Strength in Numbers #192 Vertical jump testing is a widely recognized measure of lower-body power and overall athleticism. While commonly associated with sports like basketball and volleyball, recent research has explored its relevance to baseball pitchers, particularly concerning throwing velocity and potential injury risks. At Louisiana Tech, we have a baseball science undertaking that is…

Strength in Numbers #191 Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tears are injuries to the shoulder's labrum, a cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder joint's socket. These injuries are particularly prevalent among throwing athletes due to the repetitive overhead motions inherent in sports like baseball and softball. Management of SLAP tears typically involves either surgical intervention…

Strength in Numbers #189 Managing bullpen sessions effectively is crucial for baseball pitchers to maintain peak performance and minimize injury risk. Proper scheduling, pitch counts, and recovery protocols are essential components of a well-structured bullpen regimen. For the athletes seeking my help with SLAP tears and ulnar collateral ligament injuries, I cannot tell you how…

Strength in Numbers #188 In athletic training, particularly for throwing athletes, incorporating exercises such as quadruped, bird dog, low plank, and high plank positions has garnered attention for their multifaceted benefits on core function.  These exercises enhance upper body strength and stability and play a pivotal role in activating key muscles, optimizing neuromuscular coordination, and…

Strength in Numbers #187 A well-balanced body is crucial in baseball for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. While most training programs focus heavily on the dominant throwing arm, research shows that training the non-dominant (glove-side) arm can significantly enhance throwing power and durability. This is due to a phenomenon called cross-education, where strength gains in…

Strength in Numbers #186 In today’s digital age, video games have become a favorite pastime for athletes, including baseball players who play into the wee hours of the morning, on off days, and in the clubhouse.  Although fun, video games present risks when habitual and excessive. If you are an athlete who goes to video…

Strength in Numbers #184 The way athletes move—whether swinging a bat, throwing a ball, or sprinting—can feel as natural as breathing. However, behind these movements lies a fascinating interplay of motor preferences and motor patterns.  In this edition, we delve into motor preferences in sports, focusing on throwing mechanics. Why do some pitchers gravitate toward…

Strength in Numbers #183 The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a staple in strength and conditioning programs. It is widely regarded for its ability to develop posterior chain strength and flexibility.  This exercise has become popular due to its versatility, injury prevention benefits, and functional carryover to athletic performance, particularly for baseball pitchers and sprinters.   In…