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The Art & Science of Pitching
The authors present a valuable update on objective medical, exercise, and coaching pitching research. They provide current information on skills and drills for coaches, players and parents. There are four sections of the book--pitching biomechanics, building skills with drills, pitching goals and strategies and management of health both emotional and physical especially at it relates to arm care. Over 250 clear pictures and images make this an easy to use and practical book produced in cooperation with the National Pitching Association.
- GenresNonfictionBaseball
177 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 21, 2014
When I'm not reading or hanging out on goodreads writing and reading reviews, I earn a living as a physical therapist specializing in sport's medicine. So I guess it was only a matter of time before Shaun the reader and aspiring writer intersected with Shaun the fitness guru.
I purchased this book because although I'm a relative "expert" when it comes to anatomy/physiology and orthopedic pathology and rehabilitation, I wanted to delve more deeply into the mechanics of pitching so that I might better help the two young and developing pitchers in my household become the best pitchers they can be while minimizing the risk of injury.
Ideally I was looking for a book with a thorough though easily digestible breakdown of the pitching mechanics along with a discussion on how to use exercise and training to develop the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system as a means of achieving/fine tuning those mechanics.
AND...that is exactly what I got.
Of course, I read this with the expertise and experience of a seasoned therapist, but I think the organization and language lends itself to a novice with a good base knowledge of baseball and/or biomechanics/exercise physiology.
Pitching is a complex movement that in the past was evaluated simply using the eye. Unfortunately, our eyes can't register the subtleties and nuances of the pitching motion. This often leads to training advice based on what we think we see vs. what actually happens. Luckily, with the help of video, computers, and some comprehensive research conducted by organizations like the NPA all that has changed.
The book is divided into four sections.
Section I does a great job of breaking down the mechanics of a good pitch. There are many differences between individual pitchers, but all good pitchers seem to share certain essential core mechanics.
Section II offers specific drills designed to promote skills. These would be specific exercises that help athletes develop/and perfect technique.
Section III addresses pitching goals, strategies, and tactics for competition. This was the section I actually read to my son because I thought it was a great summary of how to use not only your brawn but your brain to be productive on the mound.
Section IV discusses functional fitness, mental/emotional management, nutrition (YAY...I'm a nutritionist too and always love to see this included), and arm care for health and performance. It covers basic concepts in training like the "overload principle" as well as recovery and overtraining, the role of nutritional, and both general physical and mental fitness.
All and all, a nice overview with some specific concepts and strategies offered in an easy to digest format. Definitely not the most comprehensive book out there (next on my shelf is Building a Million-Dollar Arm, which is written by the same authors but appears to be a slightly more comprehensive version of this book). That said, I think this book is a wonderful resource for coaches, trainers, and even parents who want to educate themselves and their developing pitchers in not just the art but science of pitching.
As an aside, I found this book to be especially timely when you consider the popularity of travel ball, which has led to many kids playing baseball year round. That's a tough schedule for any throwing athlete (young or old). For that reason the the concept of injury prevention has never been more relevant.
I purchased this book because although I'm a relative "expert" when it comes to anatomy/physiology and orthopedic pathology and rehabilitation, I wanted to delve more deeply into the mechanics of pitching so that I might better help the two young and developing pitchers in my household become the best pitchers they can be while minimizing the risk of injury.
Ideally I was looking for a book with a thorough though easily digestible breakdown of the pitching mechanics along with a discussion on how to use exercise and training to develop the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system as a means of achieving/fine tuning those mechanics.
AND...that is exactly what I got.
Of course, I read this with the expertise and experience of a seasoned therapist, but I think the organization and language lends itself to a novice with a good base knowledge of baseball and/or biomechanics/exercise physiology.
Pitching is a complex movement that in the past was evaluated simply using the eye. Unfortunately, our eyes can't register the subtleties and nuances of the pitching motion. This often leads to training advice based on what we think we see vs. what actually happens. Luckily, with the help of video, computers, and some comprehensive research conducted by organizations like the NPA all that has changed.
The book is divided into four sections.
Section I does a great job of breaking down the mechanics of a good pitch. There are many differences between individual pitchers, but all good pitchers seem to share certain essential core mechanics.
Section II offers specific drills designed to promote skills. These would be specific exercises that help athletes develop/and perfect technique.
Section III addresses pitching goals, strategies, and tactics for competition. This was the section I actually read to my son because I thought it was a great summary of how to use not only your brawn but your brain to be productive on the mound.
Section IV discusses functional fitness, mental/emotional management, nutrition (YAY...I'm a nutritionist too and always love to see this included), and arm care for health and performance. It covers basic concepts in training like the "overload principle" as well as recovery and overtraining, the role of nutritional, and both general physical and mental fitness.
All and all, a nice overview with some specific concepts and strategies offered in an easy to digest format. Definitely not the most comprehensive book out there (next on my shelf is Building a Million-Dollar Arm, which is written by the same authors but appears to be a slightly more comprehensive version of this book). That said, I think this book is a wonderful resource for coaches, trainers, and even parents who want to educate themselves and their developing pitchers in not just the art but science of pitching.
As an aside, I found this book to be especially timely when you consider the popularity of travel ball, which has led to many kids playing baseball year round. That's a tough schedule for any throwing athlete (young or old). For that reason the the concept of injury prevention has never been more relevant.
June 4, 2023
This is the book I needed 20 some years ago as a young pitcher.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews