Many of the greatest baseball pitchers had dominating fastballs, including Steve Carlton, Walter Johnson, Sandy Koufax, and Nolan Ryan. If you’ve perfected your curveball and breaking ball but want to improve your fastball, use this guide to increase your pitching speed. And while every pitcher takes a different path to higher velocity, all combine power with flexibility and good form.

What Are Some Tips to Increase Your Baseball Pitching Speed?

1. Put on Muscle

Discuss the healthiest way to put on muscle mass with your pitching coach or sports doctor, such as consuming an additional 500 calories a day in the form of protein and healthy fat, and doing more strength training exercises. Alternate days so the muscles have time to repair and get bigger. More body mass means more power behind every pitch you throw.

2. Make Stretching a Habit

Help yourself stay loose and flexible on the mound with routine stretching. For example, stretch your rotator cuffs by putting one arm across your chest with your other arm and holding it for 20 seconds before switching. Repeat one or two more times. If you aren’t sure how much or little you should stretch to avoid injury, consult your coach.

3. Focus on Leg Drive

Pay attention to your stance, including shoulder alignment, when you’re about to throw. It will help you improve your leg drive, or when you use your back leg to push your body off of the rubber. Good leg drive allows you to put more of your lower body into each pitch to increase velocity.

Boost your leg drive further by staying fluid when you throw instead of pausing when you lift your leg. Pitchers who throw baseballs in fluid motions increase their speed and accuracy compared to those who pause or use a balance point. 

Work with the Major League-quality instructors at Line Drive Indoor Batting to increase your pitching speed and improve your form. The baseball and softball training facility provides players throughout Jupiter, FL, and the surrounding areas, with training services in an air-conditioned, 8,000 square foot facility. Call (561) 283-6614 today with questions or learn more about baseball training services online. Watch the latest videos on Facebook.