Stop “trying to aim” and shift to “executing a flawless motion.”
The kinetic chain is the perfect concept for “executing a flawless motion!”
The kinetic chain refers to the sequential, efficient transfer of energy from the large muscles of the lower body through the core and torso, and finally to the smaller muscles of the arm and hand to maximize velocity and control while minimizing stress.
For over 20 years, Coach Skip Fast’s online course has supplied three keys aligning perfectly with a high-efficiency pitching delivery.
1. Feet Spacing in the Starting Position✅
In your starting position, keeping your feet one baseball width apart.
This initial spacing is important for balance and setting up the subsequent motion.
- The Goal: A slightly narrower stance promotes a controlled balance point and helps ensure the pitcher engages the drive leg effectively. A baseball width is a good starting point to feel centered and athletic.
2. Front Leg Lift & Balance✅✅
In the front leg lift, keeping your front shoulder even with your front knee.
This key focuses on achieving a powerful, balanced position before moving toward the plate.
- The Goal: Maintaining a consistent alignment, where the front shoulder is even with the front knee at the balance point, encourages a tall, stacked posture, preventing the upper body from leaning and keeping the head centered over the hips, which is crucial for maximizing the hip-shoulder separation that generates velocity.
3. Execution: Glove Arm Action✅✅✅
In your execution, having your glove hand move across your body before you stride.
This is a key timing and momentum cue that impacts the entire sequence.
- The Goal: Moving the glove hand across the body before or simultaneously with the stride helps to initiate the powerful rotation of the trunk and keeps the shoulders closed for as long as possible.
- Closing the Shoulders: The delay helps keep the front shoulder pointed toward the target, storing elastic energy, and preventing the arm from “trailing” the body’s rotation too early.
- Counter-Rotation: The tucking action also creates a slight counter-rotation in the upper body, which enhances the stretch and subsequent snap-back of the torso and increases torque.
