“Contact me if you can’t get your Lower Body to fire your throwing arm AUTOMATICALLY!” – Coach Skip Fast, 27 Years Coach Pitchers.
Lower body, Shoulders, stride, and Throwing Arm Every Time.
Instead of “Shoulders, Stride, Throwing Arm, and Lower Body,” the phrase “Lower Body, Shoulders, Stride, and Throwing Arm Every Time“ reminds pitchers to focus on proper throwing mechanics, prioritizing a sequential and coordinated movement pattern to maximize power, prevent injuries, and improve performance.
Good pitching mechanics are crucial for developing velocity and accuracy and preventing injuries.
In the stance, the feet are shoulder-width apart with a slight knee bend, and the weight is evenly distributed. The glove hand position is low and in front of the body.
The front foot lift initiates a smooth, coordinated turn, with the hips leading the movement and generating power. A controlled stride towards home plate, transferring weight and momentum. The shoulders and hips rotate as a unit, creating a decisive “whip-like” action—smooth and fluid arm action with a consistent release point, and the arm follows a natural path, not forced or rushed.
Watch Your Front Foot Lift: The front foot stays in front of the front shoulder.
After releasing the ball, the pitcher maintains balance and finishes the motion smoothly.
The Stride: To become more injury-resistant and more consistent, you want your front toes to point to the target.
Proper mechanics allow pitchers to maximize their power and velocity, leading to a more repeatable release point, improving control and accuracy, and helping to distribute forces evenly throughout the body, reducing the risk of injuries like shoulder and elbow problems.
The motion stays fluid and sequential, with the lower body initiating the movement and the upper body following.
- Avoid tension in the muscles, which can hinder performance and increase the risk of injury.
- Develop a consistent rhythm and timing in the delivery.
- Maintain focus on the target throughout the entire motion.
By focusing on these key elements and seeking guidance, pitchers develop efficient and effective mechanics to help them succeed on the mound.
