What workouts increase pitching velocity?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 18, 2026
Top 10 Exercises for Pitchers to Improve Velocity
- Chest Press – Upper body plyometrics have been linked to improve performance and rotator cuff strength (5). ...
- Overhead Slams – This is another upper body plyometric exercise that involves slamming a medicine ball into the ground from a overhead position.
How can I increase my pitching velocity?
Now, let's get into how to increase pitching velocity in a little more detail...
- 22 ways to increase pitching velocity. ...
- Increase body mass. ...
- Speed up the time from stride foot contact to maximum external rotation of the throwing shoulder. ...
- Get the glove arm involved. ...
- Eliminate the "balance point"
What workouts increase throwing velocity?
Here's an example of how to program them into a lower-body workout:
- A1. Med Ball Scoop Toss – 5 sets of 4 reps per side (4-to-6-pound med ball)
- A2. Lateral Jumps – 5 sets of 3 jumps per side (jump as far as possible)
- B1. Block Deadlifts – 3-5 sets of 3-5 reps with a weight you can lift 6 times.
- C1. ...
- D1.
What workouts help with pitching?
Like a boxer using his legs to drive into the ground, pitchers need powerful legs to propel their pitches.
- TheraBand Knee Squat (Euro-Cross)
- TheraBand Loop Ankle Plantarflexion.
- CLX Rotation Plank.
- CLX Shoulder Dynamic Hug.
- Reverse Throw Exercise.
- TheraBand Loop Wrist Curl.
Are push-ups good for pitchers?
Push-Ups are perfect for pitchers, because the shoulder blades can move freely (not locked down on a bench), similar to when you throw a ball. Lots of different variations can make Push-Ups more challenging, like Plyo Push-Ups or Push-Ups with resistance from a weighted vest, resistance band or chains.
35 related questions foundAre planks good for pitchers?
The reason planks are great at strengthening a pitcher's core is that rather than twisting or crunching, these exercises require the athlete to concentrate on keeping the abs tight and immobile as they encounter resistance which helps a pitcher maintain posture.
Do PLYO balls increase velocity?
In addition to increasing velocity, plyocare balls improve throwing consistency, arm movements, a pitcher's command of the ball, and so on. They are also designed to be used in multiple environments, such as warm-ups, training, and recovery.
Do weighted balls increase velocity?
Weighted balls increase layback, which increases velocity, which both increase stress, which all increase injury rates.
What muscles make you throw a baseball faster?
Muscles to Work Out to Throw Baseballs Harder
- Shoulder Muscles. The deltoids are the muscles of your shoulder, which play a crucial role in rotating your arm. ...
- Triceps. Your triceps are located on the back of your upper arm and aid in the process of extending your arm at the elbow. ...
- Latissimus Dorsi. ...
- Abdominals. ...
- Quadriceps.
Does long toss increase velocity?
However, long toss does increase your intensity to throw the ball and that is a benefit. It can actually help you gain a little velocity, but if you are a pitcher who needs more than 2-3 mph to reach 90 mph you need more than long tossing.
How fast do d1 pitchers throw?
Prototypical Division I pitching recruits throw anywhere between 87 and 95 MPH on a consistent basis. It is important to remember that coaches are looking for pitchers to consistently throw at this velocity, not just touch it every once and awhile.
Are shrugs good for pitchers?
There really are no place for shrugs in the pitchers' workout. Shrugs also lead to a forward rounded shoulder. They strengthen the upper trapezius muscle which is almost never weak. Replace the shrug with Lower Trapezius exercises.
How do you throw harder instantly?
Use your full body to get power into your throws.
- Plant your left foot in front of your body.
- Point your shoulders in line with the target.
- Bring the ball behind you.
- Push off the back foot as you start to throw.
- Rotate your hips and shoulders towards the target.
- Release as the ball passes your head.
How do you increase arm velocity in baseball?
Long toss is the commonly mentioned method to strengthening a baseball player's arm. "If you want to increase the strength in your arm, you've got to go throw," Keith Chatalein, a baseball trainer in Utah, said. It's a daily, 10-minute routine Garrido practices at Texas where players throw longer-than-normal distances.
Are heavy balls good for pitchers?
The researchers found pitch velocity had a statistically significant increase: 4.3% of external rotation in the weighted ball group. The overall injury rate was 24% in the weighted ball group (4/17, as two members were removed for non-throwing injuries).
Are PLYO balls good for pitchers?
These soft-shell plyo baseballs are excellent tools for both hitting and pitching training. Each set comes with 6 balls that are 32, 21, 14, 7, 5, and 3.5 oz in weight. These balls are popular with pitchers for velocity development and they are excellent for pregame warm-up.
Does Tommy John increase velocity?
Compared to before surgery, the pitchers decreased fastball velocity (91.3 mph vs. 90.6 mph) and threw fastballs less frequently (65% vs. 60% of pitches) after surgery. However, pitchers experienced no changes in velocity with other pitch types.
How much velocity does a pitching mound add?
When pitchers were told to throw at 60% effort from the mound, they generated 75% elbow torque and were throwing at 84% of the velocity of a full-effort pitch. At 80% effort, pitchers were generating 90% elbow torque and 90% of the velocity of a full-effort pitch.
How much do driveline balls weigh?
The set of 6 Driveline PlyoCare® balls includes: Black: 2000g (4.4 lb) Green: 1000g (2.2 lb) Blue: 450g (~1 lb)
How often should you do long toss?
It can be performed in the off-season and in-season, as a general maintenance throwing program. If you're going to use it in the off-season, to get your arm in shape, perform the routine about two times a week.
Do squats help pitchers?
Conclusion: Back Squats are OK!
This means more internal rotation static stretching for the baseball players and soft tissue work for those with pre-existing conditions. It means limiting back squats for pitchers with gross asymmetries. However, in relatively healthy populations, put that bar on your back and get low!
What lifts should pitchers avoid?
4 Lifts Baseball Players Should Avoid
- Hang Clean. There are two critical points regarding hang cleans and other similar Olympic lifting exercises as it relates to baseball training. ...
- Barbell Back Squat. ...
- Upright Row.
Should pitchers lift weights during the season?
The answer is a resounding “yes.” We can lift during the season, but there are considerations we need to make. The first, and in my mind most important, is fatigue. We need to be cognizant about the amount of fatigue placed upon our athletes and how that fatigue is actually accumulated in the weight room.
How do you increase outfield velocity?
Position yourself closer to your partner at a distance of 150 feet. Perform five to 10 direct throws at maximum velocity. Aim to throw harder, faster and with more accuracy as the distance narrows. Repeat the drill at 120 feet, 110 feet and 60 feet.
Why can't I throw a baseball far?
Pay the most attention to your wrist and fingers as you release your ball. A bad release and stiff wrist is a common cause for a poor-distance throw. The ball should roll off of your fingertips as you flick your wrist, like you're shooting a free throw.