Pitching Tips

Pitching Tips

CHECKPOINTS FOR THE Throwing Arm COCKED POSITION.

 Arguably the most important mechanical position in pitching is what Bill Thurston, Collegiate Coach and former Major League Scout,  refers to as the 'cocked position.' It also has been called the 'power position' and the 'high cocked position'. This is the position of the body immediately after the lead foot plants. The act of throwing occurs from this platform. Pitching mechanics are all about getting to this position. Everything a pitcher does up to that instant is in preparation to get into the correct cocked position.  To drill this position, place each pitcher in a stationary cocked position. Go through this checklist and explain to them item by item.

LOWER BODY

1. Stride- aligned to the plate on a straight line.
2. Foot position- flat-footed and stable, toes pointed at the right hand batter's box. (Closed 5-10º)
3. Stride leg- knee flexed at approximately a 135º angle.
4. Pivot foot- begins to roll over as it leaves the rubber.

Upper Body

1. Head is the top center of a triangle between the feet.  (over belly button)
2. Lead elbow, front shoulder, back shoulder and pitching hand aligned directly to the plate.
3. Lead elbow, front shoulder, back shoulders and throwing elbow level to the ground.
4. Head, eyes, shoulders and hip line are level.
5. Lead arm- lead with the front elbow or glove directly toward home plate, shoulder high: stay aligned to the plate. (The lead arm action is unique to each pitcher, but it is essential for him to keep it closed. Bill Thurston feels that leading with the elbow serves two purposes: it is the best way to keep the front shoulder closed and the elbow provides a 'gun sight' for the pitcher.)

 Throwing Arm and Hand at Stride Foot Plant

1. Hand high in the cocked position; hand slightly higher than the head.
2. Palm of hand faces the shortstop (RHP). Fingers on top of the ball and wrist slightly extended back.
3. Elbow shoulder high.
4. The throwing hand should be outside the angle created by the forearm and elbow. This prevents early external rotation of the shoulder.
5. Forearm at a 90º or beyond from the upper arm.
6. Firm grip with a loose wrist and forearm.