Weighted Balls

Jose--

Like a lot of other approaches & fads, I've seen the kids and/or coaches bring these balls to the field. The ball immediately attracts a lot of interest, and everyone wants to use it. Thirty minutes later, it's forgotten and never used again. And, with this particular item, my thought is, "Good riddance."

The major mechanical goals of pitching instruction, IMHO, are:

(1) Teaching proper arm and body positions, ESPECIALLY getting the elbow shoulder high.
(2) Developing use of the large muscles, especially the legs and the hips, to generate power.
(3) Identifying and using a consistent release point.
(4) Ending in a good follow through position to reduce arm stress and promote fielding.

The heavy ball does none of these. It's especially hard on the elbow position and the release point. The benefits sought, especially arm strength, can be realized through tubing. Or more cheaply done by throwing a waterlogged ball -- a favorite of lots of kids during long toss.

What worries me about this type of training aid is that it sounds so reasonable. I'm sure there are endorsements and testimonials. (I've represented pro athletes and know how much is paid to get an endorsement -- and how little the pro may know about the product). And, of course, used properly, in the right number of repetitions, it probably does address some specific issue(s). But for general use for kids under high school age, this product looks like a plague in the making.

Good luck, and let us know how your lefty is doing.

Chip