Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
I got this email I got the other day from a Ballistic Pitching Blueprint member…
He seemed almost puzzled by the unintentional improvement in his arm action as a result of doing the drills in the program.
And keep in mind, this is a men’s league pitcher…someone who’s been at it a long time and just getting back into pitching after some time away from it. Think there might be some ingrained movement patterns there?
Anyway, before I go off on a tangent, here’s his email:
——————————————————————————-
Phil,
Happy Holidays! I’m entering week 4 of the Ballistic Pitching Blueprint program/drills. My question is about what appears to be happening to my arm action as a consequence of “improved” lower body/trunk action…
Is the following what I should be feeling?
1. Arm at “high cock” — feels like my hand is slightly closer to my ear (smaller angle forearm to biceps) — I believe it is a result of increased upper body rotation speed which is stretching across chest or pulling back scapula
2. Increased arm extension at release — feels like more “ballistic” movement is causing the arm to move more like a whip (vs. me trying to intentionally generate hand speed)
3. Increased forearm pronation — a result of 1 and 2 — not an intentional or conscious movement.
Thoughts?
Play Ball!
Alan
——————————-
And my reply:
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the email. I think you’re right on the money. Tough to say for sure without looking at video, but all of those things would make sense and I’d view them as positive adaptations as a result of getting the lower half more involved.
If able, send in a video and I’ll be happy to provide more detailed feedback. But sounds like you’re on the right track. Keep it up.
All the best,
Phil
——————————————
Okay, and here’s why I’m sharing this.
One, it shows that even an old dog can learn new tricks… I love his enthusiasm for the game.
And two, it points to one of the BIG mistakes a lot of coaches and parents make with pitchers…
Focusing TOO much on the throwing arm.
Mainly because it can be downright TOUGH to change your arm action when you’ve been throwing that way your whole life. Even for young pitchers.
It usually backfires.
And here’s the thing. There’s a better – and FAR more effective – way to make your arm action more efficient.
And just like Alan discovered, it can happen almost automatically. Without ever thinkingabout your throwing arm.
In fact, I hardly mention arm action in any of the drills in the Blueprint (for that very reason).
It’s about learning to use your body to generate power and velocity. Do it right, and the arm takes care of itself. Doesn’t matter if you’re 9 years old or 49…
And along the same lines, here’s another email I just got.
This one from a college pitcher:
————————————————
Hey Phil,
First of all, I just wanted to say thank you.
I think the video analysis was great and i will begin adjusting and implementing your recommendations. I bought your program a couple weeks ago and began using it right away, the improvements i have seen within 2-3 weeks have been remarkable and theres no way i could’ve improved to where I’m at right now without it.
I am a college sophomore and this is the first pitching program I have ever bought, and it has helped me beyond what i expected. I will definitely recommend it to my college pitching buddies and anyone else who looking for a pitching program that gets quality results.
Finally the pitching mindset roadmap is the greatest psychological help i could ask for – it’s truly incredible.
Best wishes,
Glenn
————————————–
Here’s where you can get instant access to the same program these pitchers used:
http://ballisticpitching.com/blueprint
Until Next time…
Committed to Your Pitching Success,
Coach Phil