 drop at the velocity you posted would be obvious with the naked eye.

as a pitcher only, he had two hours in between warming up and running a 60 (6.9, by the way!), and actually getting on the mound. I feel like that might've had something to do with it, as well as the fact that it was the second day of camp. but Smithers jr. got into the car after hearing his velocity and moped around, gripping his arm... I hope this whole showcase thing in winter and overpreparation won't have screwed him over...

Velocity readings can be strange. A few years back when son was 11 they brought out a gun at practice. It was one of the first outside practices of the spring and son threw a team best 54mph. A week later at a practice in a heated wharehouse that same gun came out and son threw 59mph. I have noted since then that readings in the winter/offseason, cold, or at the beginning of the season can and do varry quite a bit, even substancially lower readings. There are so many factors involved.

Temperature, hummidity, time of day, second day of a showcase, rest, nerves, and just human variability all have an effect on velocity. I would not worry about it.

Yet another reason to use a radar gun as a normal course.

Shoulder fatigue, especially this time of year when the kids are not getting routine pitching and recovery can cause a loss of velocity. As a precaution you may want to have a Sports Ortho Doc check him out for rotator cuff weakness etc.

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he hasn't really taken a break in months... maybe that's it.

I think this should not be overlooked. The body needs a time of active rest. I would take 2-3 weeks off of any pitching, just play a little catch once or twice a week and see how he feels.

I would also suggest he see an ortho. If his velocity is way down and he was gripping his arm there could be a medical issue. Jr had the same issues (drop in velocity and elbow pain) and was diagnosed with tendonitus. I think he was overworked over the summer and it took its toll. He shut down for a month and half and is now back to form. Good luck.

Smithers505,

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“suddenly, at a showcase this last weekend, he was feeling a bit off. the fastest he hit was 74”

You have made the classic mistake of showcasing during the fall and winter, If he is training correctly he is in what is known as training regression and should not be competing.

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he hasn't really taken a break in months... maybe that's it.

Break from what?

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Smithers jr. got into the car after hearing his velocity and moped around, gripping his arm”

Why was he gripping his arm?

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“I hope this whole showcase thing in winter and overpreparation won't have screwed him over”

It always does! He should only show himself to groups of recruiters when he has had at least 8 weeks of full competition or more behind him and I’m not talking about relieving.
He may be actually under prepared if he has been lightly competing and neglecting rigorous interval training so he can play in useless fall and winter games.

If he is not injured do not shut him down this will make it worse by allowing him to atrophy what he has previously gained. If he has been vigorously lifting then he needs to tone it down to ½ the reps and weight to maintain and do ballistic (mound work) training more to be ready for spring at this time.

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Originally posted by Yardbird:
It always does! He should only show himself to groups of recruiters when he has had at least 8 weeks of full competition or more behind him and I’m not talking about relieving.
He may be actually under prepared if he has been lightly competing and neglecting rigorous interval training so he can play in useless fall and winter games.

If he is not injured do not shut him down this will make it worse by allowing him to atrophy what he has previously gained. If he has been vigorously lifting then he needs to tone it down to ½ the reps and weight to maintain and do ballistic (mound work) training more to be ready for spring at this time.

I agree with you on this one Yard (see I told you some of your preachings are good!)

Actually unless he has tendonitis, (which there is a good chance he has if he did not prepare himself) then he has to shut down as there is nothing else that will heal this other than rest.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Yardbird:
[It always does! He should only show himself to groups of recruiters when he has had at least 8 weeks of full competition or more behind him../QUOTE]

I agree with the concept, but I don't think 8 weeks of full competition is necessary. Bum, Jr. did a showcase in early January and prepped with about 4 weeks of mound work. (He also longtossed year-round.) He was at 88, going into his senior year of h.s. where he maxed at 89 and had a great year. Again--agree with the concept, just not 8 weeks of full competition. Indoor mound work is fine. All you're trying to show is velocity and feel for your offspeed.

Another thing: Recruiters know the kids' velocity is down in these offseason showcases. They assume this and project 2-3 MPH more the following spring/summer.