Tolerate the Demands of Pitching: Using Leverage and Weight Over Force
“You get the work done by leverage and weight rather than force. You gotta do what the bones.”
As baseball continues to evolve, the need to help pitchers tolerate the increasing demands of the game, particularly with rising velocities, has become more critical than ever. While many businesses exist to help pitchers throw harder, few focus on ensuring pitchers can handle the added stress before succumbing to injury—especially the notorious elbow injuries like UCL tears.
At DVS Baseball, we understand that engineering the body and arm to generate and sustain force across an entire professional season is a vital step forward in baseball's evolution. As players push their physical limits, they must leverage physics to build a durable foundation, capable of withstanding the output required for peak performance.
A Foundation Built to Last
Consider the foundation of a house in the suburbs compared to that of a skyscraper in the city or a cottage on the beach. Each structure is designed to meet the specific demands of its environment. Similarly, while the individuality of a pitcher's mechanics is celebrated, performing at the highest level requires a foundational approach that can sustain those mechanics over time.
This is where understanding concepts like Arm Impulse becomes critical. Arm Impulse, which examines the force production of the throwing arm over a specific period, is essential for longevity in pitching. Achieving greater Arm Impulse depends on how well a pitcher sequences their movement before foot strike, ensuring the body is moving efficiently and in sync with the throwing arm.
For instance, in the accompanying analysis, foot strike occurs at frame 593, and Arm Impulse calculation begins at frame 599. The six frames in between showcase the throwing arm reaching its apex before accelerating into ball release. Optimizing the timing of the arm at foot strike allows for more significant Arm Impulse, which is achieved when the arm reaches its peak at the right moment, with the upper body mass still engaged.
This timing not only gives the arm more distance but also better support, leading to a smoother transition into ball release. Like the stretch of an elastic band, a greater pull creates more energy, which translates into faster, more efficient pitches.
Engineering for Sustainability: The Role of DVS X-Ray
At DVS Baseball, we’ve taken this understanding of Arm Impulse and applied it through our DVS X-Ray software. By calculating Arm Impulse across multiple pitches, we can determine how well a pitcher leverages their body and arm for maximum efficiency.
Our approach focuses not just on raw force but on getting the "work done by leverage and weight rather than force," as Koufax suggested decades ago. Force is essential, but relying solely on speed and engagement pitch after pitch has shown its limitations over the years, leading to frequent injuries and shortened careers.
With DVS X-Ray, pitchers receive immediate feedback that provides insights into the mechanics behind each pitch, offering data on their outputs and biomechanics in real time. But we don’t just provide data—we deliver actionable insights that help pitchers and coaches make informed adjustments to enhance performance and reduce injury risks.
Practical Insights, Not Just Data
Pitching has always been about consistency—standing on a sloped mound, a set distance from the strike zone, and consistently getting outs. However, today’s pitchers are asked to do it with higher velocity, more games, and greater physical demands. The training must reflect these new realities.
At DVS Baseball, we focus on bridging the gap between traditional wisdom, like Koufax’s understanding of leverage and modern biomechanics. Our goal is to offer pitchers a sustainable path forward—one where they can throw hard without sacrificing the health and longevity of their arm.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Pitching Development
Understanding Arm Impulse and other physics-based concepts in pitching isn't new. Sandy Koufax alluded to these ideas decades ago. What’s changed is our ability to quantify and analyze these concepts in real time. With tools like DVS X-Ray, pitchers no longer have to rely on guesswork—they can see how their mechanics hold up over time, season after season.
At DVS Baseball, we’re committed to engineering the future of pitching, providing the training and insights that align with the demands of today’s game. Whether you're a pitcher, coach, or organization looking for an edge, we’re here to help you sustain performance and optimize your career.
Leverage the physics of pitching with DVS Baseball—where innovation meets longevity.
For more insights into our pitching development and how it can help, visit our online mvp programs.
