Softball Training - Best Training Method to Increase Throwing Velocity

Many people are wondering what is the best way to increase throwing velocity. A study compared the effectiveness of two different training methods to determine which one is the most effective to increase throwing velocity.

Researchers studied which one of traditional weight training (typical strength training in a weight room) or medecine ball training (explosive medicine ball exercises) was the most effective and they determined than traditional weight training was more effective than using medicine ball exercises to increase arm strength and throwing power.

So, if one of your goal is to add a few mph to your throws, you are best at focusing more on traditional weight training. Medecine ball training should still be part of training regiment but should not be the central part of it.

Source:

Newton, Robert U.; McEvoy, Kerry I. Baseball Throwing Velocity: A Comparison of Medicine Ball Training and Weight Training. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 8(3):198-203, August 1994.