The bottom line, most agree, is that training with weighted baseballs can be beneficial as long as it is carefully monitored and part of a comprehensive training program. And adding velocity may gain attention, but pitching is about much more than simply throwing hard.
What age can you use weighted baseballs?
1. You must be at least 16 years old and anatomically mature (growth plates). Throwing a weighted ball stretches the shoulder into added external rotation.
Should you use weighted baseballs?
The major benefit of proper weighted ball training is increased pitching velocity. Just about every pitcher wants to throw harder, but some will benefit significantly more from doing so than others. Weighted ball training does carry some risk, so you need to make sure the juice is worth the squeeze in your case.
What are the benefits of weighted baseballs?
4 Great Reasons To Throw Weighted Baseballs
- #1: Underweight Baseballs are Safer to Throw. …
- #2: Underweight Baseballs Train Faster Arm Speed. …
- #3: Overweight Baseballs Help Condition the Arm. …
- #4: Under/Overload Training Simply Produces Higher Fastball Velocities!
Is it safe to throw weighted balls?
Although this study found velocity can be increased somewhat with a weighted ball program, injury rates increased significantly. … If players desire to try weighted ball throwing, caution should be taken, especially by youth baseball players, before using weighted balls.
Are weighted baseballs bad for your arm?
Weighted Baseballs Do Not Increase Arm Speed or Strength
There were no statistically significant differences in valgus stress or angular velocity of the arm in either group. Arm strength, arm angular velocity, and arm stress were not statistically different following the training program.
How often should I throw weighted balls?
A typical program for an 18-year old high school senior about to enter college baseball will be throwing batting practice once or twice per week and one short bullpen once per week.
Do weighted baseballs help increase velocity?
Weighted balls increase layback, which increases velocity, which both increase stress, which all increase injury rates.
How hard should a 13 year old throw a baseball?
The pitchers in the 13 and 14 year old age group can be heavily involved in travel baseball, or finishing up their Little League experience. A typical fastball from this age group is anywhere from 55 mph (on the low side) to 75 mph. … An average changeup for this age is somewhere around the 50-60 mph mark.
Do weighted baseballs work for hitting?
Using weighted baseballs for hitting drills can be effective, especially if you have players who have trouble finishing their swing. It can also be a way to reinforce good extension and follow-through, and getting your hands through the zone.
How can I increase my youth pitcher speed?
10 ways to increase pitching velocity
- 10 ways to increase pitching velocity. …
- Increase stride length. …
- Use a four-seam grip. …
- Get the glove arm involved. …
- Eliminate the “balance point” …
- Raise lead knee to a minimum of 60% (but not more than 70%) of pitcher’s overall height during leg kick.
Are weighted balls good for batting practice?
Hitters can also benefit from practicing with a weighted baseball. Heavier weighted baseballs are designed to help improve speed and power through focused resistance training. They can help show when solid contact is made and help a hitter develop proper follow through and consistency at the plate.
Do weighted baseballs damage bats?
Weighted balls, dimpled machine balls, and real balls below 60 degrees are too hard and dense. They will break the composite fibers of the bat reducing its bounce and effectiveness.
Do PLYO balls increase velocity?
Currently we know that over- and underload balls similar in weight to a baseball can be effective at increasing velocity.