RE: Weight training/arm

Question
My son is 14 and 6'5 and plays all sports...he is currently playing baseball and finishing track for his school. He does shot put.  Anyway...his baseball coach wants him to get rid of the "arch" when he throws and has suggested weight training to strengthen his arms.  Any advice?  Thank you in advance.

Answer
Cheryl,

Thanks for the question.  Weight training is a great way to strengthen the arms, but I advise against it for pitchers.  If your son is not a pitcher, then weight training may be OK. However, it will not necessarily get rid of the "arch" in his throws.  That arch is a product of poor throwing mechanics.  He is most likely dropping his elbow below his shoulder and having to result to slinging or shot putting the baseball resulting in a weak, arched throw.   

I would also not allow him to throw the shot put if he is going to be a good baseball player.  That can only cause problems.

I recommend a lesson with reputable, qualified baseball instructor to evaluate his throwing mechanics and to correct whatever problems he is exhibiting.

Nothing replaces good mechanics.  From good mechanics comes velocity and accuracy.  If he has poor mechanics, he can be 8 feet tall and strong as an ox, but still throw a weak throw.

I hope this helps.

Coach Boss