All little leaguers aspire to be elite at their craft. We’ve watched tee ball games where kids can only throw the ball 5 feet. Then, magically, they hit a certain age where they are throwing the ball 90 ft with ease and control. What changed?
How can we predict a player’s velocity and what skills are required to become elite? Many sports performance studies are focused around pitchers, however, we can still use this information to help with any baseball position!
What Causes Youth Baseball Players to Improve?
A study done in 2015 discovered that pitching velocity correlates with age, height, stride length, and separation of the hips and shoulders. They found that for every year aged, pitchers gained an average 1.5 mph increase in their velocity. Every inch of height was associated with an average 1.2 mph increase in pitching velocity. Increased separation of the hips and shoulders was found to add an average 2.6 mph. Increased stride length was associated with an average 1.9 mph increase.
Interestingly enough, Dr. Greg Fleisig did a 7-year study, following a group of baseball athletes from age 9 until they were 15. Through his observations, we can see the changes youth players go through as they advance to the next level of baseball. The most notable changes he found in the players were increased stride length, improved foot placement, increased amount of external rotation (ER) of the shoulder at landing, and increased trunk separation.
What Should Youth Baseball Players Focus Training On?
Baseball is made up of three integral parts (Reinold, 2020):
- Hip/shoulder dissociation
- Linear and rotational power
- Lower body drive
Most youth players tend to throw with their arms rather than with their lower bodies. We see many youth players try and achieve better skill through strength and endurance training; whether its the stereotypical pole-to-pole running exercises or the trend of athletes beginning weight training earlier and earlier. However, Numbers don’t lie, and the research shows that mechanics and form should be the primary focus in prepubescent pitchers in order to reach elite status.
Focus on stride length, and allowing the hips to swing freely from the upper body.
By establishing these fundamentals before focusing on building strength and power, youth players set themselves up for major success.
Want to Improve Your Baseball Fundamentals?
Look no further than our experts in biomechanics and sports performance. Make your appointment and receive 1-on-1 attention from a baseball-specialized Physical Therapist who can help you discover ways to improve your form and strength.
