Pitching in the big leagues is a dream. Preparing to pitch in the big leagues is a nightmare” – Nolan Ryan

This is a quote from one of the greatest pitchers of all time, telling you that to work towards your goals and dreams, in this game, is a nightmare. This means if you do not prepare for this nightmare then you will more than likely never meet your goals or dreams.

The Mental Bullets to Pitching Velocity

The 3X Pitching Velocity program is not the work ethic, it is the workout. This means, it is the nightmare, not the dream. It was developed to launch you towards your dreams.

PLEASE STOP HERE AND READ THIS TOP LINE AGAIN. Most pitchers, who find this site, get the 3X program and believe that somehow this program is going to be the dream. They then become disappointed when they learn it is actually the nightmare to the dream. I will be the first to tell you, you will never find the dream in a program or anything else you can purchase. So stop searching for it. It doesn’t exist! You have to earn it. This is what makes it a dream. If you could purchase the dream then it would cease to exist as a dream. You have to have the nightmare to get to the dream. This is called life! You need to accept this and then make the decision to either live your life chasing your dreams or actually capturing them. If you just want to chase them then keep surfing the web but if you want to actually capture your dreams then here are the bullets to prepare yourself for the nightmare or the 3X Pitching Velocity program.

If you can make a vow to live strictly by these bullet points here, for the next 16 weeks of the 3X program and then look back to this moment of your life, you will not even recognize the person you are today. This is what it takes to capture your dreams.

• Let yourself out of your comfort zone!
• Don’t be afraid to learn new things!
• Push your limits!
• Take the time necessary to achieve your goals!
• Work on your weaknesses as much as your strengths!
• Don’t go on vacations!
• Don’t give yourself rewards until you reach your goals!
• Never let yourself get comfortable!
• Don’t cut corners, ever!
• Do one more set or rep, always!
• Let your body rest and recovery!
• Do it, but don’t over do it!
• Shoot for the stars!
• See yourself living the dream!
• Motivate yourself everyday!
• Love the grind!
• Never quit!
• Listen to your body!
• Have faith in something greater than you!
• Battle yourself and win!
• Live, breathe, eat, sleep, drink, think, do, baseball!

Now I want you to say these statement below out loud, if you can.

There are no free lunches, ever!

There are no short cuts to your dreams, ever!

There are no exceptions to the rules, ever!

Quiting is not and option!

I also want you to ask yourself, if this was a do or die situation then what would you do? This always reminds me of a great song by Tim McGraw called, “Live like you were dying.” This is ironic because the song is about his father Tug McGraw (see picture above), who was a Major League Pitcher, who died of a brain tumor. It is a great song, you need to read the lyics!

Just like in a marriage, you need to celebrate a very significant moment in your life, as a moment that is forever going to be looked on as a milestone. You need to state your vows like these bullet points above and never break them, or you will divorce yourself from your dreams, forever. If you are willing to take your pitching career as serious as your marriage to a life long relationship with a significant other, then just imagine what you could do with your career. You just actually might live the dream of a professional or Major League Pitcher, one day!

Roger was in high school and Nolan Ryan was his favorite pitcher. He always wanted to see his rocket arm up close and personally, so one day he got a ticket to watch him pitch in Houston for the Astros. He showed up early to the game so he could watch him throw his bull pen. Roger went over to the pen and waited for Nolan to up show up. He was expecting to see this long explosive arm rocketing the ball to the catcher. What he noticed immediately when Nolan started to throw was the size and power of his legs. He could not believe that he had not notice the essences of Nolan Ryan’s power, which was his legs. This convinced Roger that if he was going to have a rocket arm like Nolan, then he too would have to develop big and powerful legs.

Unfortunately, it took surgery for me to have this epiphany. I had to completely tear my rotator cuff to realize that the arm isn’t enough. The legs are so much bigger and more powerful than the arm. The key is training them to be more explosive and then developing the motor coordination to use this power when throwing a baseball.

Most hard throwers use their incredible leg power to convert to the velocity of the ball. When I say power, I am referring to speed and strength. It isn’t enough to just be strong or to just be fast, you must be able to use them both, at the same time, which I call explosive strength. If you know how to build explosive strength, through your legs during your stride correctly, then this can be converted to rotational forces through physics and not through voluntary rotational movements. This would be the same as using a transmission to convert combustible power into the rotation of the tires.

