Better Extension, More Perceived Velocity: How Sequencing Unlocks a Hidden Edge
What if you could make your fastball play faster—without throwing harder?
That’s the power of Extension. And it’s not about effort. It’s about Sequencing.
The Science Behind Extension
Extension toward home plate allows pitchers to release the ball closer to the hitter, reducing reaction time and effectively increasing what’s known as perceived velocity.
By MLB’s own definition, this is a competitive advantage. A pitcher with above-average Extension makes a 93 mph fastball look like 96 mph to the hitter. Same pitch. Greater perceived speed. Better results.
Where Extension Comes From
If perceived velocity comes from Extension, then Extension comes from Sequencing—the coordinated timing of movements in the pitching delivery.
Pitchers hear the cues all the time:
"Get the ball out in front."
"Bend your back."
"Get extension."
These cues all point to the same goal—but without understanding how to get there, they often fall flat.
In reality, Extension is a by-product of better Sequencing. When your delivery is properly sequenced:
Timing improves
Arm impulse improves
Third-Class Leverage (3CL) improves
And ultimately, Extension improves
Seeing Extension in Action
Watch the video below. Same pitcher. Same bullpen.
The blue skeleton is an 84 mph fastball.
The green skeleton is 91 mph.
What changed?
Not the effort. Not the intent. Just better Sequencing—leading to greater potential energy (the Stretch Effect) and, in turn, better Extension.
Freeze the frame and you’ll see it clearly: the green skeleton’s elbow is ahead of the blue’s—while the forearm is still trailing behind. That stored energy then accelerates forward, allowing the green skeleton to release the ball later and closer to the plate.
Third-Class Leverage (3CL): A Force Multiplier
This is where Dr. Don R. Mueller’s insights on Third-Class Leverage come into play.
3CL describes how the upper arm acts as a lever, converting energy from the shoulder into powerful elbow extension. As the elbow is pulled down, the forearm and wrist gain speed and travel further forward—allowing the ball to be released closer to home plate.
When this process is optimized, the pitcher isn’t just throwing with their arm. They’re throwing with the entire energy system—efficiently and safely.
Unlocking Performance Without Sacrificing Health
The key to better Extension isn’t throwing harder. It’s understanding how your body should move—and training it that way.
When pitchers train Sequencing correctly, the body and arm begin to work together.
That’s when the brain starts unlocking cheat codes.
That’s when performance meets durability.
Ready to Learn?
If you're a coach, parent, or pitcher looking to optimize your delivery without sacrificing arm health, we’re here to help. Through the medically validated Delivery Value System and DVS X-Ray analysis, we’ll help you sequence your way to better Extension—and better results.
Visit https://www.dvsbaseball.com/mvp-programs to learn more.
