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by Anthony Putignano on November 28th, 2004

Anthony Putignano

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I'm 14. What are some things I can do to throw a ball harder?

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Answers. 7 helpful answers below.

  • by bluegenel on November 8th, 2007

    bluegenel

    Practice and technique...:)

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  • by XFactor on November 8th, 2007

    XFactor

    Nope, stretching is terrible before any work outs or sporting events, as it is proven that it reduces strength, speed, velocity, and does not decrease the risk of injury.

    What you want to do is a dynamic warm up. Butt kickers, walking lunges, running sprints, running backwards, some push ups, you want to raise your body temperature a 1ºC. If you live really close by to the field, you can also take a hot 10 minute shower.

    Anyways, to throw harder, move faster (by pushing with your leg [while leading with your front hip] as hard as you can, getting out to at least 100% of your height). Velocity is from elastic energy (speed of movement, the faster the more potential velocity) and momentum.

    In 1983, there was a study done on the pitching shoulder, by Dr. Frank Jobe, Tibone, Perry & Moynes, and the study showed from cocking point to release (so arm acceleration), there was hardly any muscle activation in the shoulder, which means it wasn't powered by arm strength, mainly, it was powered by elastic energy.

    Check out these two videos, and notice how explosive they are, and (in Koufax's case), how they use momentum by stepping straight back in their wind up, putting themselves at a greater distance from the plate. That creates more momentum.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch
    http://www.youtube.com/watch (0:31 and 0:43 especially)

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  • by scooter on December 8th, 2004

    scooter

    There are different theories behind this question. I teach kids your age to first get their legs stronger. Believe or not this game is played with your legs more than your arms. As a pitcher, we should be using our legs when ever possible and what I mean by that is to push off of the rubber harder than usual.
    To gain arm speed, you can build muscle by lifting weights, not too much bench press because you want more flexibility than bulk. Also play a lot of long toss. Our body works on muscle memory, if we play long toss our arm will remember what it feels like to throw the ball hard and far when we need the extra zip on the ball. When playing long toss you should work up to 150 feet, starting at about 60 feet and gradually moving back when your arm feels loose. Do not rush getting back because your arm needs to build up. When you get past 90 feet, your throws should have a slight arc and you should shuffle your feet before you throw. If you are throwing long toss and have a rainbow ball path then you are just stretching it out. You need to keep the ball some what low, no more than 15 feet high, if you have to bounce it that is fine and it gives you something to gauge your progress on. Make sure that you are moving you feet before you throw, a shuffle step or a crow hop. Complete about 10-15 throws and then move it in and call it a day.

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  • by Carter.Rugby.Girl on November 9th, 2007

    Carter.Rugby.Girl

    work on arm strength, unless u mean the other type of ball lol

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  • by tikiman on November 8th, 2007

    tikiman

    start throwing with a heavier ball, and over time u will gain muscles to make it faster and harder when u go back to the other size ball

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  • by anonymous on November 9th, 2007

    anonymous

    well obviously work on arm strength by playing long toss. build up arm strentgh by doing that. also strengthen your legs. thats where you get a lot of power from. also make sure u have a good stride when u throw the ball. not too much where you lose your balance,but a good stride in terms of length can help give you a lot of momentum toward your target which allows you to throw the ball harder.

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  • by mattyt on July 30th, 2006

    mattyt

    Stretch your arms before the game. A good way to do this is to stand with your back to a fence then put your arms over your head and grab the fence.Then lean forward while still holding the fence and your feet in place.

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