WEIGHTED BALL TRAINING, ISOKINETIC SHOULDER STRENGTH, AND FASTBALL VELOCITY IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week weighted ball training program on throwing velocity and isokinetic shoulder strength in 23 high school baseball players. Preliminary throwing velocity was measured with a JUGS radar gun and isokinetic shoulder strength was measured with a Biodex System III Isokinetic Dynamometer at 300 deg/sec. Participants in the training group completed all practices and weight sessions with the team, then completed an over- and under-weighted ball throwing and eccentric hold intervention. Within the groups it was noted that TV, CER, EER decreased over time, no change in CIR was noted and a slight increase was noted in EIR. However, no statistical differences were noted between the intervention and control groups. Weighted ball training programs have merit, however must be implemented in such a way to target the population being trained.