The Hidden Risks of Chasing Velocity: Are Young Pitchers Sacrificing Health for Speed?
The obsession with velocity in baseball has led many young pitchers to prioritize speed over long-term arm health. Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why rapid velocity gains can increase injury risks, how scouts and coaches contribute to the problem, and what young players should focus on to develop safely while still improving their performance.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
3/28/20252 min read
The Hidden Risks of Chasing Velocity: Are Young Pitchers Sacrificing Health for Speed?
Throwing harder has become the ultimate goal for young pitchers, with velocity often determining playing time, scholarships, and draft status. But at what cost? Dr. Jason Zaremski explains why the push for more speed is leading to a rise in injuries and how players can train smarter to protect their arms.
Has the focus on velocity changed how young pitchers train? Share your thoughts in the comments on the video, we'd love to hear from you.
Why the Velocity Obsession Is a Problem
While velocity is important, the focus on throwing harder at a young age has created several risks:
Increased stress on the elbow and shoulder – Higher velocity means greater force, putting more strain on the arm.
Overuse injuries – Pitchers often train for speed without adequate rest and recovery.
Lack of physical preparation – Many players chase velocity gains without building the strength and mobility needed to support them.
Scouting pressures – Players are often told velocity is the most important factor, leading them to prioritize speed at any cost.
Dr. Zaremski points out that while scouts and coaches reward high velocity, they rarely consider the long-term consequences for young athletes.
How to Develop Velocity Without Increasing Injury Risk
To build velocity safely, pitchers need to focus on:
Proper strength and mobility training – A strong foundation reduces the risk of injury when throwing harder.
Gradual workload increases – Rapid velocity gains can overwhelm the body, leading to stress injuries.
Mechanics and efficiency – Poor mechanics make velocity gains more dangerous by increasing joint stress.
Rest and recovery – Without structured rest, increased velocity can lead to overuse injuries.
Learn More About Sore to Soaring
At Sore to Soaring, we help athletes develop safely, balancing performance gains with long-term health to ensure they stay on the field and reach their potential.
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
If you wish to learn more about Dr. Zaremski’s work, visit:UFHealth.org.
#Baseball #PitchingHealth #ThrowingMechanics #VelocityTraining #InjuryPrevention #SoreToSoaring
