Pitching Warm-Up and Recovery

Our first pitching and hitting combination camp was a success!  Thank you to all who participated.  My first blog post will address the area of pitching and proper warming-up and recovery.

Now that you have been introduced to Jaeger Bands, wrist weights, and plyo balls, etc., take a moment to understand (or remind yourself) their use and the training purposes behind these useful tools. 

First and foremost, in order to train efficiently, these drills should be done WITH specific intent.  Meaning, if you are going through the motion to "just get through" the drills prior to playing catch, you are putting yourself at risk for injury. A structured and well thought out plan to improve movement and basic throwing patterns is important, however, equally as important is the focus and intensity each athlete should bring to the table.

Secondly, playing catch is not a warm-up.  If you aren't devoting enough time prior to throwing a baseball, you are missing out on what may be the most integral part of the throwing process (this includes using the bands, weights and plyo balls you were taught at the camp). Proper warm-up should get you ready for playing catch.  In fact, your first throw should be at or near peak velocity. 

Finally, every good practice should include a recovery routine.  Running poles or long distance is not recovery (more on that some other time). Recovery includes rest, nutrition, and post-throwing drills.  These are equally important.  You were introduced to various recovery drills at the camp this February.  At the very least, you can use the Jaegar Bands for band work and pull-aparts.

-Jesse