As a leader in sports medicine and a with a focus on community education, Oakwood Sports Medicine is frequently asked to comment on shoulder/arm exercises for the throwing athlete, specifically pitchers.

First the reader must understand that strength training for youth has certain parameters that should be followed and proper instruction should come from qualified individuals. On many occassions the volunteer parent is assigned to overseeing the program or weight room. At other times, the program design is not fully developed to compliment the throwing athlete.

Secondly, to use an old phrase, there are many different ways to skin a cat. Some exercises are preferred over others, neither of which are “wrong”, just a personal preference. If the program is designed properly with the goals in mind you will get the results.

Current thoughts on strength training for a pitcher emanatemostly from the biomechanical research and rehabilitation perspective. This also includes a highly functional component as stationary exercises do not mimic the type of dynamics that take place on the body and shoulder/arm during pitching. Stationary exercise has its proper place in program design but let’s not forget the use of and transfer of force from the ground through the legs, hips, trunk and ultimately the upper torso.

Program design is critical to achieving the results desired. Proper instruction and oversight of the strength training program is essential to keep on track. Use available resources in your local community (Oakwood Sports Medicine), literature and seminars to assist in developing the type of program that will enable the throwing athlete to remain healthy.