In the rest of this article, I am going to post Alan Jaeger’s approach to pitching and the Top Velocity approach. I hope that you will read them both. This is a great opportunity for you to learn both perspectives. What you will learn is that these are two totally different approaches to pitching and this will ultimately help you develop your own.

Alan Jaeger’s Long Toss Approach to Pitching

Alan sent me this article which summarizes his approach regarding arm development, including his emphasis on Long Toss. The Article contrasts what he believes to be the benefits of Long Toss, and the detriments of a restricting a pitchers distance (ie 120 feet) and arc. The article is from 2007 and in the meantime Alan Jaeger’s bio has grown considerably. Here is his up to date bio with his phone number and a link to his site. Read the article here

Alan Jaeger has worked with over 300 professional baseball players (including All Stars Barry Zito, Dan Haren, Mike Lieberthal and Andrew Bailey), several Collegiate Programs (including 2004 National Champions, Cal State Fullerton) and three Major League Organizations, including the Texas Rangers. Alan founded Jaeger Sports in response to the growing need to address the two most neglected areas of baseball: The Arm and The Mind. For more information please call 310-665-0746 or visit us at www.jaegersports.com.

Top Velocity Approach to 3X Pitching

The 3X Pitching approach is cutting edge but simple. It was inspired by the National Pitching Association’s Velocity Study conducted in 2005-2006. This study proved these revolutionary results. You can read the entire study here.

1. 80% of a pitcher’s real velocity comes from rotational momentum if his kinematic sequencing and energy translation are efficient.
2. 20% of a pitcher’s real velocity comes from directional momentum if his kinematic sequencing and energy translation are efficient.

These results may not hit you hard at first but if you think about it more, they will open your eyes to something revolutionary. What this studied has proven is that 100% of your velocity comes before your arm has even started throwing the ball. This isn’t the only study proving this. A study performed by the famous Dr. Jobe called, An EMG analysis of the shoulder in throwing and pitching, produced these revolutionary results. You can read the entire study here.

Five male subjects’ throwing and pitching motions were analyzed by dynamic electromyography and high speed photography. Electrodes inserted into the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles attempted to define muscle activation patterns during the throwing and pitching cycle…..

The Acceleration (Stage III) had a lack of muscle activity, even though the arm was accelerating forward in space

After learning these studies prior to my rotator cuff surgery in 1995, the first question that popped into my mind was, “So what is arm strength, if your arm has very little to do with velocity?” This question, along with these case studies and many more, helped create a revolutionary approach to pitching that is growing more popular everyday called 3X Pitching.

The 3X Pitching will teach and train you that to throw harder, all you need to do is enhance your bodies ability to produce power and then convert that power into hip to shoulder separation. This stratgey is not only supported by these scientific studies but it has produced some amazing results. To learn more about the results read the testimonials on the home page here.

To learn more about 3X Pitching, here are some links and articles on this site to educate you on the details.

1. 3X Mechanics Instructional Video – This video gives away all of the 3X Mechanics. You can count the schools of pitching on your hand, who have actually contributed a list of pitching mechanics or components to the baseball world. Not only has Top Velocity developed its own pitching mechanics but two of these components are changing the way we see the power pitcher.
2. Pitching Velocity Specificity – This article references countless studies that prove the most effective way to enhance velocity through training. This is a must read to learn more about why the 3X approach uses heavy load training to enhance velocity.
3. Scientific Proof that 3X will Increase Velocity and Prevent Injury – This article proves why increasing stride power, through triple extension (3X) and heavy load training, converts to higher velocities.
4. Why Some Pitchers Throw Harder than Others? – This article, along with a case study, illustrates the major use of the throwing arm in most hard throwing pitchers.
5. Pattern Overload a Major Cause of Pitching Injuries – This is a must read article. It proves why overuse, along with the loss of joint integrity, is a major cause of most pitching injuries.
6. More 3X Pitching Articles – There are many more articles on this site which will educate you even more on the entire 3X approach to pitching.  Please read on…

I hope you can read both Alan Jaeger’s approach to pitching and the 3x approach to pitching and feel that you have a pretty solid understand of the skill of pitching. What I also hope you learn from all of this is insanity, is that your success will come from more than just an approach or a workout. It will come from a strong work ethic. So educate yourself as much as you can on pitching but more importantly feed your souls passion to play this game at the best of your ability. Alan Jaeger and I wish you the best in your career!

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Open Tryout Camps.

*Note: The information below comes from Major League Baseball at MLB.com. Please read the frequently asked questions below before posting a comment or sending us an email.

Q. “Who is in charge of your tryout camps?”

A. Territorial scouts from the Major League Scouting Bureau sponsor the tryouts. They work for Major League Baseball and all 30 major league organizations.

Q. “Are there any age requirements as to who can tryout?”

A. All players must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Q. “What should I bring to the camp?”

A. Bring gear that you would practice or play a game in. (Hat, cleats, glove, baseball pants). Bats and balls are provided at the workout. Catchers may want to use their own catching gear.

Q. “Is there any cost involved to tryout?”

A. The tryouts are free of charge. Transportation costs are those of the participant.

Q. “I’m a center fielder and a pitcher. Can I tryout at both positions?”

A. No, a participant will be asked to choose their best position.

Q. “Can I go to other MLSB Open Tryout Camps?”

A. Yes, participants can attend as many of the tryouts as they wish.

Q. “Do I have to register for the camps?”

A. Registration cards will be passed out prior to the beginning of each camp to identify each participant.

Q. “Who watches the players at these camps?”

A. All thirty major league baseball organizations are invited to the tryouts.

Q. “If a team is interested in me after seeing the tryout, can they sign me to a professional contract on the spot?”

A. No, the tryout camp must be finished and the participant cannot sign until he leaves the facility.

Q. “What are the chances of a baseball player signing a contract out of a MLSB Tryout?”

A. About 1 out of 1,000. This is a rough estimate made by TopVelocity.net

If you have any questions that you would like to add to this MLB FAQ, please post your questions below.

DO NOT GO TO THE CONTACT PAGE AND SEND AN EMAIL OF YOUR QUESTION.

If you would like more information on what to expect at a MLB Tryout then read this article on MLB Tryout 101. It is important to be prepared before attending the event. The MLSB runs every tryout the same and you will look stupid if you do not know what is going on.