If you want to learn more on how to use your leg power to through harder then you need to start learning about Triple Extension or 3X. This is a component of hard throwers that was discovered here at TopVelocity.net and along with separation is the main key to reaching your top velocity. I highly recommend you read through this site to learn more about 3X and you also sign up for the FREE Velocity Secrets ebook at the top right corner of this page.

Who cares if his career is doomed, I mean don’t get me wrong, I don’t see it but who really cares. He has made a major impact on this game. How many young pitchers out there were inspired by this little Giant? How many young pitchers copied his delivery and benefited from the results? How many young pitchers, who wanted to give up because they thought they couldn’t do it because of their size, pushed even harder when they saw Lincecum dominating in the MLB? Tim Lincecum has changed the game and it has been for the better!

The Lincecum Trap or should we say Gift!

Here is a list of factors he has changed in this game of pitching.

1. Size isn’t the determining factor!
2. There is more to velocity than just the arm!
3. Physics is almost as powerful as genetics!
4. You can pitch from little league to the MLB!
5. Asian in your blood means you could be a really good pitcher!

I am a big fan of Lincecum but I am more of a fan of 3X Pitching. 3X Pitching is an approach to pitching that is present in pitchers like Tim Lincecum, Aroldis Chapman, Felix Hernandez, Nolan Ryan, Trevor Bauer and many more. I feel it is important in your own career to not harp on just one pitcher. We can learn from all of them. My new favorite is Trevor Bauer. He is even more explosive than Lincecum coming off the mound but Lincecum is a little more limber. My other favorite is Chapman who is currently on the DL and that doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is when they end up on the DL with a major injury like Strausburg. This is when we need to look at him mechanically and see what went wrong. He obviously was doing some things right and some things wrong. I believe pitch count is a determining factor with all of these guys. This is why I do not believe in throwing programs that make you throw tons of throws with the baseball. This is why the 3X Pitching Velocity Program uses light medicine ball throws to simulate the pitching delivery without putting the throws on the arm.

What we can learn from all this mess is that pitchers will come and go but good pitching mechanics will never change. Not one pitcher posses these mechanics. It is built around physics and classic physics is forever.

Velocities in the past fifteen years have skyrocketed. In today’s game we have two handfuls of guys who can hit three digits on the radar gun. Just this season the Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman was recorded at 105 mph. This is the highest velocity ever recorded in a game. Nolan Ryan and Bob Feller are estimated to have thrown harder than this but they used different equipment in those days compared to today’s standards. So they are not on this list because of the technology differences.

The biggest question here at TopVelocity.net and around the web is how are these guys doing this? My answer is digital pitching science and strength and conditioning. There also may be a drug factor in the mix as well to be honest. Let’s take a closer look at these three reasons so we can better understand what is going on.

Digital Pitching Science

This is Pitching analysis using today’s sophisticated computer technology. I am not talking as much about expensive analysis software or expensive high speed cameras, what I am talking about is youtube. The fact that almost anyone can film themselves and send it to an expert to analyze is amazing. Ten years ago you would have had to contact a professional cinematographer and a video editor to do this and it would have cost you an arm and leg. This is why here at TopVelocity.net we offer FREE video analysis because we are helping everyone reach their velocity goals. C heckout our latest pitching analysis’.

Strength and Conditioning

The world of strength and conditioning has now taken over baseball. For years baseball was seen as Americas past time and if you didn’t look like Babe Ruth then you just didn’t have what it takes. The steroid era has changed this because ball players like Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds proved that Bigger, Stronger, Faster dominates the game and it doesn’t mean you have to be born with it. You now have the ability to change your physique through your own will to be Bigger, Stronger and Faster. Proper Strength and Conditioning can take an 85 mph fastball and make it 90 mph, in one year, if done correctly. The problem is most pitching coaches are not strength and conditioning specialist, so they have no idea how this works. This is why the Ace Pitcher Handbook is so effective because it has the Fusion System. This is a series of training programs that I worked closely with a top Strength and Conditioning specialist to develop for a pitcher. I used it in my career to overcome a major rotator cuff tear and to not only pitch again but gain almost 10 mph.

