How to improve pitching velocity without hurting your arm

Want to throw hard? Throw hard!

That's because the best way to improve pitching velocity is to throw fastball after fastball. This combined with a throwing program that incorporates long tossing and bullpen work between pitching appearances (i.e. consistent throwing), and a running and strength and conditioning program designed to develop a strong lower body, core, and rotator cuff, is the most effective way to increase velocity while protecting the elbow and shoulder.

Kids who throw curveballs over and over in games at age 10 or 11 might experience a lot of success on the mound -- even more than the kid who throws a really good fastball consistently. But the kid who has a good fastball and throws it, taking his lumps at a younger age, is investing in his future. Building arm speed from throwing lots of fastballs early in a kid's career is necessary not only to throw harder, but also to develop the type of breaking ball needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

At some point, the player who throws more fastballs at a younger age is going to surpass the breaking-ball pitcher ... and he'll never look back.