quote:
Originally posted by bballman:
I agree with what you are saying BUM, but the OP is asking about what advice to give to youth pitchers. I say encourage throwing a lot, not necessarily pitching, core work, mechanics. All these things will lead to more velocity as young throwers get older and can increase velocity.
This is correct. Bum, Jr. long-tossed year-round, even in winter but also regularly received mechanical training from a D1 college pitching coach (not the coach of his eventual school, who nearly ruined him). All of the training, core work, long-tossing, band work, and plyometrics led to the same goal: Increased velocity AND command.
Like I said earlier, velocity and accuracy are two sides of the same coin. I'm not sure why people automatically assume the kid that throws hard can never find the strike zone. Actually, especially in college and beyond, the harder throwers are more likely to also have command.
Think about it this way. If you implant the idea into a youth pitcher to not focus on velocity, just work the corners, work on the offspeed pitches.. for what? Only to be told later you're not good enough to go to the next level (due to lack of velocity)? What's the point.
The primary focus HAS to be on velocity. Get that velocity first, and then learn to harness it and refine it.
I was looking at Bum Jr.'s travel team alumni roster this morning. It is chalk full of 86-87 guys that never took it to the next level. It also contained names of guys that were 88-90 in h.s. that are now in pro ball. Velocity was the difference.