Athletic Performance Enhancing Drugs

This is not my favorite subject and I like most ballplayers who love the game of baseball wish it would go away but it is not going away, unfortunaly. When I talk about drugs in baseball, I am even talking about RedBull as well as Steroids and HGH. There are labs all over the world working overnight to come up with the next greatest athletic performance enhancer because it is a billion dollar industry. What is happening today is as the game becomes more global with the World Baseball Classic and competition grows more competitive then people search for more ways to enhance their performance. Well, we have the legal enhancers and the illegal enhancers. My recommendation is to understand what drugs are out their and how are they being used and how will they effect your body. Remember you only get one chance at life, with this one body, so don’t screw it up. If you find an over the counter supplement or drug that is legal and the effects on the body or positive then I recommend using it, but if there is any issue with using the supplement, I recommend leaving it alone. You will find in your career that you are always better off spending your time and money on the things that have a bigger impact on your performance, like video analysis and training programs. If you are going to find yourself one day in the list above, it will be because you worked as smart, as you worked hard on your goals and dreams.

What bonds the list of pitchers together above is of course superior genetics but also as important a Fusion System of training programs that cover everything from strength and conditioning to pitching mechanical analysis. There isn’t one thing that gives them their rare velocity, it is a list of things that they harmonize together. If you want to reach these velocities in your career you will need to as well develop a fusion system of training programs that you can harmonies together that work best with your genetics. The first step starts here at Topvelocity.net reading and learning the knowledge you need to develop your Fusion system.

“You will not find a velocity enhancement program this effective on the web. It has helped hundreds of pitchers gain up to 10 MPH and more, from high school to the professional levels. Don’t be that guy who passes these proven velocity secrets by and after your career is already over, regretting that you didn’t purchase this velocity enhancement program in the first place! You have a short window in your career to attract scouts and move up levels of the game. The Ace Pitcher Handbook will give you everything you need to gain the velocity that scouts are looking for. I WENT FROM 84 – 94MPH WITH THIS PROGRAM!”
Brent Pourciau

This will be the best $197 you have ever spent in your pitching career! It is a no brainer!

ACT NOW and purchase the 3X Pitching Velocity Program which is THE guide to 3X Pitching. This handbook is sweeping the web because it is producing results and because it uses the brand new – cutting edge approach to pitching called 3X. That means it is giving out VELOCITY to anyone who is determined to reach their VELOCITY GOALS. This isn’t a quick fix program or a take this pill and pump 90+ infomercial. This is a legit program developed by legit trainers and professionals in the game of baseball.

Included with the 3X Pitching approach is the Fusion System. This is one of the top Bigger, Stronger, Faster Strength and Conditioning programs out on the web today. It was developed by USA Weightlifting certified Sports Performance Coach Brent Pourciau along with the  3X Velocity mechanics, drills and more. Brent Pourciau overcame career ending rotator cuff surgery to pitch professionally and reach his velocity goal of 94 MPH after doctors told him he would never pitch again. That is right, this program is the real thing!!! The only question is are you the real thing and are you ready to take it to a whole new level of performance? Nolan Ryan once said,

“Pitching in the big leagues is a dream. Preparing to pitch in the big leagues is a nightmare!”

THIS PROGRAM ISN’T FOR SLACKERS. IT ISN’T FOR KIDS. IT IS FOR GROWN MEN. THE ACE PITCHER HANDBOOK WITH THE 3X APPROACH IS EXTREMELY INTENSE BECAUSE IT PRODUCES RESULTS.

Purchase the 3X Pitching Velocity program TODAY and get 5 FREE Pitching Video Analysis!

MORE INFO AND TESTIMONIALS!

If you are not convinced then here is my phone number, please give me a call 985-377-9249!

The question of which pitcher throws the hardest has been one of the most hotly debated questions in all of sports. For the first time, we now have the missing data required to allow us finally reveal the fastest pitchers ever recorded.

FFE=50 foot equivalent
Today’s MLB standard uses pitch speed measured at 50 feet from home plate.

(*) Last updated as of: 11/5/2009 – We are combing through the 2007 season records for any addons to this list and will update the list, if needed.

