Baseball Pitching Velocity Training

Poor posture pitchingMaintaining a healthy body and avoiding injuries requires proper posture. However, poor posture is a widespread issue that effects a large number of people, particularly athletes and those who perform repetitive motions. One such group is pitchers, who frequently experience shoulder impingements due to poor posture while throwing. Shoulder impingements can cause pain, discomfort, and a reduction in range of motion, which can have a negative effect on the performance of a pitcher. This article will examine the significance of excellent posture in pitching, the causes and symptoms of impingements, and, most importantly, how to avoid them. Pitchers can prevent impingements and improve their overall performance by comprehending the impact of poor posture on pitching and implementing the strategies discussed in this article.

What Decreases Pitching Velocity and Causes Injury?

Notice the image below of the subacromial space. When the arm is relaxed and down, there is enough room for the shoulder to rotate internally and externally but when the arm is raised above the head, in a throwing position, the subacromial space is almost closed. This can easily cause an impingement of the rotator cuff muscle, mainly the supraspinatus. Poor posture makes this even worse. Because the shoulders are positioned more forward, and the acromion is positioned further on top of the supraspinatus muscle, the muscle is put more at risk at becoming an impingement. The combination of poor posture while pitching and the repetitive internal rotation of the arm required from the throwing motion will eventually lead to the muscle beginning tear. When not diagnosed in time, it could lead to a complete tear of the rotator cuff.
Notice the image below of the subacromial space. When the arm is relaxed and down, there is enough room for the shoulder to rotate internally and externally but when the arm is raised above the head, in a throwing position, the subacromial space is almost closed. This can easily cause an impingement of the rotator cuff muscle, mainly the supraspinatus. Poor posture makes this even worse. Because the shoulders are positioned more forward, and the acromion is positioned further on top of the supraspinatus muscle, the muscle is put more at risk at becoming an impingement. The combination of poor posture while pitching and the repetitive internal rotation of the arm required from the throwing motion will eventually lead to the muscle beginning tear. When not diagnosed in time, it could lead to a complete tear of the rotator cuff.Poor posture pitching

Poor posture pitching not only causes injury, it decreases pitching velocity. Poor and good posture can be seen in the picture above. Good posture is when your core is firm, your hips are rotated back and under you and your shoulders are almost on the back shelf. The back shelf is when your shoulders are pulled all the way back. You should have them always on the shelf just before the back shelf. To do this pull the shoulders all the way back and then relax and move them up a little bit. This is where they should always live. This posture will increase velocity because if you notice your chest is out and your hips are under you. This will help prevent your shoulders from leading your hips during your pitching delivery. This will prevent an impingement and allow full range of motion in your arm and allow your body to perform the perfect pitching mechanics.

So, let's not be lazy. It is time to focus on your body's structural alignment make the corrections necessary as early as possible, so your throwing arm does not suffer the consequences. Fortunately, as you will understand after reading the next section, poor posture can be corrected through a selection of stretches and exercises that will help develop the weak muscles. Keep reading to learn how to correct your poor posture while pitching.

Can You Reverse damage from poor posture?

Poor posture both while pitching and in general is caused by a weak core, overly tight hamstrings, or a combination. As an athlete it is imperative to have a strong core in order to have the optimal pitching motion and to develop the maximum pitching velocity possible. If you do not have a strong and stable core from which to launch from, your balance will be affected which will affect the position you are able to maintain causing your delivery to lose velocity and set you up for an arm injury because of a poor ground force transfer. However, it is possible to retrain the brain to understand what a normal or neutral posture is. With proper treatment, which includes stretching, strengthening, and developing the proper neural patterns within the muscular system, thereby allowing the spine to be in proper alignment.

Does poor posture increase the likelihood of injury?

Those who have poor posture that do not participate in sports place themselves in more peril of the likelihood of injury. However, as an athlete it is even more important to ensure our posture is in the best possible position to maximize stability and power output. Those who have poor posture can develop poor pitching habits that will only hinder progress and development of elite pitching velocity and a slew of injuries that can occur if the posture is not corrected. That is why it is important not to overlook any muscle group when working to develop the movements of an elite pitcher. Ensuring your body is able to be positioned at the right angle at all times is crucial when it comes to the biomechanics of a pitch. In doing so you will dramatically reduce your risk of developing injury from throwing.

#1 Way to Correct Poor Pitching delivery

It is critical to start developing proper spine alignment as soon as possible because every step taken with poor posture is only reinforcing the brains idea that this is what normal posture is. With the 3x Extreme Pitching Velocity program, we will walk you through how to develop not only proper spinal alignment but enhance your pitching mechanics in the process. Young pitchers and seasoned pitchers alike will benefit from Coach Pourciau's 15 +years of experience developing elite athletes. Don't delay any longer. Sign up for the 3x Extreme Pitching velocity program, correct your posture, throw harder, and develop elite baseball mechanics that will astound your competition.