Why the Pitching Healthy Program?
By now you know there is an epidemic of serious throwing arm injuries throughout the United States. Professional Baseball Instruction, in conjunction with the Baseball Health Network (BHN) have created the Pitching Healthy Program.
Industry-leading pitching coaches Steve Hayward (Boston Red Sox 1993-94), Artie Lewicki (current Detroit Tigers), Doug Cinnella (Orioles 1986-87, Expos 1988-89, Mets 1990-93, Yankees 1995), Gianni Zayas (Mariners 2015), Justin Valdespina (current Colorado Rockies), and Jack Winters (current NYU pitching coach) all make up the Pitching Healthy coaching staff. Current New York Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad oversees all aspects of arm care and health. Keith Cedro, New York Mets Major League Strength Coach (1986-97) will oversee all aspects of pitcher specific strength and conditioning.
This is for the serious pitcher, one who is willing to commit himself mentally and physically to his overall health and development. Pitching Healthy was collectively designed by the Professional Staff of PBI and the BHN. Through our knowledge, experience, and research, we developed this program to fully prepare pitchers for the upcoming season. From a progressive throwing regimen, to a strength, conditioning, flexibility and nutrition program to mental training and breathing exercises. Pitching Healthy is guaranteed to improve you overall health and performance on the field.
We first introduced this program in the winter of 2012/2013; every pitcher in that program made incredible improvements in their overall strength and consistency on the mound with all of their pitches- most noticeably an increase of their fastball velocity. Some pitchers increased up to 6 MPH!!! Every pitcher stated that throughout the spring season their throwing arm felt better than it has ever felt. The Pitching Healthy Program can offer you the same results!!!
PROGRAM DETAILS
OVERVIEW – Each pitcher is given a custom program to follow based on the results of their personal evaluation, goals ,training background and medical history.
All pitchers will be put on a progressive throwing program which will ensure each pitcher properly “conditions” their throwing arm prior to stepping on the mound. We will also utilize our “Pro Mirror” video system to analyze each pitcher individually. Our goal is to allow each pitcher to find their own natural rhythm and arm slot to maximize their efficiency on the mound.
EVALUATION – Each pitcher will be evaluated to determine their pitching abilities and deficiencies. Pitchers will also be put through a series of physical assessments to determine any injury risks, dysfunctions, imbalances, strengths or weaknesses that may be present, as well as create baseline for function and athletic qualities. Pitchers will be evaluated at the commencement of the program and then each month until the conclusion of the program.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE – Each session will begin with a warm-up and movement prep. Followed by a Pitching Specific, Functional Strength, and Conditioning and/or Drill work stations. We will conclude every session with a cool down and discussion on a specific topic (nutrition, mental preparation, etc.)
The PHP will meet twice per week in December and January. In February, we will continue our skill sessions twice per week, with the additional of a third “live day” where pitchers will attend one of PBI’s winter training program sessions to throw live to hitters.
All sessions are held at PBI’s indoor facility located inside NJ Sports House at 12 Wright Way in Oakland NJ.
We offer two levels of the program –
High School Pitching Healthy – for pitchers from freshman year through senior year
Youth Pitching Healthy – for pitchers ages 11-14