Tim Lincecum Note

Despite reported 101 mph pitches, the highest recorded pitch speed we have during the 2008 and 2009 seasons for Tim Lincecum is 99.3 mph for the 2008 season on 4/24/2008, and 96.8 mph for the 2009 season on 6/29/2009.

2009 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ (qty 100+ for year)

16 pitchers threw 100+ mph in 2009.

• 102.7 (138),Joel Zumaya (Tigers), 6/30/2009, Oakland Coliseum
• 102.6 (39), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers), 7/3/2009, PETCO Park
• 102.2 (16), Brian Wilson (Giants), 9/5/2009, Miller Park
• 101.3 (12), Daniel Bard (Red Sox), 7/30/2009, Fenway Park
• 101.1 (14), Neftali Feliz (rangers), 8/7/2009, Angel Stadium Anaheim
• 101.0 (15), Justin Verlander (Tigers), 9/19/2009, Metrodome

10 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph. Bobby Parnell 100.9 (3), Henry Rodriguez 100.6 (11), Ubaldo Jimenez 100.6 (14), Juan Morillo 100.3 (1), Matt Lindstrom 100.2 (1), Merkin Valdez 100.2 (1), Kyle Farnsworth 100.2 (4), Fernando Rodney 100.1 (1), Kevin Jepsen 100.0 (1), and Mark Lowe 100.0 (1).

In the 2009 World Series, no 100+ mph pitches were thrown – Joba Chamberlain was fastest at 97.1 on 11/1/2009. In the 2009 postseason, 3 100+ mph pitches were thrown – Jonathan Broxton 101.3 (2), Daniel Bard 100.6 (3), and Ubaldo Jimenez 100.0 (4).

2008 Season Fastest Pitchers 100+ (qty 100+ for year)

10 pitchers threw 100+ mph in 2008.

• 101.0 (12), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers), 8/21/2008, Dodger Stadium
• 101.0 (9), Matt Lindstrom (Marlins), 7/10/2008, Dodger Stadium
• 101.0 (32), Joel Zumaya (Tigers), 6/20/2008, PETCO Park

7 other pitchers threw 100+ but less than 101 mph. Ervin Santana (2), Ubaldo Jimenez (3), Fernando Rodney (1), Brian Wilson (1), Joba Chamberlain (1), Juan Morillo (3).

In the 2008 World Series, no 100+ mph pitches were thrown.

During the prime of the likes of Nolan Ryan, the popular way of generating more momentum back then was the “Stand Tall and Fall” style developed by Nolan Ryan and his pitching coach Tom House, who may have coined the term. This proceeded the popular style of “Drop and Drive” used by the great Tom Seaver. These two styles of pitching are still used today. What is changing is pitching mechanics are evolving from an art form into the world of science.

Instead of hearing terms like “Stand Tall and Fall” or “Drop and Drive,” we are now hearing terms like “Core Torque,” “Triple Extension” or “Scap Loading.” What we are learning is the more science we can put into pitching, the more benchmarks we have to help pitchers make their improvements. If pitching mechanics are only seen as an art form, then they are based on opinion, which has been the case for some time now. When pitching mechanics are seen as a science then through analysis pitching mechanics must meet certain benchmarks to be labeled efficient and effective.

What we have learned from these two styles, “Stand Tall and Fall” and “Drop and Drive,” is more momentum equals more velocity. What we know today is that digital science has proven that momentum is only effective if it transfers from the lower half to the upper half of the body before it can move into the ball at release. This is the importance of “Separation.” “Separation” is when the front leg lands and the back leg is extended, the back hip is around and the back shoulder and body weight is still back. Notice the picture of Tim Lincecum above in this position. You can develop all the momentum in the world with a Nolan Ryan leg lift or a Tim Lincecum jump off the mound but if you do not let that momentum travel up your body into the ball with proper “Separation” then this means you will be stuck with just your arm to generate the velocity of the pitch.

