As a part of what we do here at RPP, we’re always reviewing and analyzing pitching video of all different ages, levels and size. I can say without a doubt that 8 out of 10 or 80% of all pitchers we analyze lack sufficient use of their lower half. Continue reading “Power from Lower Half Pitching Mechanics”
The chart below is intended to be a reference for pitcher’s height and weight for what we consider to be physically mature among high level pitchers, courtesy of Graeme Lehman:
In Part 1 of this series (click here), we talked about the importance of loading the lower half to help avoid a “quad dominant” delivery, some of the mechanical disconnects associated with quad dominance and certain things we can do to help get that ever elusive hip hinge. Today, we’re going to look at early hip rotation and its effect on maintaining force into the ground longer. This is a big disconnect we often see which ironically begins with the inadequate glute load we talked about in Part 1. Continue reading “Engaging the Lower Half to Create Power… Ground Reaction Forces — Part 2”
Here in Part 3 of this 2017 “Best of” series, are this year’s most popular articles on strength and conditioning… Continue reading “The Best of 2017 – Strength and Conditioning Articles”
As we get closer to a new year I would like to look back and get a bit reflective. A few years ago, I started a series in which I posted the most popular blogs of the year. These are the articles that received the most traffic, according to our hosting statistics. It seems to be a favorite of everyone, so here we go again with Part 1, covering the top 5 most popular pitching-related articles. Continue reading “The Best of 2017 — Pitching Articles”
Here, in Part 2 of this series, are this year’s top 5 most popular articles on miscellaneous topics, including wasting money, showcases, secret sauces and our year-end review for 2017 and beyond… Continue reading “The Best of 2017 — RPP Articles”
It’s time to start throwing and sure enough, here come the videos of pitchers performing weighted ball holds using mechanics that don’t come close to resembling proper throwing mechanics, no lay back, no whip action, no pronation and poor hip rotation at finish to name a few. So why do many pitching coaches do them? Continue reading “Weighted Ball Holds, Oh No, Not Again!”
As coaches and trainers, we have a big responsibility to fully develop our athletes, so they can perform at their best. At the same time, we are expected to keep them healthy to give them the best chance to play at the highest level. But, while arm injuries continue to rise in baseball players (specifically pitchers), we’ve come to realize that pitchers are the worst prepared athletes to step on an athletic field. Take note I didn’t say worst athletes, I said worst prepared. Bottom line, the system is flawed. Continue reading “How to Maximize Your Training… The System is Flawed”
As we get closer to the end of another year here at RPP, it seems like a good time to reflect back on 2017, and provide you with a glimpse of where we might be headed in 2018. Continue reading “Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Headed”
Many times, when analyzing video of our young pitchers, I’ll come across an excessive lateral trunk tilt at foot strike. It’s quite common in younger throwers and is characterized by an excessive lean (tilt) contralaterally towards your left side at ball release (if you’re a right-handed pitcher and vice versa). The head becomes tilted, facing away from the driveline and gives the appearance that the athlete is getting ready to launch the ball over a three-story building.
Continue reading “Addressing and Treating Trunk Tilt at Foot Strike – Part 1”
