Increasing Pitch Counts and Workloads for Pitchers: A Ground-Up Approach
One of the core principles behind my pitching and throwing program is teaching pitchers how to scale the intensity of each throw from the ground up. This foundational concept is essential for increasing pitch counts, managing workloads, and ensuring long-term success on the mound.
As the intensity of a throw increases, the corresponding movement pattern expands. The throw becomes faster and more dynamic, capable of producing higher outputs in terms of velocity and distance. The key lies in teaching pitchers how to control and optimize these movements efficiently.
The Foundation of My Throwing Program
In 2015, I spent six months developing the inaugural throwing program for the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL). This program, used by all four teams in the league, was built around several key components: games, soreness protocols, range of motion assessments, and biomechanics.
The throwing program was divided into two primary phases:
Training Phases: These focused on lighter intensity throws and improving movement patterns.
Performance Phases: These emphasized high-intensity bullpens and game situations.
Pitchers performed daily range of motion checks and followed soreness protocols to determine their readiness for each phase. This system allowed us to make informed decisions about increasing pitch counts and throwing volume while simultaneously working on mechanics.
While the program required a significant amount of work upfront, establishing these baselines made workload management far easier as pitchers progressed. As we increased pitch counts and throwing volume, pitchers were able to maintain performance, build resilience, and reduce injury risk.
Enhancing Sequencing and Timing
The goal of the program was not only to manage workload but also to teach pitchers how to enhance their sequencing and timing. As pitchers scaled the energy and intensity of each throw, they learned how to efficiently use their entire body, resulting in better skill development and increased time on the mound.
During the Training Phases, pitchers spent 20 to 30 minutes refining their throwing motions and pitch execution. This methodical approach laid the foundation for sustainable success. As pitchers transitioned to games, starting pitchers gradually increased their pitch counts while maintaining performance, reinforcing the importance of a structured and scalable throwing program.
The Importance of Lower Body Engagement
In today’s game, many pitchers spend more time preparing their body and arm to throw than they do actually throwing. Whether it’s stretching, dynamic warm-ups, arm care routines, or plyoballs, there is a growing focus on arm care. However, once they start throwing, many pitchers neglect one of the most critical components of pitching—lower body engagement.
Without proper lower body activation, pitchers rely too heavily on their arm to control the intensity of each throw. This is a common mistake. In my experience, if a program emphasizes arm exercises before throwing, pitchers will naturally depend on their arm throughout the throwing program, rather than activating the full-body mechanics that are essential for optimal performance.
The Arm as a Passenger
The throwing arm should act as a passenger for 75% of the pitching delivery. Proper sequencing and energy should originate from the lower body, building from the ground up. Without learning how to create and sustain this full-body energy system, pitchers struggle with variable workload management and often compromise their ability to sustain performance over the long haul.
Conclusion
The approach I’ve developed and used for years helps pitchers increase pitch counts and workloads while preserving their health and enhancing their performance. By focusing on sequencing, timing, and full-body engagement, we give pitchers the tools they need to succeed on the mound and extend their careers.
