In the world of baseball development, the best remote pitching coaches are always looking for ways to build arm strength, refine mechanics, and increase throwing velocity. Traditional tools like weighted balls, resistance bands, and long toss are staples. But one unconventional – and surprisingly effective – training method is gaining traction: football throws.

Yes, the same spiral-heavy ball from the gridiron is making its way onto baseball fields. Here's why throwing a football has become a secret weapon in elite throwing programs.

Benefits of Football Throws for Baseball Players

1. Reinforces the Kinetic Chain

One of the key benefits of throwing a football is how it enhances the kinetic sequence of the throwing motion. Because of its size and weight, a football can’t be thrown efficiently with just arm strength. Players are forced to:

• Drive from the legs
  
  
• Rotate the hips
  
  
• Engage the core
  
  
• Finish over a strong front side
  
  

This builds the same foundational movement pattern top-tier pitchers and hitters need to generate power. It improves hip-to-shoulder separation, teaches proper force transfer, and grooves rotational efficiency — all essential for remote pitching training programs or in-house sessions.

2. Improves Arm Path and Release Point

Throwing a football naturally promotes:

• Full arm extension out front
  
  
• A cleaner arm path through the throwing zone
  
  
• A later, more efficient release point
  
  

Pitchers often short-arm throws or pull off early, especially under fatigue. The shape of a football demands a longer deceleration arc and better shoulder positioning, encouraging healthier and more efficient movement.

3. Builds Arm Strength Safely

Football throws aren’t about max effort—they’re about controlled, high-quality reps. Because of the ball's density and circumference, players receive:

• Eccentric loading of the arm during the deceleration phase
  
  
• Greater rotator cuff activation
  
  
• Enhanced shoulder and elbow stability
  
  

This is critical for reducing injury risk and improving durability over a long season. Whether you're training in person or through our VeloU Remote Training app, this form of resistance can help condition the arm without overloading it.

How to Add Football Throws into Your Routine

Here’s how we recommend integrating them:

• Pre-throwing warm-up (5–10 reps) to groove mechanics
  
  
• Movement pattern drills emphasizing load, rotate, and drive
  
  
• Post-throw cooldowns focusing on mechanics over intensity
  
  

⚾ Pro Tip: Incorporate different angles—sidearm, high three-quarter, and over-the-top—to mimic game demands and reinforce joint integrity.

Who Should Use Football Throws?

Football throws can benefit all baseball players, but they’re especially powerful for:

• Pitchers working on their stride direction and hip-shoulder separation
  
  
• Two-way players refining throwing mechanics
  
  
• Hitters enhancing rotational sequencing and follow-through
  
  

Whether you're training with the best remote pitching coach online or working on-site, this simple tool can bring complex benefits.