Players need to be very careful about being consumed by two things: velocity and power.
We discussed the basics of what “the process” entails in an earlier post. Now talking about velocity and power we focus on the simple concepts that make up their foundation:
A player’s physical maturity will play a key role in both up to a certain point.
Getting the body stronger and moving more explosively will help achieve both.
Hitting the ball on the barrel and having efficient mechanics will be crucial.
There is no magic potion, program or drill that will unlock years of playing lazy catch with poor mechanics or taking half-hearted swings at bad pitches.
Look, we all get it. Hitting home runs sounds sexy as hell. So does throwing 90+ and “establishing your presence with authority” out on the mound. But there’s a reason not every super-intent, psycho athlete is able to do these things, it takes more than just effort. If trying to hit bombs was all it took, there would be no coaches, no instructors, and batting practice would be pointless.
If throwing 90+ was accomplished by simply “wanting to do it”, then so would dunking a basketball, hitting a 300-yd drive straight down the middle, and throwing 65-yard dimes to wide receivers. Since all of those things are not so easy, we can assume that velocity and power probably take a combination of physical ability, years of practice, and athletic timing. So why do so many people assume they come easy? Honestly there are a lot of reasons:
Social media creates the illusion that these things are more commonplace than they really are.
Self-proclaimed gurus peddle their demonstrations off of tee’s and pitching machines.
Off-season training can be manipulated to show exaggerated results.
We want them to be more attainable than they really are.
Look, that last reason stinks, and I get that. I flash to the scene in Willy Wonka where Veruca Salt is throwing a temper tantrum exclaiming, “Don’t care how, I want it now!” before disappearing into the garbage chute. If there was a magic elixir that increased fast-twitch muscle fiber, while simultaneously improving ligament strength and bone density, that instantly produced light-tower power and 95 mph arms, I wouldn’t have a blog. It would just be a website with a giant “ORDER” button and I’d retire on an island somewhere.
Nevertheless, I choose to inform. How can you start throwing harder? Focus on your mechanics and intent when you play catch, every single time. Play long toss and diligently follow a shoulder program. Start to work on core stability, explosiveness and overall strength, and then continue to do those things consistently. Imagine you’re putting drops of ability into a large jar. If you stop for a while, the liquid begins to evaporate, so consistency is king.
That doesn’t mean you can’t play other sports. Any explosive movements will benefit your mobility and movement efficiency. Just avoid long sedentary periods, meaning try not to spend too many days in a row lying around or playing video games. Rest is key to rejuvenating not only the body, but the mind as well, however your body is healing faster than it ever will when you’re young. This means anything more than a few weeks removed from physical activity is just time you’ll need to make up later. Your body is made to move, and a body in motion is easier to keep in motion. You think your ancestors running from predators could just tell the predators, “hey guys, let’s just ease up on the whole hunting thing for a couple months”? Probably not.
As for increasing power, it starts with barrelling the ball. Getting into a position to consistently hit pitches at various speeds entering the hitting zone is the task at hand. A .300 hitter in the MLB will likely have a split of 40-50% ground balls, 25-30% line drives, and 25-30% fly balls. Why? Because the goal is to hit the ball hard, and in order to hit the ball hard consistently you have to allow the ball to travel. When you let the ball travel, and hit it hard, you’re going to hit more line drives and ground balls. But you want to hit the ball in the air right? Sort of, you want to hit the ball well in the air. Any 12 year old can catch a popup or lazy fly ball. Trying to precisely catch the ball on the upward slope of your swing is going to result in cutting the ball at contact too often, and leave you frustrated.
Now before you jump all over that statement, let me ask you how many home runs were hit by the player with the most on your team last season? 3? 6? Maybe 10? Hitting home runs will happen if you consistently hit the ball hard. All fly balls are not hit hard, and odds are if you’re trying to lift the ball you’re either hitting a lot of topspin grounders or too many popups. These are just observations, but I’ve been watching it happen at an increased rate the past 13 years at the youth & HS levels. As a coach, the solution defensively has been very simple: stack the OF with speed and chase them down.
Thanks dude, but you haven’t answered the question. I got you. As you barrel the ball more often, face better pitching and become a more confident hitter, you’ll be able to track the ball while staying more relaxed. This will make you on time more often, and VOILA more power. Here’s where it gets tricky. Remember this, “don’t let doubles cause troubles”. If you’re not hitting multiple home runs in BP, you really have no business taking hell hacks during games and striking out as much as Joey Gallo. Hitters hit.
Comments