Hi am 13 years old and trying to increase my speed, velocity and stamina. I throw an average of 71 mph. i only have 2 pitches Fastball and changeup. Anyways i was wondering if anyone could give me some tips since i can't find any online. Thanks
CHRIS

Oh yeah if it helps i am 5 foot 10 and 160.

I thought you threw 78mph?

Jason

that was the fastest i have thrown not my average

HI CHRIS - You are now throwing above average for your age. Your velocity will naturally increase with age i would say by sophomore year you should be around low 80's which is above average still. Try to get some professional pitching lessons and get your throwing motion as fluid as possible. Long toss - long toss more ! PLEASE STICK WITH YOUR FAST BALL AND CHANGE UP PITCH. Do not throw a curve ball till 16yr. Now you can practice a curve ball pitch when you have a catch, but not game SITUATIONS no matter what a coach tells you ! WATCH YOUR PITCH COUNT PER GAME AND TOTAL FOR THE WEEK. Play catch as much as you can - EVERY DAY ! Throw the ball hard when you have a catch. Teach you body to throw hard always. If you do not try to throw the ball hard your body will not learn to throw the ball hard - GOOD HARD THROWS FROM 60'. Stay away from heavy weights right know till you reach the age of 16yr even then you should work heavy lower body and light upper body. Do a lot of running when you can and short sprint work. Eat well take your vitamins and just Love the game you are off to a good start. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU - DO YOU THROWING TEN ROTATOR CUFF EXERCISE EVERY OTHER DAY IT WILL ALL PAY OFF! http://www.asmi.org/SportsMed/throwing/thrower10.html GOOD LUCK TO YOU

thanks
it feels weird that someone i dont know is helping me. its something i dont think anyone is used to.

Hi i was wondering if you could tell me what long tossing was? Thanks
Chris

CHRIS - Read this http://www.webball.com/bullpen/longtoss2.html

Wow this is the 3rd time I'm posting this in 5 minutes but again..this helped me greatly.

http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_workouts/tubing_program.swf

As a 13 year-old, you have to be EXTREMELY careful with your arm. The problem is that you are developing the muscles of an adult but until you are 16 will have the bones of a child.

Unless lack of velocity is causing you a problem, I wouldn't worry about it.

Even then, I would focus on things like location.

Also, as someone else said, you should stay clear of the curveball until you are 16 or 17.