On the earth of baseball participant growth, few matters generate as a lot dialogue as the connection between weighted ball coaching and throwing velocity. At Driveline Baseball, we’ve persistently emphasised the significance of data-driven approaches to coaching prescription. Right now, we’re excited to share up to date insights from our intensive database of athlete outcomes – particularly geared across the relationships between how arduous you throw PlyoCare balls in opposition to how arduous you throw off a mound!
Understanding the Velocity-Weight Relationship
Our newest evaluation examined 1000’s of throws throughout a number of implement weights, from light-weight 100-gram balls to heavier 450-gram coaching balls. The connection between ball weight and throwing velocity follows a transparent sample, however with some shocking nuances throughout totally different drill varieties.
The Drop Step Revelation
One of the fascinating findings challenges our earlier understanding of Drop Step throws. Whereas we traditionally estimated a modest half-mile-per-hour improve in velocity in comparison with baseball throws, our complete knowledge evaluation reveals a extra complicated image. Drop Step velocities truly present comparable patterns to different plyo drills, suggesting that drill and ball weight prescription might be modified – doubtlessly including within the newer incremental PlyoCare balls (orange, purple, darkish inexperienced) into the usual set of throws!
Weight-Particular Patterns
The information reveals distinct patterns throughout totally different ball weights:
Light-weight Plyo Balls (100g)
Anticipated Velocity Relationships: 100g Ball Weight
| Drill Sort | Pattern Dimension | Avg Diff (MPH) | % Diff | Avg Mound (MPH) | Avg Drill (MPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlyoVelo Strolling Windup | 492 | 3.1 | -3.5% | 87.3 | 84.2 |
| PlyoVelo Drop Step | 398 | 2.0 | -2.2% | 87.3 | 85.3 |
| PlyoVelo Janitor | 146 | 3.0 | -3.4% | 87.4 | 84.4 |
| PlyoVelo Step Again | 125 | 3.9 | -4.5% | 87.3 | 83.4 |
| PlyoVelo Step Behind | 43 | 0.3 | -0.4% | 85.1 | 84.8 |
These implements permit athletes to take care of velocities closest to their mound velocities, with minimal drop-off throughout all drill varieties. This makes them significantly priceless for high-intent coaching classes centered on motion patterns.
Medium Weight Implements (150-225g)
Anticipated Velocity Relationships: 150g Ball Weight
| Drill Sort | Pattern Dimension | Avg Diff (MPH) | % Diff | Avg Mound (MPH) | Avg Drill (MPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlyoVelo Strolling Windup | 470 | 6.1 | -7.0% | 87.3 | 81.2 |
| PlyoVelo Drop Step | 400 | 5.9 | -6.7% | 87.3 | 81.4 |
| PlyoVelo Janitor | 147 | 6.1 | -6.9% | 87.4 | 81.4 |
| PlyoVelo Step Again | 126 | 7.8 | -9.0% | 87.3 | 79.5 |
| PlyoVelo Step Behind | 46 | 4.2 | -4.9% | 85.1 | 81.0 |
Anticipated Velocity Relationships: 225g Ball Weight
| Drill Sort | Pattern Dimension | Avg Diff (MPH) | % Diff | Avg Mound (MPH) | Avg Drill (MPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlyoVelo Strolling Windup | 439 | 11.2 | -12.9% | 87.3 | 76.1 |
| PlyoVelo Drop Step | 374 | 11.1 | -12.7% | 87.3 | 76.2 |
| PlyoVelo Janitor | 146 | 11.2 | -12.8% | 87.4 | 76.3 |
| PlyoVelo Step Again | 316 | 12.8 | -14.7% | 87.3 | 74.5 |
| PlyoVelo Step Behind | 44 | 9.3 | -10.9% | 85.1 | 75.9 |
We see a predictable decline in velocity as weight will increase, however the relationship stays remarkably constant throughout totally different drill varieties. This consistency offers us confidence in prescribing these implements for particular coaching diversifications.
Heavy Ball Coaching (450g)
Anticipated Velocity Relationships: 450g Ball Weight
| Drill Sort | Pattern Dimension | Avg Diff (MPH) | % Diff | Avg Mound (MPH) | Avg Drill (MPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlyoVelo Strolling Windup | 82 | 19.5 | -22.3% | 87.3 | 67.9 |
| PlyoVelo Drop Step | 102 | 19.3 | -22.1% | 87.3 | 68.0 |
| PlyoVelo Janitor | 31 | 19.4 | -22.2% | 87.4 | 68.0 |
| PlyoVelo Step Again | 59 | 21.1 | -24.1% | 87.3 | 66.3 |
| PlyoVelo Step Behind | 7 | 17.5 | -20.5% | 85.1 | 67.6 |
The rate differential turns into way more pronounced with 450g implements, although the pattern dimension is notably smaller. This implies coaches must be significantly considerate about prescribing these heavier implements, particularly in higher-velocity athletes.
Implications for Coaching
These findings have vital implications for the way we strategy weighted ball coaching. The constant patterns throughout drill varieties counsel that the physique adapts to extra weight in predictable methods, whatever the motion sample. This helps validate our systematic strategy to coaching development whereas highlighting the significance of cautious implement choice.
Particular person Response Issues
Whereas these group averages present priceless insights, particular person response to totally different implements varies. This reinforces our dedication to complete athlete monitoring and individualized coaching prescription. The substantial dataset behind these findings permits us to make extra knowledgeable choices about implement development whereas respecting particular person athlete traits.
Shifting Ahead
Whereas this analysis is a superb instance of Driveline’s dedication to steady studying and evidence-based coaching strategies, we’ve different concepts to enhance this work! Significantly using our automated Launchpad to generate kinematic and kinetic knowledge from these drills and throws – and in doing so, operating biomechanical analyses on extra than simply easy mound pitching and weighted ball throwing from the mound!
By combining large-scale knowledge evaluation with sensible utility, we proceed to refine our understanding of how totally different coaching implements have an effect on throwing efficiency. Keep tuned for extra analysis revealed by our staff!
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