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Introducing
The Edge PowerTM, the most effective
baseball and football training device available anywhere. *for
ages 13 and up
In baseball, increased power means hitting harder and throwing faster
- this is what we all strive for and train for.
 The
Edge PowerTM is designed to elevate your training to the
next level. It is the only adjustable weighted training glove on the market
with proven results.
A variable-weighted glove, it comes fitted with 12 ounces of weight per hand.
The weight can be increased from 2 ounces up to a pound by 2 ounce increments.
Additional weight packs can be ordered to reach the maximum weight of 1 pound
per hand.
The Edge PowerTM was first
developed to strengthen a third baseman’s arm to increase the velocity of the
throw, and it worked!  Shortly
after it was introduced it was tried as a training device to increase hand speed
for batting. Again, it worked, and it continues to work over and over again.
 The
Edge PowerTM helps strengthen every muscle used in the
throwing motion. Every player from Little League to professional can benefit
from The Edge. It is great for stretching, warming up and practicing. This is
the only training device that strengthens while the wearer is doing nothing more
than throwing. It's that easy! Not only does it increase velocity, it also helps
to reduce chance of injury.
 THROWING:
Whether you pitch, catch, play the infield or outfield a strong throwing arm is
important. What if you could increase the speed of your pitch or just throw the
ball with greater velocity? You can! *for ages 12 an up
HITTING: The Edge PowerTM
definitely increases power in hitting. The Edge can be worn during warm-up, in
the batting cage and during batting practice. It is no secret that bat speed is
a vital part of power hitting and The Edge works to increase bat speed. By
wearing The Edge on a regular basis, swinging the applied weight helps
strengthen all the muscles used throughout the entire swinging motion. This is
known as functional strengthening through functional exercise. This not only
works for the major muscles, but also the minor muscles, which help with
control.
*The Edge Power glove is not recommended for players
under 12 years old. The smallest size available is Adult small.
*Inspect the weight pockets before each use to check
for holes or tears. Discontinue use if you notice any type of hole or tear
in any weight pocket. Contains lead weights, proper care and use required.
 
DURA-TACKÔ
Leather palm for a secure grip!!
MEDICAL STUDY ON WHY IT WORKS!!!! (read below)
***Complete
Training Program (click here)***
Functional Overload of the Throwing Arm: Biomechanical Testing and Clinical
Trials of a Weighted Glove *for ages 12 an up
By James G. Richards, Ph.D,
Patrick W. Castagno, M.S., and
Michael J. Axe, M.D.
INTRODUCTION
Organized baseball at all levels has begun to emphasize off season
strengthening and conditioning in an effort to decrease the incidence of rotator
cuff damage. Current programs generally employ gym and rehabilitation equipment.
Exercises using weights and pulleys do not simulate functional throwing speeds
of shoulder rotation which exceed 4,000 degrees per second. In 1992, we
developed and tested a weighted, fingerless, Iycra glove for use
during indoor throwing. It was tested for safety and effectiveness over the next
two collegiate baseball seasons.
METHODS
A two-phase safety study and a two phase training study were conducted from
1992 -1994. All players volunteered and gave informed consent Coaches were
contacted at the completion of the following baseball season to assess incidence
of injury.
Safety Phase I -Mechanics:
Nine pitchers had retro reflective markers placed in 14 anatomic locations shown
in Figure 1. All pitches were thrown from an indoor mound 63 feet away from the
catcher. Two conditions were tested loaded (with the seven once Iycra glove) and
unloaded. All pitchers threw five fastballs. Glove testing was in randomized
testing order. Video data were collected using four NAC. cameras at an
equivalent frame rate of 200 frames per second. The video data were converted to
three-dimensional data points using Motion Analysis ExpertVision software. Data
were then reduced to yield: 1) Stride length; 2) Stride direction; 3) Distance
from stride foot to midline; 4) Lateral trunk lean (at release); 5) Ball
velocity; 6) Release point relative to the front foot; 7) Elbow
kinematics/kinetic time plots; 8) Shoulder kinematics/kinetic time plots.
