National Pitching – Conventional Wisdom vs Science
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about increasing pitching velocity and arm health. Unfortunately, much of the conventional pitching wisdom can actually negatively impact performance. At National Pitching, we base our instruction and methodology on science by conducting extensive research and studies to measure and prove our training protocols.
Conventional Wisdom has been defined as an opinion that has been repeated so often, by so many people, for so long, that it has subsequently become accepted as fact.
Tom House
Some conventional wisdom that we’ve disproved through research and study includes:
Pulling glove to body
Many pitching coaches out there claim that rotational athletes should be pulling glove to body. However, motion analysis of the best professional pitchers shows that they actually bring their body forward to meet their glove. This helps athletes maximize their release point distance to pitch at higher velocities.
Create a downward angle
Another unfounded claim is that pitchers should create a downward angle by increasing release point height. Changing an athlete’s arm position reduces the release point distance. This puts the upper body in a poor position which can decrease late ball movement and pitching velocity. Instead, our certified coaches teach efficient biomechanical sequencing to create a downward motion, rather than a downward angle, to improve pitcher health and performance.
Common False Conventional Wisdoms:
- Stall Tall and Fall – Elite pitchers lead with their front hip, not fall with shoulders
- Stay back for better balance – Elite pitcher begin forward movement immediately
- Don’t stride across your body – 70% of MLB pitcher stride closed
- Shorten your stride – Elite pitchers are 6-7ft into stride
- Pull your glove down – Elite pitchers stabilize their gloves in front of their body into release
- Reach back – Arm position at footstrike is a player signature, not a biomechnic
- Tilt over – Elite pitchers release the ball with their eyes level.
Tom House Methodology for Pitchers
At National Pitching, we use the Tom House methodology to help pitchers increase velocity and functional strength. Our program is based on scientific research from organizations like the Rod Dedeaux Research and Baseball Institute and is the only pitching training protocol certified by the Institutional Review Board.
Our methods are based on the Tom House Sports Pitcher’s Health and Performance Matrix, which addresses biomechanical efficiency, functional strength, nutrition, and mental management to help players improve and stay injury-free. We continually conduct research to ensure our program is scientifically proven and measured for optimal pitcher health and performance.
If you’re interested in National Pitching baseball instruction based on scientific facts and studies, contact an NPA certified coach near you to learn more and get started.