what is plyometric training?

Question
Just curious... what is plyometric training? My son has a pitching coach who has this training style. Since his instruction we have noticed a remarkable increase in both speed and control. My son even threw a complete game - that was 120 pitches -- with no arm pain.. just sore legs. Must be something right about this. Thank you

Answer
Donnalinda,

Plyometric training is also known as jump training. Most of it is done without weights, although more extreme versions can include weights. Simply put, you use your body weight in jumping methods.

It can be as simple as side to side jumps, front and back, or jumping onto a box and back down repeatedly. The whole purpose is to develop explosiveness in your legs. Since pitching is about having some explosiveness in your legs, this type of workout can be better then heavy weight lifting.

People forget that in the end, pitching is about throwing a relatively lite baseball, which is why this type of workout can provide more then heavy leg workouts.

If you search plyometrics training online, you can find 1000's of websites with these types of workouts. There are many different forms and techniques.

Sean