Safety Phase II - Fatigue:
Five pitchers threw three. 20 pitch intervals with four minutes rest between
intervals in the loaded and unloaded conditions Marker placement and video
analysis were identical to the Safety Phase I Study.
Training Phase I - Seven Ounce:
Eighteen collegiate pitchers were involved in an off-season program. Each
pitcher threw a simulated game consisting of four, 20 pitch innings with four
minutes rest between innings. Athletes were then assigned to either the glove (7
ounce Iycra glove) or control group by randomized block design with velocity as
the blocking factor. They then completed an eight week throwing program. (Table
1) Post- testing was identical to pre-testing Video data were collected from the
first pitch of the simulated game and the last pitch of each inning at both
testing sessions. Velocity data were collected for each pitch using a calibrated
Decatur radar gun. Pre and post-test motion analysis was performed similar to
those used in the Safety Studies.
Training Phase II - 0.035% Bodv Weight IUc to 11 Ounces):
Fifteen collegiate pitchers with a mean weight of 864kg were randomly assigned
to a loaded or unloaded group as described above. Loading (glove weight) in this
study was 0.035% body weight which was determined from a pilot study and
represents mean mechanical breakdown minus two ounces. Phase II was conducted
identically to Phase I with glove vs. control at 8:7. Phase II throwing program
was similar in pitches to Phase I, but was extended to 10 weeks. Pre-testing
post-testing were identical to Phase I.
Common Data Reduction Technique:
The three-dimensional coordinate data were smoothed with a second order
Butterworth filter with a cut-off frequency of 11 hz. Elbow and shoulder joint centers were determined by translating the
lateral humeral condyle and acromion process markers a fixed distance into the
joint structure. The elbow joint center was determined by translating the
lateral humeral condyle marker into the joint structure five centimeters along
the nexion/extension axis of the elbow joint. The shoulder joint center was
determined by translating the acromion process marker into the joint structure
seven centimeters along the horizontal adduction/abduction axis of the shoulder
joint. The elbow and shoulder joint angular positions were calculated using ZYX
fixed axis rotations The joint angular velocities were then calculated by
differentiation of the joint angular positions. Finally, the joint reaction
forces and torques were calculated using standard inverse dynamics. Segment
centers of mass and inertial values were obtained using the methods described by
Zatsiorsky & Seluyanov (1983). Loaded and unloaded conditions were analyzed
descriptively.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Mechanics:
The valgus stress on the elbow (Figure 2), that has been associated with injury
showed no increase in valgus stress from MER to ball release, but demonstrated a
45% increase after ball release when compared to the normal throw, (Table 2).
The loaded condition resulted in a slight increase in MER (2 degrees) and a
larger ER at ball release (28 degrees). There was an increase of 22% in shoulder
abduction torque (Figure 3) and 17% increase in horizontal adduction torque
before ball release (Table 2). There was also a 20% increase in horizontal
abduction torque and a 30% increase in shoulder adduction torque after ball
release. Together these suggest that the deltoid and supraspinatus are loaded
during the acceleration phase and the posterior deltoid, posterior cuff muscles
and subscapularis are loaded during the deceleration phase, At ball release,
there was no difference in compression force but a slightly greater inferior
shoulder force (15%) (Figure 4), greater elbow flexion torque (Figure 5) and
anterior shoulder force (Table 2) during acceleration suggesting that the glove
loads the supraspinatus and biceps at that time.
Fatigue:
The results of this study indicate that an overload equal to seven ounces
applied to the dorsal aspect of the hand will not create differences in
kinematics or kinetics over a 60 pitch sequence when compared to the unloaded
condition. The absence of major mechanical differences during the use of an
overload glove suggests it is safe to use in further training studies to
investigate the effects of this type of overload on training of baseball
pitchers.