I like to use the analogy of a moving car. Imagine a car traveling at 100 mph. The drivers side door is closed but it isn’t closed all the way. All of a sudden the driver slams on the brakes and stops the car in its tracks. What would happen to the door? It would fly open because once the momentum of the car is stopped by the brakes, the momentum moves into anything that is not secured down. The door was not secured down, so it picked up the momentum and flew open. This is exactly how momentum must travel through a pitchers body. To transition from the moving car analogy into the delivery of a pitcher we could say the car is the legs and core of the pitcher and the door is the shoulders and arms. Once the pitcher puts on the brakes with his front leg during front foot strike and the shoulders are closed with weight back, then the momentum will travel into the shoulders and arms driving them open towards the front knee. If the front leg continues to stabilize, the momentum will jump into the ball once the shoulders and arms cannot travel any farther.

This analogy makes it sound simple but it is not because there is a sequence of rotational pivots that must rotate perfectly in order for the ball to reach your potential velocity. To learn more about these pivots read Pitching-torque-and-the-3-pivots. It is also a major feat to train your muscles to move your “car” at speeds that cannot be seen by the human eye but I believe it is possible and so should you. Purchase the Ace Pitcher Handbook for a complete training program to help you grow bigger, stronger, faster.

The two greatest pitchers of our time is Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. Their success came from their genetic make up and also their work ethics. Both of these pitchers had intense training programs. Roger Clemens was even using illegal drugs to enhance his work ethic and increase his improvements. Both of these pitchers grew bigger, stronger, faster in their careers and they both threw harder the older they got. This is because their work ethics improved their overall strength, which helped keep their flawless mechanics consistent and efficient. If they had slacked on their off-season training programs then you would have noticed a decline in their careers. This wasn’t the case and it is known today that they both where extremely hard workers.

Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens careers are proof that proper weight training and plyometric training will lead to a successful career. So why do coaches ignore this fact? Because they usually do not have first hand experience. If you want to be a high performance machine then you must train your body to become one.

Why should pitchers use a good strength and conditioning program?

1. To enhance pitching mechanical efficiency, which will lead to more consistency and increased longevity.
2. Help the body heal faster.
3. Develop fast twitch muscle fibers which have a higher capacity for explosive energy.

To understand the effects of Olympic weight lifting and velocity on pitchers, you must first understand how velocity is measured. I will use Newton’s second law of motion, along with the Catapult Theory, to explain pitching velocity.

Newton’s Second Law:

States that the acceleration (velocity) of an object in motion is dependent upon two variables – the net force acting upon the object and the mass of the object. As the force of propulsion acting upon the object increases, the acceleration of the object increases. As the mass of the object increases, the acceleration of the object decreases.

Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

a = f/m (f = force, m = mass, a = acceleration)

Let’s put this into baseball terms. Newton’s second law of motion would state that to throw a baseball 90 mph would require 6.5 pounds of pressure applied to a baseball, with a mass of 5 ounces, for two tenths of one second (.20).

6.5 pp applied to a 5 ounce baseball for .20 seconds = 90 mph fastball

Therefore to increase an 80 mph fastball to 90 mph you must either increase the force applied or the application time. The application time is how long you hold on to the ball once the force is applied. Subtracting 25% of application time forces a pitcher to increase the applied force by 33%. Increasing the application time by 10%, increased to .22 seconds, would add 10 mph to an 80 mph fastball.

80 mph fastball + 10% more application time = 90 mph fastball

* If you desire to see the formula in more detail that explains Newton’s Second Law defining the velocity of a baseball in motion then refer to Dr. Mike Marshalls article at: www.drmikemarshall.com/ChapterTwenty-Nine.html To find info scroll down to “1. The Release Velocity Formula for Baseball Pitchers.”

Catapult Theory:

The Catapult is made up of three components: the pivot, the coil and the arm. Let’s add a ball to the end of the arm to represent a baseball. To measure the velocity of the baseball, after the arm is released and the ball is in motion, we use Newton’s second law as described above. The importance of the Catapult is its relation to a pitcher at his full range of motion before launch of ball (See picture of Nolan Ryan below). If the Catapult pivot is not stable and is moving forward during release of the arm, then this will decrease the force applied to the ball at launch. In return, poor velocity. Now, if we stabilize the pivot, meaning no movement, and continue to apply the same force to the ball. When the arm is released and the ball is launched, it will reach its potential velocity. To keep force applied to the ball consistent the coil must maintain pressure on the arm during the entire delivery process.

