Throwers Long Toss Program
About the Program
It is well known that baseball players from the northeast are at a severe disadvantage when compared to players from warmer climates. By the time high school baseball teams in the northeast play their first game, teams from Florida, Texas and California are 15-20 games into their season. The warm weather allows them to be outdoors even in the winter. This gives those players the space necessary to play long toss and condition their arms for the baseball season. All professional baseball players begin their throwing programs long before spring training, yet many high school players from the northeast give themselves only those couple of weeks in late March to get their arms in shape. This is clearly not sufficient time and not healthy for the player’s arm. However, it is not their fault. The weather in January, February and early March is too cold to be outdoors. Also, most high school gymnasiums and field houses are too crowded with winter sports activities to be used as throwing facilities for baseball players. This leaves the players with no other option but to throw in less-than-ideal conditions, if at all.
There are simply no available indoor facilities with the space to be able to throw long enough to effectively get a players arm in shape for the season...until now!
Athletic Evolution is a year round strength training/sports enhancement facility. One aspect that separates Athletic Evolution from other facilities is its: SIZE: 15,000 square feet, 30 ft. ceilings and 70 yards of indoor turf. It also contains 6000 sq. ft. of strength training equipment, two portable pitching mounds and a new
72 x 15 ft. batting cage with both an Iron Mike and Jugs pitching machines. Other features include a 45’ x 30’ synthetic hockey rink, chiropractic services and a nutritionist.
What is Long Toss?
Long toss is simply playing catch at long distances. However, it is done with the purpose of increasing arm strength and endurance. It involves throwing at specific distances for certain lengths of time. The long toss program will be designed and monitored by professionals.
Why Long Toss?
“Without the opportunity to long toss the arm isn’t able to gain the strength, length, and endurance it needs. Your arm will eventually reject you.”
– Seth Etherton, Cincinnati Reds, Former 1st Round Draft Choice
“I think long toss is a great way to build your arm up, to get in shape to throw off the mound”
– Greg Maddux, 4-time Cy Young Award Winner
“Long Toss is a very important part of conditioning and training for everyone.”
– Dr. Lewis Yocum, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic
Long toss, in combination with a solid strength training routine, is the only way to build arm strength in baseball players. A strong arm is essential in becoming a successful player, and competing at higher levels. Outfielders, infielders and catchers can all benefit with stronger arms. Pitchers, in particular, will undoubtedly benefit from having a stronger, more durable arm. Increasing a pitcher’s fastball velocity will create better, sharper breaking balls, and make change-ups more deceptive. Most college recruiters and pro scouts use radar guns (which measure arm strength) to assist them in making decisions on players. A solid pre-season long toss program will help make that radar gun work in a player’s favor. The long toss program will also help with a pitcher’s arm endurance. Pitchers will be able to pitch deep into games and maintain velocity in late innings. It will also help with recovery and allow a pitcher to throw more frequently, while decreasing the risk of injury. All professional pitchers have pre-season long toss programs which help them perform to the best of their abilities. Don’t let the cold weather prevent you from achieving tremendous success this season and beyond.
Details of Program
- Program begins January 8 and runs until HS Baseball tryouts (10 weeks, 32 throwing sessions)
- Not time consuming - 15 minute warm-up/stretch, 15 minute throwing program, 10 minutes shoulder maintenance exercises (optional)
- A throwing time will be assigned to participants individually
- Throwing will be overseen by professionals
- Basketball friendly (no Tuesdays or Fridays)
- Program initially will take place 3x a week, Monday & Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoon
- In mid-February will change to 4x a week (Thursday evenings)
- Only $249 for the entire program
THROWERS Long Toss Program will help players:
- Throw Harder
- Prevent Injury
- Improve Off-Speed Pitches
- Impress Coaches and Scouts
- Maximize Potential
A Coach's Point of View
“Some of our players were able to throw last winter at Athletic Evolution and their arms were in fantastic shape, on a different level than everyone else’s. This, without question, contributed to their great success last season.”
– Kevin Yianacopolous, Lexington H.S. Assistant Baseball Coach
