With proper use, weighted baseballs can be an effective tool for increasing the throwing velocity of a regulation weight baseball. Many training studies using underload/overload baseballs utilizing large ranges of weight variations have been conducted (4oz to 17oz, with most being 5oz +/- 20%). In theory, overload-weighted balls (>5oz) increase arm strength, while underload-weighted balls (<5oz) increase arm speed.
Made of synthetic leather, protecting the weight integrity of the ball that can result from moisture absorption. The TAP® Weighted Baseballs are offered in twelve weights and are available individually, allowing the purchase of ball weights specific to an individual need or in one of three sets. The TAP® Weighted Baseball Set 1 (odd weight balls) consists of 3oz, 5oz, 7oz, 9oz, and 11oz balls. The TAP™ Weighted Baseball Set 2 (even weight balls) consists of 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, and 12oz balls. The TAP™ Weighted Baseball Complete Set (all weight balls) is a ten-ball set consisting of ball weights of 3oz-12oz.
- Ideal for baseball-specific overload and underload training
- Enhance mechanical efficiency
- Effective tool for increasing arm strength
- Improve arm speed
- Ball weights are color coded for easy identification
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- 3oz - yellow
- 4oz - orange
- 5oz - fuschia
- 6oz - blue
- 7oz - red
- 8oz - green
- 9oz - white
- 10oz - brown
- 11oz - sky blue
- 12oz - black
- Durable synthetic leather cover
Not intended to be thrown against hard surfaces or used for hitting drills - use our TAP® Max-Grip Weighted Ball for those purposes.
All users should know there is a risk associated with throwing any weighted ball. Randy Sullivan, MPT and CEO of The ARMory stated this about using weighted balls:
"I think weighted balls are great for some people. A heavier ball forces a pitcher with a linear deceleration pattern to adopt a safer, more rotational movement. But if a guy has dirty arm action or an extensive list of physical constraints, the last thing he needs is to start hurling weighted balls around. Adding energy or strength to dysfunction is usually a bad idea."
Using TAP® Weighted Baseballs to enhance velocity is often found in baseball training programs. The worth of weighted ball programs is often debated from an effectiveness and safety viewpoint.
Following is an excerpt from a study abstract found in Sports Med. (2000 Apr;29(4):259-72.) authored by Escamilla RF, Speer KP, Fleisig GS, Barrentine SW, Andrews JR. entitled: Effects Of Throwing Overweight And Underweight Baseballs On Throwing Velocity And Accuracy.
"7 overweight and 4 underweight training studies (6 to 12 weeks in duration) were conducted to determine how throwing velocity of regulation baseballs was affected due to training with these overweight and underweight baseballs. The overweight baseballs ranged in weight from 5.25oz to 17oz, while the underweight baseballs were between 4oz and 4.75oz. Data from these training studies strongly support the practice of training with overweight and underweight baseballs to increase the throwing velocity of regulation baseballs. Since no injuries were reported throughout the training studies, throwing overweight and underweight baseballs may not be more stressful to the throwing arm compared to throwing regulation baseballs. However, since currently there are no injury data related to throwing overweight and underweight baseballs, this should be the focus of subsequent studies. In addition, research should be initiated to determine whether throwing kinematics and kinetics are different between throwing regulation baseballs and throwing overweight and underweight baseballs."
The full abstract of this study can be seen here
Eric Cressey, president and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance, when asked if he used weighted balls in his training programs gave the following answer:
"Yes, with some of our pitchers. The asterisk that follows this statement is that they’re only implemented with those who have built a decent foundation of strength and mastered the fundamental mechanics of throwing a regular (5oz) baseball. All of our weighted baseball drills generally take place in the 7oz - 11oz range. I do, however, know some very bright minds in the field who will go heavier."
Cressey goes on to say:
"Let me make two things abundantly clear:
- You should never throw a weighted baseball off a mound (arm stress is higher when elevated) or with long-toss. We do all our weighted ball drills into a tarp/net from about 6' - 8' away.
- You don’t play catch with weighted baseballs. Someone will get hurt if you try. Throw the ball, then walk to pick it up."
Instructions for use not included
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