Velo….Velo….Velo…. It’s the buzz word that has everyone one clamoring to Pitching Velocity Programs all over the country.  Full disclosure, having a Pitchers Off Season Program myself (Top Gun & Young Guns) I am not here to promote or bad talk any program out there. What I want to do is make parents and athletes aware of how to stay safe and healthy. As a performance trainer for over 25 years I won’t say I’m a founder but I was involved in the early development and influence of some of the first Power/Velocity  Throwing programs developed in this country back in 2001-2002.

So I have seen the inception and the evolution of these programs in its many forms. Due to its explosion and high demand there are some trends that I find disturbing and the buyer should be aware.  I would say go to the internet to research the modalities used in many of the programs but there are very few “independent” scientific studies done from researchers who are not at the same time promoting their own programs. Not to say they are being dishonest in their findings but they do have skin in the game. There are as many arguments for as against any program methodology.

My overriding principles as a trainer are:

First: DO NO HARM!!

Second: Improve Performance

Third: There generally are no bad programs, just bad application.

So whichever type of program you pick here are some questions to ask yourself as well as those promoting their programs. Hopefully you will get the right and honest answers to make the proper decision for your athlete.

My Top 10 Questions:

  1. What is the overall philosophy of the program? What is the order of priority? Velocity? Arm Health? How do they ensure both?
  2. What percentage/ratio of the work is Velocity to Arm Health.
  3.  Are there any screening procedures? Health surveys at a minimum? How do they act upon the information given.
  4. Is there a ramp up or prep period? Does it seem sufficient?
  5. Who is administering the program? Certified or credentialed performance training professionals, coaches, ex -players? This is crucial in the safety and efficacy of the program.
  6.  How long have they been running the program? I know everyone has to start somewhere but you should take extra care and closely watch the coach or athlete who just purchased the latest program online and is now running a Velo program. What are the programs successes, average returns, injury rate and post program  injury history?
  7. Is the environment and equipment safe and kept in the proper condition?
  8. Regardless of the modality, INTENT is really most programs secret sauce, but it’s also the most dangerous aspect of these routines. Watch a session is there a “balls out”  type mentality  “run and gun”, “beast mode” etc, with little regard for proper technique ,safe practices and recovery periods.
  9.  Is the program one size fits all. With variations in the participants abilities are all being asked to do the same thing. There should be accommodations and adjustments based on an athletes limitations and point in their development.
  10. Timing: Is there regard for the right time of year, are adjustments made for in season, off season, highly competitive season.

Lastly, ask referrals the questions outlined above. Expect varying opinions , that’s ok because no program is fool-proof.  Results WILL vary.

If your gonna enter the “Arms Race”at least you can reduce the chances you won’t  “crash and burn”.

Aaron Thigpen is the owner of Gamespeed Sports Performance and Hardball Athletics. For the past 25 years he has had  numerous first round pitching prospects including two No.1 picks and numerous hurlers over 90mph. He has provided consultation and his influence can be seen in  some of the most prominent Velocity programs.  Have a question? Contact him at aaron@gamespeed.net