Weighted Baseball training

A few months ago, I began a training program that I have avoided for the last 10 years as a pitching coach...weighted baseballs. I avoided it because I was always afraid that if I trained pitchers with weighted baseballs, it would put them at a greater risk for injury, and that alone was not worth it. This year, I revisited the concept and my opinion changed after doing a lot of research and after seeing the results of the training. 

I read several studies that incorporated weighted baseballs into a training program for pitchers. Every study had the same conclusion: Weighted baseballs increased velocity vs. a control group. The amount of velocity was different for each pitcher. Lower velocity pitchers stand to gain more than a pitcher who is already approaching 90 mph. In one study, the average gain over a period of 12 weeks was 4.1mph. That is a significant improvement in a short time

The most surprising part of doing research on the subject is the suggestion that weighted baseballs may actually reduce pitching injuries. More research must be done to study this, however.

The results from the pitchers that participated in the velocity training class last winter were impressive to say the least. Each pitcher gained at least 3 mph from beginning to end. Some improved velocities by 6 mph! Needless to say, the results exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to offering a new and improved version of this program next fall. We are most proud of the fact that all pitchers who participated currently have healthy arms. 

Finally, training pitchers to improve velocity involves much more than just weighted baseballs. Our program trains pitchers to improve lower half and core strength and flexibility as a part of the velocity training process. 

Do you have experience with using weighted baseballs? If so, we would love to learn more about your experience. 

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