Limiting Access to Resistance Training Equipment During the Off-Season: The Impact on Collegiate Pitching Metrics

• Jacob R. Gdovin ^[1] ; Brennen Hogan ^[2] ; Charles C. Williams ^[2]
  1. [1] Elon University

     Elon University

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] University of North Florida

     University of North Florida

     Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of strength and conditioning research: the research journal of the NSCA, ISSN 1064-8011, Vol. 39, Nº. 3, 2025, págs. 347-351
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Resistance training has been shown to improve overhead throwing velocity, but it is unknown as to how limiting access to a strength and conditioning facility affects a baseball pitcher's readiness for the spring season. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of an individualized pitching program on pitching metrics during an 8-week fall season in collegiate baseball pitchers without a simultaneous structured strength training program. Twelve National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-I baseball pitchers completed the study and wore a PULSE Throw Workload Monitor to track peak arm slot angle, peak arm velocity, and peak elbow varus torque, while a radar gun measured ball velocity. An 8-week pitching program had subjects throw 30 and 50 maximum effort pitches in the first and eighth week, respectively, while workload increased by 5 maximum effort pitches every 2 weeks. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to compare variables of interest before and after an 8-week fall season with an alpha level set at 0.05. There was no significant difference in peak arm slot angle, peak arm velocity, and peak elbow varus torque (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant decrease in ball velocity (p < 0.001). These data indicate that 8-week pitching programs, not coupled with a resistance training regimen, negatively affect a pitcher's ball velocity. Sport coaches and practitioners should thus make accommodations to access the necessary equipment for a pitching and strength training program to be implemented simultaneously to ensure that pitchers are prepared to perform at an optimal level during the spring season.