Why is running good if you’re a pitcher?

I know you need leg strength to drive off the mound and it helps your velocity but people say when you have a sore arm to start running more and I just don’t see how it helps. Is it just that more leg strength from running means less strain on the arm?

Yes, being able to drive off the mound quickly (with good mechanics) impacts velocity in a HUGE way.

The reason people will tell you to run if you have a sore arm (usually after you’re done pitching) is to act as a cool down, which helps offset DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

Although, one should look at why we have a sore arm. How do you warm up? How many pitches do you throw in your bullpens leading up to the game? Do you eat properly, or do you eat a bunch of processed foods that can delay healing time? How’s your mechanics?

Anyways, another big reason for running is to run for aerobic fitness (i.e. running long distances, try to run continuously for 60 minutes. Start off at first at a pace quicker than a walk, and do that for 60 minutes, then keep increasing the speed as the weeks go by), as it helps in quicker recovery from and increases the capacity to perform skill trials at practices, as well as increases mental alertness and tolerance to heat.
This is helpful for when it’s the bottom of the 7th on a hot day when you’ve been pitching all game and running the bases (if you hit). You want to be alert, you want to be both physically and mentally ready.

Forefoot Running

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