Motion | Pro Pitching Institute

Stride Length and Shoulder Alignment

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

This is an excellent explanation of how stride length and glove-hand action influence shoulder alignment, ultimately affecting pitching accuracy.

Stride Length and Shoulder Alignment

Optimal stride length: Allows the shoulders to be aligned at foot strike, creating a direct line toward the target for efficient energy transfer.

Too long a stride: Leads to an “open” shoulder position (front shoulder pulled away from the target), often due to the body over-rotating to compensate for the excessive forward momentum.

Too short a stride: Leads to a “closed” shoulder position (front shoulder still pointing towards the catcher), often because the lower body hasn’t fully engaged and rotated.

Proprioception’s Role

Proprioception, the pitcher’s sense of their body’s position and movement, is crucial for developing and maintaining the correct stride length. Through practice and feedback, the pitcher learns the “feel” of a stride that allows for optimal shoulder alignment, their weight is distributed correctly, and their body is in a balanced position to rotate effectively.

Misaligned shoulders at foot strike disrupt the kinetic chain. The energy generated by the lower body cannot be efficiently transferred through a misaligned torso, leading to decreased power and inaccurate throws as the arm tries to compensate.

Pitch Smart

We’re so confident in our instructions that, if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
Pro Pitching Institute
“Beyond Arm Strength: Unleashing Lower Body Power Through Proprioception”
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Unlock Fastball Command: Focus on Your Front Leg Lift

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Without A Balanced Front Leg Lift

Your foot plant is gravity-driven.

This suggests a lack of control over the intentional placement of the feet.

When the ball is delivered, it lands within your target area, but not consistently into your target with the desired precision.

With A Balanced Front Leg Lift

Fastball command originates from a combination of a balanced front leg lift.

Balanced front leg lift is the starting point, providing stability and control for the subsequent movements.

A well-managed glove-hand action contributes to balance, direction, and initiating the kinetic chain.

A well-timed throwing arm trigger synchronizes the upper body’s throwing motion with the power generated by the lower body drive.

The throwing arm action is a secondary function to this foundational balance.

Fastball Command

The initial stages of the pitching motion, particularly the balance achieved during the front leg lift, are the primary determinants of fastball command.

A stable, controlled lift sets the stage for more precise and repeatable delivery.

In contrast, an imbalanced lift leads to a less controlled, gravity-dependent foot plant and consequently, less accurate pitches.

Pitch Smart

We’re so confident in our instructions that, if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
Pro Pitching Institute
“Beyond Arm Strength: Unleashing Lower Body Power Through Proprioception”
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Lower Body Engagement

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Activating and coordinating the muscles of your legs, hips, and core in a specific sequence generates power and stability and directs the baseball accurately to your target.

Foot Positions and Front Leg Lift

These are the initial movements that set the foundation for lower body involvement, which influences weight transfer and the subsequent engagement of larger muscle groups.

Glove Hand Action

The glove hand initiates the forward movement and guides the body into foot strike by being the catalyst that synchronizes the lower body’s contribution.

Balanced Front Leg Lift

This suggests a controlled and stable position that allows for efficient energy transfer.

Glove Hand Leading to Foot Strike

This highlights the interconnectedness of the upper and lower body movements, with the glove hand initiating the lower body’s forward drive.

Automatic Release Point and Command

The glove hand facilitates proper lower body engagement, which leads to a natural and repeatable release point and pitching accuracy.

Pitch Smart

It isn’t about having strong legs; it’s the specific, coordinated sequence of movements originating from the feet, driven by the glove hand, that efficiently transfers power through the core and ultimately dictates the consistency and accuracy of the pitch.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Emphasis on Interconnectedness

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Starting Position -> Front Leg Lift -> Lower Body Activity -> Target highlights how each step builds upon the previous one, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated movement.

It directly links lower body mechanics to the goal: sending the ball to the target and underscores the significance of even minor adjustments in mechanics, emphasizing that precision matters.

Warning about Negative Adaptations

The last sentence warns about negative natural adaptations, if proper form is not used.

The language is straightforward and accessible, avoiding overly technical jargon.

The warning about negative adaptations is a very strong point.

The pitching motion is a chain reaction

Each phase of the lower body movement is dependent on the previous one.

A proper starting position sets the foundation for the entire delivery.

The lower body generates the force needed to deliver the ball effectively.

Even small errors in mechanics significantly impact accuracy and control.

The body will try to compensate for errors, but these compensations lead to further mechanical flaws.

Pitch Smart

This valuable summary of the lower body’s role effectively communicates the importance of proper mechanics and the impact of even small adjustments.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Pitchers: Get the Lower Body Involved^©”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

A Way to Optimize Upper Body Mechanics

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Shoulders Promote Your Lower Body

The core of the kinetic chain doesn’t work in isolation. Movements in one area influence movements in others.

In sequence, the glove hand, shoulders, and lower body reacting is a great way to visualize this and highlights how a stable upper body can set the stage for efficient lower body engagement.

The glove hand triggers shoulder movement, which explains how the upper body can dictate the tempo and balance of the delivery.

Lower Body Resolution: Forget About Your Lower Body

A pitcher thinks about their lower body to encourage the pitcher’s kinetic chain.

