Articles

Throwing Injury Prevention
By Jerry Jocobi (Excel Rahabilitation):

Are you a Weekend Warrior?, Little Leaguer, or Serious Athlete? All of you throw a ball of some kind, at some time, whether it is a

baseball, softball, football, or snowball! The stress placed on the arm during the throwing motion is unlike anything else you ask your

arm to do during normal activities. Unfortunately, this often leads to aches and pains which can turn into serious injuries.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF INJURY

· CLICKING OR POPPING IN THE SHOULDER

· WEAKNESS IN THE ARM

· LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE BALL

· DEAD ARM FEELING

· PAIN OR STIFFNESS WHILE THROWING

· PAIN DURING OTHER ACTIVITIES

CAUSES OF INJURIES

· IMPROPER THROWING MECHANICS

· LACK OF STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY IN THE THROWING ARM

· OVERUSE

As you continue to throw with a minor injury, further stress is placed on injured and healthy tissues. This can further alter throwing mechanics and aggravate an existing injured area.

STEPS TO PREVENT INJURY

· PREPARE FOR THE SEASON DURING THE OFF-SEASON WITH A STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAM

· LEARN PROPER THROWING MECHANICS THROUGH ALL 6 PHASES OF THROWING

· DON’’T IGNORE THE REST OF THE BODY

· WARM-UP TO THROWN, NOT THROW TO WARM-UP

· ICE THE SHOULDER AND ELBOW FOLLOWING THROWING

The Importance of Off-Season Training
By Tom Kupfer (StrikeZone Omaha Instructor) 

Training in the off-season is an important part of development in baseball/softball. Traditionally, shutting down after the season

and not picking up your glove until the start of the next was the trend. Now, things have changed and players are realizing the

importance of off-season training. Many players play other sports, and that is great. But skill development for baseball/softball

can be incorporated even while playing another sport. The off-season is the time to further develop a specific skill, such as pitching

or hitting, and be able to make improvements in mechanics.

These improvements can be practiced, and muscle memory can be developed so the improvements become habit by the time the

season draws near. The Skill Center offers private lessons, group lessons, and various other clinics and camps to promote skill

development in all areas. Our memberships give the player a perfect opportunity to practice what is learned, and master the skill.

Athletes in all sports are training year-round to make themselves the best they can be. Make a commitment to train in the off-season,

and be the best you can be!

The Emergence of Strength and Conditioning
By Tom Kupfer (StrikeZone Omaha Instructor)

The popularity of strength training has been one of the most integrated developments in conditioning of baseball players over the

past decade. Muscle development and conditioning provide the athlete with increased strength, power, and endurance. You have

to understand, we don’t want players to develop bodybuilders’ muscles, but we do want them to understand how important strength

training is to great performance. A strong muscle has less chance of getting injured. Healthy muscles will create better blood flow

and a stronger overall muscular system and, in the event of injury, the healing process will be much quicker.
Not only will added strength help with the healing process; it will also help in your overall performance. For instance, 20 fly ball

outs may turn into 5-10 homeruns. A stronger pitcher may last longer on the hill; his or her conditioning may enable them to stay

sharper longer. A better-conditioned fielder may gain more range on ground balls and also add more velocity to his or her throws.

"Strength training has become an essential part of today’s baseball because of one salient truth: you simply do not prepare yourself

for baseball by taking a few batting practice swings or a few grounders and fly balls. You must be more active to prepare yourself for

the grind of a baseball season." (Barry Weinberg, Head Trainer, Oakland Athletics)