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How do some pitchers throw so hard?
Obviously some have better genetics and mechanics than others!
What I am asking is does the genetic bone structure, tendon and joint strength, and coordination (which determines how fast you can move your arm) all play a role in someone who can throw very very hard? like 95+ MPH!
Because this is not something that can be taught.
The only thing that can be taught is conditioning, long toss, and mechanics.
[QUOTE=PumpItUp4Real]How do some pitchers throw so hard?
Obviously some have better genetics and mechanics than others!
What I am asking is does the genetic bone structure, tendon and joint strength, and coordination (which determines how fast you can move your arm) all play a role in someone who can throw very very hard? like 95+ MPH!
Because this is not something that can be taught.
The only thing that can be taught is conditioning, long toss, and mechanics.[/QUOTE]
You are right, natural ability to throw hard is something you either have or don't have. Proper mechanics, strength and conditioning can be taught, and can add a considerable amount to your speed, but it's not going to take you from 75 to 95. When I was coaching ball I could add 5 but under 10mph to a pitcher over the season by working mechanics alone, but even with perfect form, if you didn't have the ability to wing it naturally, you were only going to gain so much speed.
Pitching does not just involve your arm, it involves your entire body. Mechanics play a huge role, you don't need any wasted motion. Increasing your core, stabalizing, and balance strength will all make you a better pitcher. Its my opinion that so many pitchers rely too much on arm strength alone so they don't have great core strength which leads to over use of the arm and eventually injury. Relying too much on just your arm is bad mechanics and you will end up injured. How much force you can generate and transfer to the ball via your arm is what dictates how hard you throw.