(Editor’s Note: This article was originally published January 11, 2022)
There are plenty of methods to improving velocity – from the old school method of long tossing to new school of weighted balls and everything in-between. Top Velocity is a tried-and-true method that has been helping young pitchers experience real results for close to two decades.
The program was developed by Louisiana native Brent Pourciau – a former Division-I pitcher. When rehabbing from injury, he wanted a way to build back his strength without reinjuring himself. He developed this method and was able to return to his former self, hitting 94 MPH, sixteen years ago. He has since gone onto to become a biomechanics consultant for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.
The key tenets of the program are developing velocity while mitigating the risk of injury through flexibility and an extensive throwing progression.
Only 10 facilities in the nation are Top Velocity certified and one is now on Long Island in Holbrook. George Loft, Tyler Loft and Peter Recupero are all instructors at the facility. Tyer Loft, who is a pitcher for Farmingdale State College, said the following:
“We felt that – and the statistics back it up – that this program is safe and guarantees gains in strength, power, velocity and athleticism. It’s not just for pitchers either – it helps you become a better athlete. You will improve your vertical jump, broad jump, running speed and all strength metrics,” he added.
I was in attendance during their session on Monday night and the facility was electric. The classes were separated into two different age groups but the older athletes had a ton of energy and it was impressive to see. They stress the importance of building a culture too, so that the young ballplayers look forward to coming back.
The program itself is very intricate, involving a series of active warmups, an overhand medicine ball throw into the net before progressing to using a baseball for throws out of a lunging position before moving to the most advanced movement, a 3x separate momentum lateral – which is in the video below.
SUNY New Paltz RHP Nick Harvey (Smithtown East 2019) pic.twitter.com/7bYz53SOms
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 11, 2022
Nick Harvey, a RHP from SUNY New Paltz and Smithtown East graduate, has become the pseudo-face of the program. Since beginning the program 15 days ago his max velo has jumped from 83 to 89 MPH. When he hit 89, the facility erupted with excitement. It was the type of atmosphere not seen during January bullpen sessions but it was refreshing to see the players all buy in to the moment.
Loft, who went through the program himself, noted that it is year-long and preseason is just as important as the postseason portion which includes no throwing.
To register, please visit loftsbaseball365.com.
