The Stretch Effect: A Sustainable Approach to Pitching Velocity
Pitching velocity has always been a cornerstone of the game, dictating opportunity and competitive advantage. There are many ways to generate velocity—some more efficient and sustainable than others. Regardless of the approach, the reality is that pitchers who throw harder often get more chances to advance to the next level.
However, raw velocity alone is not enough. Understanding how to optimize and sustain velocity is what separates elite pitchers from those who struggle with inconsistency and injury. At DVS Baseball, we focus on developing a more efficient energy system, one that doesn’t just rely on brute force but instead leverages biomechanics to maximize performance while reducing stress on the arm.
The Key Factors Behind Pitching Velocity
Velocity is a byproduct of several interconnected factors:
Twitch (Genetics) – The natural ability to produce explosive movements.
Leverage – Includes bone structure, joint integrity, mechanical efficiency, and body weight.
Timing – The sequencing of movements that allow for optimal energy transfer.
Health – The strength of tissue and the amount of stress placed on it.
While some of these elements—such as genetic twitch and skeletal structure—are predetermined, others can be developed and refined through training and proper mechanics. This is where the Stretch Effect becomes a critical component of sustainable velocity development.
What Is the Stretch Effect?
The Stretch Effect refers to a sequence of lower-body movements that optimize energy storage and transfer by maximizing the separation between the pelvis and upper body during the pitching motion. This occurs when the back leg, ankle, knee, and hip drive the pelvis forward ahead of the torso as the pitcher moves down the mound.
The greater this separation, the more potential energy is stored, which can then be efficiently converted into velocity when the arm accelerates through release.
How to Increase the Stretch Effect
A larger Stretch Effect can be achieved by increasing the time window for lower-body engagement. One way to do this is by elevating the front leg during the leg lift, allowing the back leg to generate a greater stretch before the pitcher initiates forward momentum. This small adjustment can significantly impact how energy is stored and transferred, leading to a more explosive delivery.
By optimizing this energy system, pitchers can generate higher velocity without over-relying on the arm. Instead of forcing output through excessive arm effort, they can leverage biomechanical efficiency to produce sustainable velocity gains while reducing arm stress.
Applying the Stretch Effect: A Case Study with Nate Reed
A great example of this principle in action is Nate Reed, a right-handed pitcher committed to the College of Charleston. Nate has been training in the DVS Program for over a year and has developed a strong understanding of how to scale his energy system up or down based on his needs.
For pitchers who may not have elite natural twitch, maximizing the energy system through a greater Stretch Effect can be a key differentiator. Even among pitchers with similar athletic profiles—matching in twitch, size, timing, and health—those who optimize their mechanical efficiency can separate themselves and produce greater velocity.
In the video, Nate is executing a scaled energy progression to establish his early-season baselines. As he looks to increase his velocity, the goal isn't to force arm speed but rather to enhance his energy system, allowing the arm’s impulse to naturally increase.
The Long-Term Impact of the Stretch Effect
The Stretch Effect is not an overnight fix. Developing it requires time, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of how to optimize one's body mechanics. Potential energy can only be converted into velocity if the pitcher has sufficient strength and support within their delivery.
Unfortunately, many pitchers are unaware of how leverage works in their favor. They focus on arm speed without realizing that efficient movement patterns can significantly enhance performance while reducing injury risk.
That’s where our growing network of DVS Baseball Trainers is making a difference. Using DVS X-Ray, pitchers can measure their impulse and track how well their energy system is developing over time. This data-driven approach allows athletes to refine their mechanics, increase velocity, and stay healthier over the course of their careers.
Sustainable velocity development isn’t just about throwing harder—it’s about understanding how to throw harder efficiently. The Stretch Effect provides a framework for optimizing the energy system, reducing arm stress, and maximizing pitching performance in a way that is both effective and sustainable.
At DVS Baseball, our mission is to help pitchers unlock their full potential through science-backed training methods. Whether it’s increasing velocity, reducing injury risk, or improving overall efficiency, the Stretch Effect plays a key role in helping pitchers at every level elevate their game.
