Coaches, instead of using long toss to increase arm strength, use "Long Hops". Have the players throw a one hopper at the longer distance. The angle of the throw is more correct (pitchers throw at a downward angle), and arm strength is still the goal.
Posts: 258 | Location: Baraboo, WI | Registered: February 26, 2003
Depends on what you are trying to get out of long toss. If you are trying to build arm strength, IMO, you need to have the pitchers throw for maximum distance. I believe that the Jaeger approach with throwing for maximum distance followed by a "pull down" phase while working back in to re-establish the release point is effective.
I don't believe that anything less than throwing for maximum distance gets the most out of an arm.
Posts: 5131 | Location: Southern CA, USA | Registered: January 02, 2003
You don't get maximum distance throwing "on a line" or backing off to get one hop. Ideally a player would be able to throw just as hard when throwing on a line or when trying to throw a one hopper. The reality is that most players don't throw full out unless they are making the arcing throw for maximum distance. JMO.
Posts: 5131 | Location: Southern CA, USA | Registered: January 02, 2003