Beware: The Outside Pitch
April 1, 2011
Pitching Mechanics: Maximum Leverage and Velocity
April 5, 2011
I get asked daily via emails from coaches, students and parents about how to throw faster. This question, along with how to throw different pitches, is the most popular topic. There are many ways to increase velocity which I have spent ample time explaining in many of the emails that we have sent you; there are more to come.
However, today’s email is about how to use your mechanics to release the ball later so that the hitter has less time to react to what is being thrown. There is a difference between “real velocity” and “perceived pitching velocity“.
As a pitcher, you want all of your momentum to go toward the plate. When your momentum or energy is directed anywhere but toward the direction you are throwing, not only are you putting undue stress on your throwing arm you are letting the ball go earlier; giving the hitter a longer look.
When your mechanics are in sync, meaning all of your energy is directed toward the plate, you will not only throw faster but you will release the ball closer to the plate. It is said when a pitcher releases the ball a foot closer to the plate the hitter sees it as 3 miles an hour faster. So if you throw 90 at 52 feet away compared to someone who throws 90 at 50 feet away, then the batter sees it as 96 mph; perceived pitching velocity. That is another reason why tall pitchers are so successful, like Randy Johnson. When Randy released the baseball it was 48 feet away from the plate and he hit high 90s consistently. No wonder why John Kruk was so scared to hit off of him in the ’89 All Star Game. Some of you will remember that. John said he was just grateful to get out of the field alive that day.
This year there is a pitcher (playing at the collegiate level) who is 7 foot 2 inches tall and weights 270 pounds. His name is Frank Szczepanik; they call him the bigger unit because he is four inches taller than Randy Johnson. Why is that such a big deal? Think about this, Frank Szczepanik’s catcher said it is more difficult to catch for Szczepanik because “it is just like he is handing the ball to me.” I wouldn’t want to hit either pitcher.
Does this mean you have to be tall to pitch? No, but height has its advantages. Just work hard on your mechanics so that you can get the most leverage and talent out of your body.
This week’s special is our new pitching mechanics DVD. It’s a deal at 30% off the regular price. I am confident you will learn how to throw faster and get the most out of yourself on the mound when you apply what is taught on this DVD.
Our Latest Pitching Mechanics DVD will teach you:
- Where velocity really comes from
- How to generate explosive power
- How long your stride should be and why
- What equal and opposite is and why is it so critical to your pitching success
- Proper hip rotation: Use your entire body to throw
- How to throw with your legs and save your arm
- Common myths and problems associated with throwing faster and much more
Good luck and let us know what we can do to help you. Find it Here!
https://www.thepitchingacademy.com/disc-one-pitching-mechanics-how-to-teach-pitchers/
