Navigating The Extension Phase Beyond 120 Feet

One of the most important decisions you will need to make is when you feel like you have reached your maximum distance in the Extension Phase (Phase 2), and are ready to begin the “Higher Intent Pull-Down” Phase (Phase 3) of your Throwing Schedule.

Though Phase 2 of our Throwing Schedule is built out to 300 feet, you may find that you need more or less distance based on your age, strength and throwing history to get fully extended or stretched out. Therefore, be sure and note that once your arm is fully stretched out – based on whatever “week” you are in regarding the time line of the Throwing Schedule – you are ready to begin Phase 3. Again, use the Throwing Schedule as a road map, and keep in mind that each of these Phases will be addressed in greater detail as you go through the Throwing Schedule. But as quick reminder, here is the chronological order of the first 3 Phases:

• Phase 1: 30-120 Feet (Base Building)
• Phase 2: 120+ Feet (Extension Phase/Modified Pull-Downs)
• Phase 3: Higher Intent Pull-Downs/Light Mound Work
• Phase 4: Live Pitch Count Build-Up

It is imperative that you are sensitive to this timeline because one of the most essential principles of our Throwing Schedule is to ensure that your arm is fully stretched out to its maximum distance in the Extension Phase prior to beginning the higher intent Pull-Down Phase, and your higher intent Pull-Downs need to be completed prior to ramping up your higher intent Mound Work.

By following this sequential order, you don’t have to worry about “what week you are in” in the Throwing Schedule once you reach your maximum distance in the Extension Phase. You’ll simply know that when you get to your maximum distance (Phase 2), you can move on to the next step (Phase 3). For example, though the Throwing Schedule is built out to 300 feet, if you feel like you peaked out at 250 feet, you can immediately begin the “Higher Intent Pull-Down” Phase, which will then transition you into Phase 4, the “Live Pitch Count Build-Up”.

The same is true if you get to 300 feet, and your arm is not at its maximum distance yet. In this scenario, you can add 15-30 feet a week, and then, once you get to your maximum distance, you can begin the same transitions from Phase 2 to Phase 3.

This will make a lot more sense as you continue to read on. Just know that regardless of where you are at in the Throwing Schedule, to not move on to Phase 3 until you have reached your maximum distance in the extension phase (Phase 2).