Why Pulldown Velocity Doesn’t Always Transfer

A common question from athletes training remotely or in-house at VeloU is:
"How does pulldown velocity correlate to mound velocity?"

It's a great question—and the short answer is: it depends.
Let’s break it down based on personal experience and data from over 20 VeloU athletes.

My Personal Pulldown Experiment

I recently finished a 4-week velocity-building phase with one goal: hit 100 mph on a pulldown—something I’d never done. After several weeks of chasing it, I finally got there with a 100.4 mph throw.

So what happened when I stepped back on the mound?

It didn’t translate.
I only gave myself one week between the pulldown and mound work. My body wasn’t fully recovered. And I skipped the most important part: blending the mechanical patterns. The result? A 10+ mph drop from my pulldown to mound velocity.

Pulldowns Can Work—But Only If You Blend

Pulldowns are a form of overspeed training. They add momentum and help athletes feel:

• Better direction
  
  
• Improved lead leg block
  
  
• More athleticism in the throw
  
  
• Clearer sequencing at or after front foot strike
  
  

But without momentum from a running start, you need to learn how to recreate that feeling from the mound. That’s where the blending phase comes in.

Our 3-Part Transfer Strategy

At VeloU, we use pulldowns with both remote pitching athletes and in-house throwers—but always follow with a carefully structured post-velo phase:

1. Deload (1 week)

• Lower throwing volume and intensity
  
  
• Prioritize tissue recovery
  
  

2. Blending Phase (3–4 weeks)

• Recreate pulldown movement from the slope
  
  
• Include directionally demanding drills
  
  
• Add anti-momentum drills to build stability and sequencing
  
  
• Customize to athlete needs (e.g., trunk tilt, lead leg control, arm timing)
  
  

3. Progressive Mound Reintroduction

• Rebuild intent from slope
  
  
• Monitor velocity, mechanics, and fatigue
  
  

What the Data Shows from VeloU Athletes

Last off-season, 23 athletes followed this protocol. After the deload and blending phase:

• Average difference between pulldown and mound velocity: 5.7 mph
  
  
• Athletes retained most of their velocity gains
  
  
• Improvements proved more sustainable over a full season
  
  

Final Thoughts: Use Pulldowns as a Tool, Not the Destination

Pulldowns can be a great training aid—but not a magic fix.
If you skip recovery and movement transfer, expect frustration.

Whether you're training on-site or looking for the best remote pitching coach, the goal isn't just to hit 100—it’s to hit 100 on the mound and keep it there.

Interested in Building Velo That Sticks?

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