Functional training program for baseball pitchers identified as talents

Strength improvement in baseball pitchers is a matter of interest to specialists and coaches in this sport. On the other hand, the need to motivate coaches, specialists and researchers in the search for methods, means, procedures, strategies, methodologies and alternatives that contribute to obtaining optimal performance in athletes has been demonstrated. It is from there that the present investigation arises. It proposes a functional training program for pitchers identified as talents in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. This methodological tool was developed taking into account the use of theoretical methods (document analysis, analysis-synthesis and induction-deduction), empirical (observation, modeling, measurement) and statistical mathematics; as well as quality criteria for its standardization. The implementation of the suggested functional training program was carried out for 12 micro cycles. Its materialization was conditioned by a sample supported by 10 pitchers aged between 18 and 25 years. All, members of the preselection to the 60 National Baseball Series. A longitudinal study was also applied with a pre-test and two post- tests at different moments of the program, which allowed us to verify a sustained increase when comparing the indicators evaluated from one test with another. This demonstrates the relevance and usefulness of this program for the improvement of strength in baseball pitchers. The work pays tribute to the theory related to the preparation and execution of the pitcher's launch, in correspondence with the demands of modern baseball.