Mastering the Starting Stance

The goal of the starting stance is to enable a controlled, forward weight shift into the back hip.

Proper Stance or the Balanced Load

Front Foot Position is placed parallel to the rear foot allowing the weight during the leg lift to naturally shift down and into the back hip.

The pitcher achieves a "stacked" position where the head, torso, and center of gravity are vertically aligned over the bent drive knee.

This creates stored elastic energy in the back hip and leg, which is required for the explosive forward drive down the mound.

A visual: Imagine loading a spring by pushing down on it to create maximum linear momentum which is transferred up the kinetic chain.   

Improper Starting Stance or the Momentum Killer

Front Foot Position is placed too far back, often positioned behind the plane of the rear hip/foot which forces the weight to prematurely shift backward as the pitcher begins the leg lift.

The center of gravity moves away from the target, and the pitcher loses the feeling of being “stacked."                                                            

The pitcher generates a slower delivery and inconsistent velocity because the arm must compensate for the lost lower-body energy.                    

A Visual: Imagine trying to load a spring by pushing the spring sideways.

Let's hear from you!

By following these tips and seeking guidance from Coach Skip Fast, you elevate your pitching game and achieve your full potential.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute. 

Breaking Free from "Feeling" Your Pitch

Inconsistent command and frustration result from relying on feeling rather than executing a proven process based on sound mechanics.

The Problem with "Feeling"

An unreliable feeling relies on intuition and makes delivery unpredictable.

Inconsistency struggles to maintain a high level of performance.

The Power of Mechanics

True pitching is about understanding and executing the correct movements, following a proven process.

The lower body is critical for generating power and accuracy by efficiently and consistently transferring energy.

A restricted movement that limits power and control is to land the front foot and then start the throwing motion.

The Pro Pitching Institute's Approach

The Institute's instruction focuses on creating a repeatable delivery by correcting movement and sequencing.

Proper mechanics and body awareness ensure a repeatable delivery.

Harnessing lower body power generates more speed and accuracy.

Target precision develops the ability to hit your target with precision and consistency.

Let's hear from you!

By following these tips and seeking guidance from Coach Skip Fast, you elevate your pitching game and achieve your full potential.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Pitching Mechanics!

 

Back Knee Position

Starting slightly behind the back foot to allow for a powerful drive.

Your Back Knee starts slightly behind the back foot and allows for a powerful drive forward.

Weight Transfer

Shifting weight towards the back foot during the stride initiation.

Weight shifts towards the back foot as stride initiates facilitates a powerful drive and efficient energy transfer.

Glove Hand Position

Palm facing the body for balance and efficient energy transfer.

Glove Hand Palm is facing towards your body, helps maintain balance, and ensures a smooth transfer of energy.

Front Heel/Foot Position

Close to the back heel for a compact, powerful stance, with the front foot angled toward the target for stability.

Front stance is relatively close to the back heel, creates a compact, powerful stance, and a stable platform.

Crucial Common Mistakes

Shifting weights too early causes a loss of power/accuracy.

A long stride creates imbalance and decreased control.

Incorrect glove hand position hinders power and balance.

Let's hear from you!

By following these tips and seeking guidance from Coach Skip Fast, you elevate your pitching game and achieve your full potential.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

The Pitcher's Equation: How Power Meets Precision

The interplay between velocity and command in pitching!

Raw Power

Velocity is the speed of the pitch.

High velocity comes from your core rotating, making it hard for hitters to react.

Art of Control

Command is the ability to consistently throw pitches to specific locations within the strike zone or hit your spots.

Command allows for pitch manipulation and weak contact.

Synergy

Synergy—the combination of high velocity and excellent command —makes a pitcher extremely difficult to face.

Accuracy makes velocity far more dangerous.

Mechanics

Power generation starts in the lower body (the legs and hips), transferred through a strong core for balance/stability, and finalized with smooth, efficient arm action for both speed and accuracy.

Smooth mechanics make the above easy to produce.

Let's hear from you!

By following these tips and seeking guidance from Coach Skip Fast, you can elevate your pitching game and achieve your full potential.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Band Rotation Drills

Two shoulder abduction exercises that target the rotator cuff are External Rotation and Internal Rotation.

Band External Rotation

The ER drill strengthens the decelerator muscles, which are crucial for slowing down the arm after ball release to prevent injury.

With the band anchored to something sturdy, stand at a 90-degree angle to the band anchor. With light tension already on the band, hold the handle with your outside hand. Your elbow is bent and pinned to your side, and your forearm is pulled across your stomach.

Keeping your elbow pinned, slowly rotate your forearm away from your body until it points straight ahead.

Slowly control the band's tension as you return your forearm back across your body to the starting position.

Band Internal Rotation

The IR drill strengthens the accelerator muscles, which provide power during the throwing motion.

Stand sideways to the band anchor. Hold the handle with your inside hand. Your elbow is bent to, pinned to your side, and the band should already have light tension. Your forearm is pointing straight out in front of you.

Keeping your elbow pinned, slowly rotate your forearm across your body until it touches your stomach or torso.

Slowly control the band's tension as you return your forearm outward to the starting position.

Key Focus for Both Drills

These exercises are always performed with light resistance and a slow, controlled tempo to emphasize muscular endurance and joint stabilization.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

How Glove Hand Movement Dictates Control and Power

 

No Glove Hand Movement

A passive glove hand and a lack of lower-body drive result in poor control.

The glove hand balances the motion from start to throwing action, ending up under the armpit.

In the starting position, the front hip is behind the back hip, and the throwing arm fires the ball without proper lower body involvement.

In essence, the glove hand balances the motion and ends up under the armpit. The lack of proper lower body means hitters chase bad pitches and patient hitters get more walks.

Correct Glove Hand Movement

An active glove hand initiates and drives the lower body, resulting in greater power and accuracy.

In the starting position, the front foot is even with the front hip. The weight is just in front of the back foot and maintained by the front leg lift.

By triggering the glove hand to drive the lower body, the lower body pulls the throwing hand into the release.

Good body position triggers the glove hand action with the lower body pulling the throwing hand into the release. The glove hand initiates the lower body to take the ball to the target with improved accuracy/location.

Getting Better Results

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the mental resilience needed to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No hard feelings.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Confidence Strategies for Pitchers

 

Strategies for Building Confidence

Building confidence as a pitcher is essential for both performance and mental resilience. One effective strategy is to establish a consistent pre-game routine. This routine should include physical warm-ups, mental visualization, and positive affirmations. By creating a predictable process before each game, pitchers can cultivate a sense of control and familiarity. This prepares the body for the physical demands of pitching and mentally primes the athlete to enter the game with a focused and confident mindset.

Set Achievable Goals

Rather than overwhelming themselves with the pressure to perform perfectly, pitchers should focus on smaller, incremental objectives. These may include improving specific pitches, maintaining composure under pressure, or effectively communicating with teammates. Celebrating these small victories reinforces a positive self-image and builds confidence over time. By breaking down larger ambitions into manageable tasks, pitchers can experience a series of successes that contribute to an overall sense of accomplishment.

Getting Better Results

Coaches and teammates provide constructive criticism that helps pitchers refine their techniques and strategies.

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the mental resilience needed to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
#ElitebyChoice

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.