Pitching Mechanics

Not all pitchers throw the same way. Release points may be different and velocities may vary. The objective, though, remains the same. That is to THROW STRIKES. Certain basic mechanics are constant. Sycronization of body parts is of utmost importance to ensure that the pitcher throws to his utmost efficiency and thus reach his objective. Velocity and accuracy are definitely affected when this does not occur. Also, the possibility of injury does remain very likely. When all body parts work together, the pitcher has the potential to throw to the best of his ability. At all levels, proper pitching mechanics are very important. Learning them at an early age ensure that the correct habits are formed. Breaking incorrect habits becomes very difficult as time goes on.


Following is a list of mechanics that we feel should be stressed when working with pitchers. Also, some favorite drills are mentioned that have been used to work on the mechanic.



1. POSITION ON THE RUBBER


When setting up on the pitching rubber, the pitcher should stand tall and balanced, trying to look imposing and intimidating. Instilling some fear in the waiting batter would be a welcome advantage. Righties should set up on the right side of the rubber and Lefties should set up on the left. This is to ensure the proper arm angle and ball path when delivering to the plate. The rhp's left foot should be slightly ahead of his left. The opposite is true for the lhp. The glove remains in front of the pitcher with the hand gripping the ball and hidden from the view of the opposing team.

DRILL: Cut out several pieces of wood the same size of a pitching rubber. The pitching rubber is a rectangle, 24 inches across and 6 inches wide. Have your players practice setting up on the wood similar to the pitching rubber. In this way, a certain comfort level will be established.


2. STEP BACK


Pitching begins with the step back. The step back is used only to initiate the delivery and not to achieve power. A short step back is recommended to keep balance on the rubber. Stepping straight back and not to the side will keep the pitcher's target, the catcher, directly in front of him and not moving from side to side. Taking a lengthy step back will upset the balance needed by the pitcher on the pitching mound. The step back may start with a full windup or a half windup. The righty steps back with the left foot, and the lefty steps back with the right.

DRILL : Under your supervision, have your pitchers take some "step backs." Keep them relatively short and as straight back as possible. This drill can be done daily by your pitchers to reinforce the proper habit.


3. PIVOT FOOT

As the rhp steps back with his left foot, the right foot or pivot foot steps into the hole in the front of the rubber. This will ensure that the pitcher will be able to properly push off the rubber when the time comes. Stepping on top of the rubber is not recommended. There is no push off surface and a lack of stability caused by the rubber cleats or spikes worn. This becomes cumbersome at times for the young pitcher. It is much easier to step on top rather than in front of the rubber.
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DRILL: Stepping on top of the rubber is much easier for the pitcher. Practicing to step in the hole will be necessary. A habit can be formed by constant repetition. This can be achieved by daily practice. Slightly angling the body position of your pitcher may help to eliminate problems that occur trying to step in front of the rubber.


4. BALANCE POSITION


After the right foot steps into the hole in front of the rubber, the rhp gathers himself, bringing his left leg up about waist high with his toes pointing downward. If the toes are pointed upward, he will land with his heel first, which will jerk him forward and off balance. Also, at the balance position, the ball should remain in the glove.

DRILL: Balance is very important for a pitcher. The pitcher should spend time locked in the balance position. Put a clock on them, having them stay in the balance position for ten seconds, fifteen seconds and finally twenty seconds. Achieving balance will take time for the young pitcher. It needs to be worked on.

5. Arm Action

At the balance position, it is important that the ball be taken out of the glove first before the body moves forward. This will prevent the pitcher from rushing. The ball should be taken out of the glove with the thumb pointed down to the ground. The throwing arm' s path is an arc going down, up and around. Pointing the thumb down when the ball is removed from the glove keeps the hand on top of the ball when it's ready to be thrown rather than under the ball causing a loss of velocity and possible arm injury.

Drill: Have your pitchers take the ball out of the glove before moving forward. This can be done by holding them back when the ball is removed from the glove. They will quickly feel the sensation of removal before movement.

6. Step Forward

After reaching the balance position, the ball is first removed from the glove before the body moves forward. The circular arm path is begun and should reach the top of the arc when the left foot (right foot for a lefty pitcher) reaches the ground. This is called the power position. Not reaching the power position before moving forward will undoubtedly cause rushing and a lack of velocity and accuracy. By reaching the power position, the pitcher ensures that he will use his body to help him throw thus achieving his maximum velocity, rather than throwing all arm and possibly injuring himself. At the balance position, the glove arm is pointed directly toward the target. The balls is gripped with the throwing arm and pointed toward centerfield. The hand remains on top of the ball and not under it.

Drill: Have your pitcher practice their windups and stop at the power position. They can easily see if they need to make an adjustment if foot and arm sychronization is not correct.


7. Follow Through


From the power position, the throwing arm is brought past the pitcher's ear and the ball is released out in front of his body. The arm path continues to the left of the lead leg. This will increase the pitcher's velocity and help him avoid injury.

Drill: Under your supervision, have your pitcher complete their windup and make sure they follow through at the conclusion.

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