How does Olympic lifting come into this equation?

First reason, it is the only type of lifting in the weight room that trains triple extension.

What is triple extension? This isn’t something new to the sports world. Olympic lifters have been using the term “Triple extension” for a long time. Triple extension occurs when the ankle joint extends, the knee joint extends along with the extension of the hip flexor. Visualize a long jumper in mid air like above (Notice left leg in triple extension). Also notice, in the picture to the right of Nolan Ryan, his right leg has triple extension. You can see his ankle, knee, and hip flexors in full extension. There is no weight lifting that trains the body pushing off of the ground as a single unit better than the Olympic Lifts. Triple extension plays in every sport that involves pushing off of ground.

Second reason, notice the lifter doing a split jerk at the top of the article. This is a very similar movement to pitching. More similar than any other weight training exercise. Studies have shown that athletes get better when training within their sport. This is called sport specific training.

This lifter is using triple extension to drive the weight up. Just like the pitcher driving the ball to the plate. The only difference here is the consequence of error. If the lifter losses momentum in the hips, he will drop the weight. If the pitcher losses momentum in the hips, he will throw a home run to some lucky batter.

If you want to learn about the Olympic Lifts and what they are, follow this link and watch the instructional video.

Coach Gayle Hatch Instructional Videos.

Now, how does triple extension increase velocity?

In all ways described in the Catapult theory above and Newton’s Second law, it adds both application time and force applied to ball.

First let’s explain how it increases application time, which is the most efficient way to increase velocity. Maximum application time comes from full range of motion. Example, Nolan Ryan has 180 degrees range of motion in picture above. This is the maximum possible. This means the Catapult is set to its potential, arm all the way back. For this to occur with a pitcher the hips must be pushed under the shoulders. The only way to push the hips under the shoulders is extending the back leg ankle, knee and hip flexor, also called Triple Extension, at the perfect time. With hips all the way under the shoulders, the pitcher now has reached his full range of motion, therefore increasing the application time to build or maintain force to the ball.

If the hips are lagging, the chest is leaning forward and the arm is leading the body, then minimal application time has occurred. Less range of motion therefore less potential to create more velocity.

Triple extension adds force to the ball because it aids in the momentum originally generated from the lift leg along with gravity. This only aids the momentum, if triple extension occurs, just before front foot strike. If it happens to early and the hips have not moved down the mound, then the hips open too soon. This kills the purpose of good momentum and it also kills full range of motion.

With chest out and hips under shoulders, chest and chin must remain up until launch of ball to keep pivot stable through entire delivery.

More benefits of Olympic lifting!

Not only do these lifts train Triple Extension better than any other style of lifting but it specifically trains fast twitch muscle fiber. This is what makes an athlete explosive. For pitchers and baseball players, getting stronger in the weight room has been forbidden, until the steroid area came into fruition. Now everyone is lifting. This isn’t a trend. This is because it works!

The last benefit of Olympic lifting for the pitching delivery occurs during stabilization of the front leg. Like described in the Catapult Theory, stabilization must occur to prevent decreasing force applied to ball. Therefore if the pitchers landing leg moves forward or gives away, then force is decreased to the ball. In return poor velocity. Notice Nolan Ryan in the picture here. His front leg almost triple extends. This means he is preventing instability in his front leg by holding and even extending it back into his hips. This is why he reached his top velocity.

So how do I get started?

In the weight room but first find a professionally certified Olympic Lifting Coach. These lifts take a lot of training to perform correctly, so to prevent injury. I do not recommend performing these lifts with out a proper coach supporting you. Please check with your physician before performing these lifts and remember weight is not important. Your form in the weight room and on the field is all that matters. Always sacrifice weight for good mechanics.

If you have any questions about this information please post your questions on the discussion board.

View footage of Nolan Ryans delivery in slow motion.

Weight Training and Velocity

Olympic lifting isn’t the only lifts in the weight room that will enhance performance and increase pitching velocity. They are the best lifts in the weight room for velocity but not the only ones. The Fusion system, which is the strength and conditioning program in the 3X Pitching Velocity program, includes the Olympic Lifts but also other effective lifts and exercises in the weight room for increasing velocity.