Training Studies:
The results of this study indicate that training for eight or ten weeks (Table
1) using a weighted glove produced no notable changes in the pitcher's throwing
mechanics. Furthermore, training with a weighted glove elicIted an increase in
pItch velocity of 2.2 mph which was 3.6 Standard deviations above the pre-test
mean velocity (Figure 6). This increase in velocity occurred in spite of the
fact that none of the kinematic or kinetic parameters displayed obvious changes
as a result of training with the glove. On average, 50 pitchers each year from
major league baseball make their way to the disabled list and arguably the
injury rate is even higher in amateur baseball. None of the pitchers who
completed the training program with the overload glove suffered an injury to the
throwing arm in the season following the study. Admittedly this is anecdotal,
but it is striking nonetheless. Research involved with tracking the incidence of
injury to pitchers using various training programs need to be performed to
verify this relationship.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS:
- The rotator cuff can be safely overloaded at functional speeds with the
use of the weighted glove.
- The overload forces created on the elbow and shoulder may necessitate a
healthy inner elbow and rotator cuff prior to training with the weighted
glove.
- Glove training in the off season can improve velocity almost 3 mph greater
than training without the glove.
- Despite inclement weather and limited space, a throwing athlete can train
year round and expect fewer overuse injuries using the weighted glove.
James G. Richards, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Physical Education
Director, Biomechanics Sports Science Laboratory
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Patrick w. Castagno, M.S.
Instructor, Biomechanics
University of Delaware
Director, Gait Laboratory
A.I. DuPont Institute Newark, DE
Michael J. Axe, M.D.
Sports Orthopedist
Clinical Associate Professor Department of Physical Therapy
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
In order to achieve the greatest gains from the use of Edge Power Gloves it
is best to adhere to a training regimen that is sport specific in nature. The
following programs are suggested in an effort to assist you in achieving your
goals. Keep in mind that a training regimen of at least 6 weeks is suggested
before significant gains can be attained. Enhancing your skill in any given
sport is a matter of applying Discipline, Desire and Dedication coupled with the
proper training tool. You have ordered one of the finest training products on
the market today. Now it is up to you to apply the Discipline, Desire and
Dedication to achieve your goals. Good Luck and thank you for purchasing the
Edge Power Gloves.
ARM SPEED DEVELOPMENT
Once sufficiently warmed up follow the routine below for two weeks:
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY
- Begin with a distance that you are comfortable with.
- Insert a 2 oz. weight
- Throw the ball 10 times
- Gradually increase distance/Add a 2 oz. weight
- Throw the ball 8 times
- Gradually increase distance/Add a 2 oz. weight
- Throw the ball 6 times
- Gradually increase distance/Add a 2 oz. weight
- Throw the ball 6 times
- Gradually increase distance/Remove 2 oz. weight
- Throw 10 times
- Gradually increase distance/Remove a 2 oz. weight
- Throw 12 times
- Gradually increase distance/Remove the 2 oz. weight
- Throw 15 times
** It is recommended to limit the weight to 10oz. for throwing exercises.
TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY
- Follow the above throwing pattern without Edge Power Glove
- Be certain to increase your distance gradually
- Try to throw the ball on a line (one hop or two hop at great distances)
- When throwing concentrate on putting 12 to 6 rotational spin on the ball
- Make a habit of removing the ball from your glove in a four seam grip
The above program is a training system that incorporates the Overload/Underload
philosophy. This training regimen has been utilized in virtually all sports with
proven results in modifying the muscle fibers in an athlete. The Overload
function creates strength and endurance fibers, while the Underload function
develops and enhances the fast twitch muscle fibers. The muscle memory created
by a dedicated training program following this principle results in enhanced
strength and speed in the sport specific muscle groups the athlete is training.
In this instance greater arm strength and arm speed will result in a ball being
thrown with greater velocity.
At the conclusion of the two-week phase, assess your improvement and ability
to increase repetitions without harm to your body. If you feel you can increase
the workload, it is suggested that you perform the above program two times per
session.
