3 min
At OGX, we believe in equipping pitchers with tools that support long-term development, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk. One of the most powerful tools we use? The plyo ball.
Trusted by college softball programs, coaches, and OGX athletes across the country, our Softball Plyo Ball Set is a foundational piece of our training. But what makes it so effective? And how can it level up your pitching game?
Plyo balls are sand-filled, rubber-coated training tools designed to improve throwing mechanics, increase velocity, and enhance arm care. The internal sand moves independently, providing feedback to the athlete and mimicking inertial resistance — much like a body blade or shake weight. This lag effect teaches pitchers to become more aware of arm positioning and sequencing.
Our OGX set includes 5 softball-sized balls:
Plyo balls are not just about gaining velocity — they’re about movement quality. The sand and weight combinations:
Improve adjustability: Varying weights require pitchers to constantly adjust timing, movement, and command.recognizing the change allows for an adjusted walking pattern, reducing risk. In softball, this same adaptability applies to reacting to different pitch speeds or adjusting hitting mechanics mid-game.
Promote trunk-arm sequencing: Plyo balls help pitchers feel how the body and arm should work together, not in isolation.
Reduce arm stiffness: Because of their soft, squishy feel, plyos encourage a looser arm and better energy transfer.
Build healthy warm-up routines: Used progressively from 50% to 75% intensity, they help pitchers ramp up efficiently.
We don’t just throw plyo balls for fun. At OGX, we carefully apply the principles of overload and underload training:
This variability builds more adaptable pitchers. More adjustability = better command, sharper break, and healthier mechanics.
OGX Plyo Balls were designed specifically for softball pitchers:
They’re used in all our in-house and remote training programs and are a pillar of our pitcher development system.
Want to start using plyo balls but unsure how to apply them correctly? We’ve got you:
Start with the OGX Softball Plyo Ball Set – Your core training tool: Shop Now
Grab the OGX Plyo Course – Learn how to apply overload/underload concepts, structure your warm-ups, and write your own plyo programming.
Follow OGX on Social Media – Watch demo drills, athlete spotlights, and training tips every week.
At OGX, we’ve built our plyo programming around years of hands-on experience and biomechanical data. Whether you’re a coach managing a staff or a parent helping a young pitcher, integrating softball plyo ball training into warm-ups and recovery is one of the smartest, safest ways to elevate performance.
For a deeper dive into how we use plyos with softball athletes, check out Episode 40 of the OGX Podcast. In this episode, Krista, Laura, and Ashley break down the science behind plyo variability, why it’s a key part of our pitching development system, and how it’s evolved over time at OGX. Watch the full conversation below and hear directly from the coaches who helped shape this trusted approach.
Chat with a coach to discover how our programs can fit into your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals. Let’s get you started on your fitness journey today!
