My View Of Proper Pitching Mechanics

11/17/2005

Everyone talks about how important it is that pitchers use proper mechanics. The problem is that different people have different definitions of proper pitching mechanics.
   Based on the research I have done, here are some of the things that I view as absolutes when it comes to maximum safe performance. These are also the things I focus on when working with my pitchers.

Rotate Late
If you study the motions of most successful pitchers, you will see that they stride sideways and do not start rotating their shoulders until their arm is up and ready to start turning and the glove-side foot is planted on the ground.

Break The Hands Early
The research shows that getting the arm up and into the Ready position is one of the keys to reducing the risk of elbow and shoulder injuries. As a result, when pitching from the set position I try to have my pitchers break their hands and then lift their knee. This ensures that the arm has time to get up and virtually eliminates the problem of rushing.

Pendulum Swing The Arm (Don't Pick It Up)
One of the things that makes catchers susceptible to injury is that they are often taught to short-arm the ball by picking up their arm to get to the Ready position rather than swinging it down, out and around. This places significant stress on the elbow as it has to rapidly reverse direction.

Step Directly At The Target
Stepping too open will open up the hips prematurely and rob you of power. Stepping too closed will limit the amount that your hips can rotate and will rob you of power.

Lock Your Eyes On The Target

Throw With The Body (Not Just The Arm)

Ensure That The Hips Are Leading The Shoulders