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Training with VBT… Understanding and Training in the Zones (Part 3)

In Parts 1 (click here) and 2 (click here), we talked about what the Force-Velocity curve is and why it’s important.  We also introduced VBT (velocity-based training), discussing how it’s different from conventional 1RM testing and some of the benefits in using it to train your athletes.  Today, we’ll dive a little deeper and talk about the specific “zones” used to train different traits on the Force-Velo curve as well as how they relate to specific movements on the field. Continue reading “Training with VBT… Understanding and Training in the Zones (Part 3)”

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Training the Force-Velocity Curve with VBT… How it Works – Part 2

velocity based training

As far as athletic performance goes, it’s getting clearer and clearer that strength, speed and power are king (click here for Part 1). That’s why maximizing training protocols for a sport with movements as quick and explosive as baseball is paramount. Increasing strength and power involves:

    • Increasing muscle fiber size and structure
    • Increasing the activation and rate of firing time of motor units

Continue reading “Training the Force-Velocity Curve with VBT… How it Works — Part 2”

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How to Create a More Powerful Lower Half in Pitching

lower half pitching

I’m sitting here in my office analyzing pitching video and thinking to myself “are folks understanding what I’m talking about when I tell them they’re not using their lower half pitching mechanics efficiently?” It prompted me to write this quick tutorial as to how lower half rotation unfolds, helping to initiate the power that ultimately gets transferred through the core and into the arm.  As we go through this, we will also review what type exercise might be helpful. Continue reading “How to Create a More Powerful Lower Half in Pitching”

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Baseball Warm-up When You Only Have 5 Minutes

baseball warm-up

I was having a conversation about big league ball with RPP pitching coach Robbie Aviles a while back and he mentioned that many times as a relief pitcher with the Cleveland Indians, he barely got a chance to warm-up before throwing. As a matter of fact, he sometimes got just about enough time to take off his jacket and throw a few pitches.  This made me think back on an article I remember reading by Mike Reinold where he talked about a baseball warm-up protocol that includes exercises to increase shoulder ROM, Mobility, Activation, and Dynamic Movement all done in a circuit that takes less than 5 minutes to perform!! Continue reading “Baseball Warm-up When You Only Have 5 Minutes”

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Baseball Spin Rate Basics and Pitch Movement

baseball spin rate

Tomorrow’s elite pitchers have to learn and take advantage of the implications of data analysis.  Advancements in technology have brought newly available data on baseball spin rate and pitch movement and other valuable information to the doorsteps of commercial baseball facilities and the future will be never be the same (what!?).

Image above by: http://www.lokeshdhakar.com/

Continue reading “Baseball Spin Rate Basics and Pitch Movement”