Our Arm Development Program
We at Ninth Inning Baseball are revolutionizing the way we train our athletes’ arms through our new ARM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ADP). We now have the technology to monitor, track and test the motion and capabilities of our athletes. Using high speed video and ball flight data, our Driveline Certified professional staff are able to interpret and teach each athlete how to properly sequence the arm action and the most efficient way to utilize the kinetic chain to maximize power and efficiency. Our initial Assessments provide us with the proper information on how to program the individual athlete so we can create specific and tangible goals based off the individuals target time period. We also minimize the learning curve by using data-driven technology to teach and create a healthier, more sustainable arm action.
Certified Coaching & Instruction
Instruction and coaching is provided by our professional Driveline Certified instructors that have the knowledge and understanding of the Driveline program, including kinetic chain and biomechanical analysis. Coaching consists of constant monitoring of the athletes to make sure drills and programs are being utilized correctly while capturing and inputting data to track progression.
Driveline
Driveline is a scientific based program that founded groundbreaking research in throwing development. This program involves a strict regimen that ensures athletes get the most out of their training. The Driveline program is concentrated on pre-throw routines, Constraint Drills and recovery routines. Sports Science research has proven that constraint training is the most advantageous way to effect mechanical change.
Constraint Drills
Once the deficiencies are diagnosed through a Functional Movement Screen, we customize constraint drills that will effectively repair movement patterns and create more efficient arm actions. In an effort to create a more efficient arm action we incorporate weighted balls to minimize the torque on the arm by slowing down the movements. This allows the athlete to feel the proper movement. All drills are based on individual deficiencies in movement patterns thus distinct to each athlete.
Functional Movement Screen
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is used to identify deficiencies within each athlete. It is necessary to have an evaluation so we know how to properly construct a program that will drastically improve performance. Every athlete must complete this screen prior to starting the program; the cost of the FMS is $100 and the scores from the screen are good for 6 months.
Technology
We utilize high-speed motion capture Edgertronic cameras to help identify mechanical issues so that we can accurately identify and personalize the programming for each athlete. Edgertronic cameras shoot at 1000 frames per second and is the preferred high-speed camera of every MLB team. This technology allows us to slow down and see exactly how the body moves, and this allows us to identify what areas we can adjust and improve
Software & Data
Along with the Edgertronic camera, we utilize RAPSODO pitch tracking hardware & software to analyse ball flight data and pitch design. Some of the data includes spin rate, spin axis, spin efficiency, horizontal and vertical breaks etc.
All the data collected is input into Driveline’s TRAQ software. Our Driveline instructors design each athletes daily program. This allows our staff and the athlete to “TRAQ” their daily routines and progress over months, years, etc.
Assessments
Pitching/Throwing assessments must be completed by athletes prior to starting any Arm Development Program. Each assessment includes an individual Functional Movement Screen, a pre-throw J-Band routine, baseline Plyo testing (with velocities), Edgertronic motion capture, and post-assessment evaluation and consultation. The cost of the assessment is $200.