Yes, of course long toss is a great way to strengthen your arm! Durability is essential for getting through a season. Most pitchers benefit from it. However, for some it does not settle well.  For those who are afraid that it will offset your release point as a pitcher, remember, you are an athlete and not a robot. You can make adjustments.  You can do things 2 different ways and still produce.

How many arm angles do infielders throw from throughout a game on routine outs at 1B? They make it just fine.  

...Yeah, infielders long toss too…just not as far as pitchers. Don’t ever let them show up your arm! 
If you are overly fearful that stretching things out will disrupt your release point, make your last 15 throws from 60 feet. And you will be just fine!

Remember…You are an Athlete…..NOT a Snowflake!  You can handle adjustments! You’re a Ballplayer!

Those who want to blame long toss for an inconsistent day on the mound are usually those who look to make excuses.  Don’t make excuses, make adjustments. My college coach always told us, “Make the Adjustment.”  He never told us what the adjustment was….that was for us to figure out.  This advice makes a winner and a man out of you in much quicker time.

Long Toss: Tremendous Benefit

One of the best benefits to long tossing for pitchers which is functional to the craft is this:

After you have stretched it out to your limit.  Work your way back into 120 feet.  There with your partner, make throws on 1 bounce.  A long hop. This is the same release point as pitching off the mound at 60’6″.  This aspect of long tossing helps you get your momentum behind your throws, while having body control, releasing out in front, and of course, where pitchers make their money…Throwing DownHill!!!

That is where you always want to get to as a pitcher.  The work done to master this does not strictly come from mound work.

Have any suggestions on how long toss does or does not benefit you,  please leave us a comment below.   

Keep Dominating!!!