Flexibility Deficits in Pitchers

Written on July 31, 2008 at 9:06 am, by Eric Cressey

Q: Eric, I know you see a ton of baseball pitchers, so I wanted to ask you if there are particular flexibility restrictions you notice. I am guessing that because it is such a “lopsided” sport that imbalances tend to be magnified. Thanks.

A: Absolutely! The “money” flexibility issues we aim to address are:

-Throwing shoulder glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD)
-Lead leg hip internal rotation deficit (HIRD)
-Lead leg hip extension deficit
-Lead leg knee flexion deficit
-Trailing leg hip flexion deficit (tight hamstrings)
-Pec minor
-Sternocleidomastoid
-Long head of triceps
-Throwing elbow extension deficit (secondary to length issues with brachialis and other elbow flexors)

Some of these are attacked with more dynamic flexibility, while others are addressed with 30s static stretching and/or prolonged holds. We’re also always working on thoracic mobility and ankle mobility, although I look at these issues more as gross mobility deficits than specific muscles that are short.

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1 Comment

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One Response to “Flexibility Deficits in Pitchers”

Anonymous Says:
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
“30s static stretching and/or prolonged holds”

Why 30sek unless prolonged holds?
And how long is prolonged holds and for maximum flexibility what would you recommend?