It's been a challenging several years for pitchers and pitching instructors.

We kicked off our own re-evaluation of pitching mechanics with Pitching Challenge surveys (2002, 2004, and onward). That process included sessions with leading pitching instructors and a review of some of the latest instructional programs at the elite level. And it's still continuing, as science attempts to define the natural  biomechanics of pitching ...or impose artificial concepts.

It has not been an easy process for us or for anyone - coach, player or parent. And it's not over yet. As you'll see, we started this lesson series in 2006, but have revised it throughout the next few years, with more changes coming into 2011 (and beyond?).

This could be either a new beginning. Or is it simply better observation of existing actions?


To understand the challenge, let's start with a pitcher who isn't bad, but not ideal either. What's good are the pinched shoulder blades (scapular loading) and the complete follow-through (pitching arm to opposite leg). The animation even shows decent shoulder-hip separation (torque).


BUT...

• There's a lean on the starting position
• The toes are turned out too much on footstrike.
  
• The hand break might be early.
• The arm load might have too many steps.
• And we don't like the glove side (not equal and opposite, and finishes too far back).

This demo above is merely a starting point on developing and refining better mechanics or, at least, a better understanding of mechanics. Our current instructional approach has been developed with insights from many sources (see sidebar). And it is still - and always - a work in progress. {/cms} Remainder of this page including detailed commentary and animation is available to paid Team Player members only. Please login or join.