The Process of Long Toss-Part 5 (Wrap Up)

We have now arrived to the final blog in the long toss process series.  The time has come where we can put this all together and get to work.  The goal of this long toss process is to ultimately make you a better thrower on the mound.  There are many kids out there that can throw a baseball over three hundred feet but then get on a mound and can't hit 80mph.  In order to maximize these workouts, never get away from the intent and goal of the program.  The intent and goal is to throw harder and more accurate.  We want to create both and not compromise one for the other.  If this is so, then you must be able to create the athleticism you have when you throw a baseball as far as you can, onto the mound.  Once you are ready for mound workouts be aware that you are feeling the same amount of freedom on the mound as you are during the long toss portion.  One way to be able to experiment with this is "blending" long toss work with mound work.  When you are finished getting loose during a workout and are ready for the mound, transfer the feeling to the mound.  If you do not feel as athletic and aggressive with your body as you felt when you were throwing a long toss, step off the mound, throw some long toss, then get back on the mound.  Continue this process as long as it takes to create the same type of feeling during both types of throwing.  Long toss and mound work need to be associated as one and not trying to throw a ball as far as you can and then getting on a mound and turning into a robot. 

Have fun, be easy about it, and let it go.  The body will accommodate what you are telling it to do.  Tell your body you want to be athletic, you want to throw hard, you want to be accurate.  Believe you can make this happen and then go after it.  Use this long toss program for at least three months and see what it can do for you.  I will guarantee, if done properly, you will be an entirely new pitcher in no time at all.