BAT SPEED DEVELOPMENT
Every body knows the importance of bat speed, but few people know how to
attain it. By your purchase of the Edge Power Gloves product you realize that
the right training product and a good training program can help you achieve
greater bat speed. Mind you, the right product and training program won't do
anything for you if you don't apply them. Ultimately, your success in attaining
your goals is a result of your desire to achieve them. This product won't do you
any good lying on your desk or sitting in your bat bag. Use them and follow the
program below to see fantastic results in a few short weeks.
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY
- Start with two weights inserted (one 4 oz. and one 2 oz.)
- Swing the bat 10 times
- Insert a 4oz. weight
- Swing 8 times
- Insert a 2 oz. weight
- Swing 6 times
- Remove 2 oz. weight
- Swing 8 times
- Remove 4 oz. weight
- Swing 10 times
- Remove 2 oz. weight
- Swing 12 times
- Remove 4 oz. weight
- Swing 15 times
This program can be utilized during tee work, soft toss, or dry cuts.
Concentrate on performing a well-balanced, smooth swing. When performing dry
cuts visualize a pitch in the perfect spot of the strike zone, take the knob of
the bat directly at the pitch, try to delay the release of the barrel head into
the impact zone for as long as possible. This prolonged delay is one of the
secrets to bat speed. Keep your hand path short to the ball and long through the
ball.
You can also utilize the Edge Power Gloves in single-handed improvement.
Incorporate the above 10,8,6,8,10,12,15 pattern while performing one hand
hitting drills. You may also simply weight one hand of the gloves in the above
sequence and follow a normal routine of soft toss or tee work. Top hand and/or
Bottom hand improvement will result. If you feel you are weak in one of these
areas, it wouldn't hurt to concentrate on that particular hand for a week or so.
TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY
Normal cage work off of live pitching or a pitching machine is suggested. You
may also perform pushups or some other form of strength conditioning exercise. A
good exercise that is sport specific for bat speed is the Wrist Roll (performed
with a light weight attached to a rope and rolled up on a piece of wood).
Another is squeezing a tennis or racquetball. These exercises concentrate on the
forearms and hands, very important factors in the hitting process.
GOLF and TENNIS
As you can see from the above training regimens the basic pattern is to
decrease the repetitions of a given sport specific movement as the weight of the
Edge Power Glove is increased. This holds true in the golf and tennis functions
as well. The key of course is to consistently train in the program for long
enough to train the muscles involved in the movement. It is suggested that the
athlete hit golf or tennis balls without the use of the Edge Power Gloves at
least two days a week. Follow the below program and watch your drives go farther
and serves go faster in a matter of weeks.
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY
- Start with two weights inserted (one 4 oz. and one 2 oz.)
- Swing 10 times
- Insert a 4oz. weight
- Swing 8 times
- Insert a 2 oz. weight
- Swing 6 times
- Remove 2 oz. weight
- Swing 8 times
- Remove 4 oz. weight
- Swing 10 times
- Remove 2 oz. weight
- Swing 12 times
- Remove 4 oz. weight
- Swing 15 times
Golfers may wish to follow the routine with weights added and deleted from
both gloves, or utilize only one glove for improvement with the lead or follow
hand.
Tennis players may wish to utilize both gloves while working on any two
handed impact drills, such as a two handed backhand. Make an effort to perform
the listed sequence of 10,8,6,8,10,12,15 to fully incorporate the Overload/Underload
training system.
Always use the "Soreness Rule" while training the arm and shoulder.
If you feel soreness at the next training session, go through the training
program without any weights, and only continue using weights when the soreness
is gone.
When training with weights, be patient. Begin with a comfortable weight and
slowly increase the weight used. Use proper supervision while training with any
type of weights.
Copyright © 2002 www.BeABetterHitter.com
*The Edge Power glove is not recommended for players
under 12 years old. The smallest size available is Adult small.
*Inspect the weight pockets before each use to check
for holes or tears. Discontinue use if you notice any type of hole or tear
in any weight pocket.
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