In our latest newsletter, we take a deep dive into the safety and efficacy of weighted baseballs, shedding light on their profound impact on pitching velocity and the associated risks of injury. Spearheaded by Michael M Reinold, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, and Leonard C Macrina, MSPT, SCS, CSCS from Champion PT and Performance, this study offers invaluable insights that coaches and players alike can benefit from.

Summary of Research:

Weighted baseballs have emerged as a popular tool for boosting pitching velocity, yet questions persist regarding their safety and effectiveness. This study aims to address these concerns by dissecting the current scientific understanding of weighted ball training.

Key Findings:

• Despite the growing emphasis on pitching velocity across all levels of baseball, injury rates continue to soar, particularly among youth and high school athletes.

• While some athletes experience notable improvements in pitching velocity through weighted ball training, the outcomes vary widely among participants.

• Biomechanical studies have unveiled alterations in shoulder torque during weighted ball drills, indicating potential injury risks associated with this training method.

• Although weighted balls may indeed enhance velocity, they also subject the shoulder and elbow joints to heightened stress, raising valid concerns about injury prevention.

• To ensure the safety and efficacy of weighted ball training, it is imperative to develop individualized programs, establish strict criteria, and implement rigorous monitoring protocols.

Baseball Flows Insights:

Every player possesses a unique physiology and movement signature, making it crucial to adopt tailored approaches to training. After years of working with athletes of diverse body types and athletic backgrounds, I've come to appreciate the nuanced nature of performance enhancement.

The allure of quick-fix solutions, such as 6-week weighted ball programs, often overshadows the reality of gradual, sustainable progress. True adaptations take time and require a holistic approach that addresses not only external rotation range of motion but also stability, strength, and overall movement flow.

Moreover, seasonal variations in throwing volume can induce significant shifts in shoulder mechanics and muscular engagement, such as Shoulder ER increases, IR decreases, flexion decreases, scapular upward rotation decreases, and lead leg hip IR decreases. underscoring the importance of personalized training regimens. Factors like the disruption caused by the 2020 shutdown further emphasize the need for comprehensive arm care strategies that encompass both physical and psychological aspects of player well-being and development.

Moving forward, it is imperative to embrace the principles of progressive loading, prioritize soft tissue mobilization, and incorporate a well-rounded arm care routine into every pitcher's training regimen, such as our Jaeger Band Flows coupled with our monthly Baseball flows subscription to ensure that global movement patterns are well ingrained and the scapular-shoulder complex is mobile, stable and powerful to withstand the forces of throwing. Additionally, developing individualized ramp-up schedules tailored to each player's needs is paramount, with invaluable resources like Jaeger providing invaluable guidance in this regard.

For more insights and resources on optimizing pitching performance safely and effectively, I encourage you to explore Jaeger's website and tap into the wealth of knowledge they offer.

Future Newsletter Inquiry:

Curious About Our Collaborative Efforts: What Were the Outcomes of Our "Flows to Throw" Throwing Motion Program?

Hint: We witnessed a Rise in Velocity with Sustained Velocity Among Our Pitchers.

At Baseball Flows, we're committed to helping you discover this sweet spot where challenge meets refinement. Join us on this adventure as we delve deeper into the art of movement and the science of movement habit stacking. Together, we'll unlock the true potential of your athletic performance.

Start training your optimal movement habits today!

www.baseballflows.com

Share your experiences and insights with us! Simply hit reply to this email or connect with us on social media. Let's learn from each other and embrace the power of Baseball Flows together!

Let's train smarter, move better, and flow in the game.

Dr. Ismael Gallo

Founder, Baseball Flows

If you would like to read the entire Reinold article [click here]

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