The Great Long Toss Debate: Tom House and Alan Jaeger

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Your Long Toss Program:

1. Understand the Importance of Long Toss:

   • Long toss helps build endurance in your arm and improves your throwing mechanics.
   • It is a safe way to ensure balance between accelerators and decelerators in your arm.

2. General Best Practices for Long Toss:

   • Start by playing catch and throwing with intensity at various distances on flat ground.
   • Long toss should be done as far as you can throw perfectly while maintaining good mechanics and tolerance.

3. Developing a Long Toss Program:

   • Aim for five sets of 15 throws at maximum intensity with the best mechanics possible.
   • Long toss should be tailored based on your recent pitching workload and performance.

4. Listening to Your Arm and Body:

   • Pay attention to how your arm and body feel during and after long toss sessions.
   • Adjust your long toss routine based on your body's feedback and comfort level.

5. Incorporating Varied Throws:

   • Experiment with different release points, arc angles, and distances during long toss.
   • Embrace variability to tap into your intuitive athletic nature and enhance your proprioception.

6. Loading Off the Back Leg:

   • Focus on crow hopping off the back leg to optimize ground forces and engage your glutes and hips.
   • Loading off the back leg allows for optimal weight transfer and energy translation during the throw.

7. Balancing Mechanics and Freedom:

   • Find a balance between perfect mechanics and freedom of movement during long toss.
   • Allow your body to intuitively adjust and adapt while maintaining good throwing form.

8. Developing a Personal Routine:

   • Create a daily routine that incorporates elements of athleticism, arm care, and mental performance.
   • Adapt your long toss program to fit your individual needs and preferences.

9. Routine Consistency Over Perfection:

   • Focus on establishing a consistent routine rather than striving for a perfect routine.
   • Make adjustments to your program based on feedback from your body and performance.

10. Conclusion:

    • Remember that long toss is a valuable tool for improving your throwing mechanics, arm strength, and overall performance.
    • Incorporate the key principles discussed by Tom House and Alan Jaeger to enhance your long toss program and optimize your athletic performance.