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Strengthen Your Throwing Arm

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Q: What can I do during the off-season to strengthen my throwing shoulder?

A: First, let’s break down the throwing motion. As you initiate your throw, you want to shift your weight onto the leg of your throwing arm, and then drive off your leg towards your target. Making this weight shift, or energy transfer, more efficient will allow for greater velocity and accuracy.

Start your dynamic warm-up (movement prep), in the gym or on the field, with mini band walks to work on shifting your weight properly. The video below shows how to do lateral band walks.

Mini Band Lateral Walks

 

Next, practice movements that improve your ability to generate power throughout your body. While it’s tempting to focus solely on building up your arms and shoulders, the best hurlers use their legs, hips, torso, shoulder and arm in concert to produce power.

Medicine ball throws will help you improve your total-body power. Try perpendicular rotational throws to start. Perform 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions on each side.

Perpendicular Rotational Throws

 

Finally, you’ll want to complement your training program with a throwing program that includes long toss. This will reinforce the proper movement that you’ve been using in your training to generate power with your whole body, and it’ll help you throw farther and harder.


About the Author
Chang Lee  |  Performance Specialist

Chang joined Athletes' Performance in June 2008 as a Performance Specialist at Athletes Performance in Carson, California.

Chang most recently had his own consulting business as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Chang also worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer/Strength & Conditioning coach for the Boston Red Sox for five years, and he spent three years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the LG Twins in Seoul, Korea. 

Chang holds a BS in Athletic Training from California State Polytechnical University of Pomona, California, a Master's in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and certifications with the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.