The beauty of pitching lies in its diversity; what works for one pitcher might not work for another. This blog post is designed to strip down pitching mechanics to their core, focusing on simple, universal checkpoints that can help pitchers understand and refine their delivery in a way that complements their unique strengths, movement patterns and arm paths.

Simplifying pitching mechanics to these core checkpoints allows pitchers to focus on fundamental aspects of their delivery that work for the majority of beginner and high level pitchers. When reading these check points, remember, the goal is not to conform to a one-size-fits-all model but to find and refine a pitching style that leverages individual strengths and minimizes limitations.

1. Center of Mass at Peak Leg Lift

As a pitcher reaches the peak of their leg lift, the subtle yet crucial shift of the center of mass sets the stage for the entire delivery. This shift, a slight lean towards home plate, primes the body for the forward momentum necessary to drive the pitch. Coaches should encourage pitchers to feel this shift, ensuring it's controlled and balanced, not abrupt or excessive.

2. Dropping the Hips to Gather Momentum

As the pitcher begins to move forward from the peak leg lift, the action of dropping the hips plays a pivotal role in gathering momentum. This movement, akin to sitting into a chair, allows the pitcher to harness gravity and follow the slope of the mound. This is an essential movement to help pitchers attack the lower part of the zone.

3. Keeping the Back Glute Behind the Heel

Maintaining the alignment of the back glute directly above or slightly behind the heel is crucial for stability and power generation. This positioning ensures that the pitcher's back hip is effectively supports the pitcher drift towards to the target and ready to rotate. Coaches should guide pitchers to feel this alignment during their delivery, reinforcing the importance of a strong, stable core.

4. Stay Sideways, Rotate Late

Early rotation (also know as opening early, lacking hip to shoulder separation or pulling to glove side) towards the target too early in the delivery is common among pitchers. The cue of staying sideways for as long as possible before initiating the rotation preserves the built-up energy and releases it more explosively as the pitch is delivered. Encourage pitchers to focus on their hip and shoulder alignment by keeping their chin, belly button and belt buckle in a straight downward line.

5. Front Foot Lands Before Throwing

The timing of the front foot landing is another critical checkpoint in the pitching delivery. The front foot should firmly plant on the ground before the final throwing motion is begun. This sequence ensures that kinetic energy generated from the lower body is transferred to the upper body and to the ball.

6. Stabilize the Landing Leg While the Ball is Released

As the ball is about to be released, the stabilization of the landing leg provides a stable base for the back hip, the spine and the upper body to rotate around. This firm base, then acts as a brace ensuring the energy and momentum generated throughout the delivery are transferred to the ball.

Check out the longer Coach’s Clipboard pitching mechanics breakdown for more advanced coaching and pitching tips.

Links:

To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.

Links:

1. Importance of a Baseball Warm-up
2. How to Grip a Baseball
3. Covering a Baseball on a Force Play
4. The Triangle Drill