By focusing on the upper body cues, the lower body will naturally respond while consciously trying to force lower body engagement to hinder it.

The idea is to allow the body to move naturally and efficiently. However, overthinking or forcing movements can lead to stiffness and disruptions in the kinetic chain.

Pitch Smart

Focusing on upper body cues reduces tension in the lower body, allowing for smoother and more fluid movements. The timing of the lower body engagement may also naturally improve.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Pitchers: Get the Lower Body Involved^©”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Lower Body Engagement as a Natural Response

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Lower body involvement is a natural consequence of proper upper body movements and ball location.

Your Front Leg puts your Glove Hand in a position to control your motion.

The front leg’s landing creates a foundation, initiates the upper body’s control, and sets the stage for the upper body to start the throwing motion.

Your Glove Hand goes palm up at the right time.

A key component in starting the kinetic chain reaction is a specific glove-side action that creates separation between the upper and lower body, initiates torso rotation, and loads the hips.

You activate your Lower Body.

The proper positioning and movement of the front leg and glove hand naturally trigger the lower body to drive forward and rotate.

Your Lower Body drives your pitch location.

The lower body controls the pitch’s direction, velocity, and accuracy. Your ball naturally goes directly into your target.

Your Lower Body involvement is guaranteed.

The lower body will always be involved when the first two steps are done correctly.

Pitch Smart

By focusing on the correct sequence of movements, pitchers ensure consistent lower body involvement and improve their accuracy and velocity.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Pitchers: Get the Lower Body Involved^©”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Front Knee Position: Setting the Stage for Success

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Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

The position of your front knee at the start of your delivery is crucial for balance, power, and accuracy.

Front Knee Behind the Front Hip: The Reactive Approach

Starting with your front knee behind your front hip often leads to a reactive delivery. Your body is constantly trying to catch up to your weight.

Because you’re reacting, your delivery becomes less consistent, you’re likely to have varying release points, and you’re leading to unpredictable pitch location.

The throwing hand trying to keep the body in balance is a major red flag. Your legs and core should provide the balance, not your arm.

Front Knee Ahead of the Front Hip: The Proactive Approach

Starting with your front knee slightly ahead of your front hip promotes a proactive and balanced delivery, and you move toward the target.

Your weight is centered, creating a stable base for your delivery.

The kinetic chain works optimally by facilitating a smooth and efficient energy transfer from your legs and hips through your core and into your arm.

Our Guarantee

You’re in control of your motion, not reacting to it.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Pitchers: Get the Lower Body Involved^©”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Proper Glove Hand Movement for Pitching

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

High Glove Hand Hurts Mechanics

Starting with the glove hand high above the elbow leads to the pitcher relying on their throwing arm for balance and disrupts the natural flow of the motion.

A high glove hand causes the pitcher to land their stride before releasing the ball, which is inefficient and inaccurate.

Low Glove Hand Is What You Want

Starting with the glove hand below the glove arm elbow and the palm facing the home plate creates a more balanced and efficient starting position.

The movement of the glove hand towards the front hip initiates the stride and the subsequent release of the ball.

Proper glove hand movement promotes consistent release points, efficient weight transfer, and powerful lower body rotation.

Our Guarantee

With the glove hand low and maintaining a consistent path toward the front hip, pitchers significantly improve their balance, mechanics, and overall accuracy

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Pitchers: Get the Lower Body Involved^©”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Body Balance In Pitching: Throwing Action And Pitch Location

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Weight in Front

Starting with your weight in front of your back foot disrupts your balance.

You rely heavily on your stride to initiate the throw, which leads to inconsistent mechanics and poor pitch location.

Balanced Starting Position

Begin with your weight slightly before your back foot and maintain a balanced posture.

A simple lift of your front leg triggers the throwing motion naturally and smoothly.

This balanced starting position promotes a more fluid and effortless throwing action and improves accuracy and control.

Takeaways

A balanced starting position is the foundation for a successful pitch.

Initiated by a simple lift of the front leg, the throwing motion feels natural and effortless when properly balanced.

A balanced approach leads to more consistent mechanics and improved pitch location.

Our Guarantee

True pitching power and accuracy originate from a balanced and grounded position, not solely from a forceful stride.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com/lower-body/
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Understanding the Stride and Glove Hand in Pitching

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Stride and …

The purpose of the stride is primarily for balance and momentum.

The stride is used to maintain balance and align the body for delivery, generate power and propels the pitcher towards the plate.

.. The Glove Hand

The glove hand directs the body’s movement and guides the pitch.

The glove hand maintains balance and control while guiding the pitching arm and directing the ball towards the target.

A precise glove hand movement helps the pitcher achieve better accuracy and control, reducing the size of the target area.

The Ideal Synergy

The stride smoothly transitions into the delivery phase, with the glove hand guiding the arm and body towards the target.

The momentum generated by the stride efficiently transfers into the pitch, maximizing velocity and accuracy.

Repeatable mechanics, particularly in the glove hand’s role, are crucial for consistent results.

Understanding these concepts and addressing potential issues optimizes mechanics and improves overall performance.

Our Guarantee

By practicing these techniques, you improve your accuracy and power.

We’re so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can’t help you get the ball to your target regularly, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice