Lower Body Engagement

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute. 

Your Feet Promote Lower Body Engagement

 It's the starting point that dictates how the rest of the kinetic chain functions.

Wide Stance

An incorrect stance leads to a less powerful, less consistent, and potentially more injury-prone throwing motion.

The sequence of power generation is disrupted. The hips and core don't fully engage and lead the arm.

The arm and hand become isolated because the lower body isn't driving the motion. The release point becomes inconsistent without the stable base and rotational force, leading to poor command and unpredictable results.

Balanced Stance

A more balanced stance allows for proper weight transfer and sets the stage for effective rotation.

The glove arm turns the hips, highlighting the kinetic chain's essential sequence.

Your glove arm emphasizes that the legs and core are the primary source of power and direction in an efficient throw.

When the lower body leads the motion, the arm and hand follow more flexibly, leading to better accuracy.

Pitch Smart

Engaging the lower body through proper footwork is key to achieving better velocity, command, and overall pitching performance.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Crucial Role Of The Glove Hand

 

Balance at the start is fundamental for proper glove hand usage.

"Inactive Glove Hand"

"Inactive Glove Hand" results from an unbalanced start

Out-of-balance start -> Glove arm used for balance -> Loss of glove hand control -> No impact on pitch location.

An "Active Glove Hand"

An "Active Glove Hand" stems from a balanced starting position.

Balanced start -> Glove hand path triggers lower body -> Sends ball to target -> Automatic pitch location.

More On An "Active Glove Hand"

An active glove hand plays a critical role in initiating the lower body and directing the pitch.

The path of the active glove hand is key to initiating the lower body and achieving accurate pitch location.

The path directly links the active glove hand to automatic pitch location, freeing the pitcher to focus on other aspects like speed and movement.

The specific path of the glove hand is crucial for triggering the desired lower body movement.

Pitch Smart

When the glove hand and lower body work in sync, pitch location can become more automatic.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Emphasis on Interconnectedness

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute. 

A Way to Optimize Upper Body Mechanics

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute. 

The Crucial Role Of The Lower Body

The lower body's engagement is not an independent action but a natural reaction to a kinetic chain timing of the ball's release and the upper body's movements.

The Glove Hand Action

Your Glove Hand turns over to initiate torso rotation, create separation between the upper and lower body, and stabilize the upper body.

When correctly executed, the ball's trajectory aligns with the intended target.

The Lower Body Is The Engine That Directs The Ball.

The momentum generated by the hips is transferred through the legs, driving the direction and accuracy of the pitch.

When the sequence is executed correctly, the ball's trajectory is aligned with the intended target.

Key Observations

Precise timing is essential in each phase of the motion.

There’s a seamless energy flow from the glove hand to the hips and the lower body.

The lower body engagement feels fluid and effortless when the preceding actions are executed correctly.

The results finish the pitch right in the catcher’s glove.

Pitch Smart

By focusing on the timing and execution of the glove-hand action and hip activation, pitchers ensure improved pitch location and 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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Lower Body Engagement as a Natural Response

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 triggers the lower body to drive forward and rotate.

Your Lower Body drives your pitch location.

The lower body controls the direction, velocity and accuracy of the pitch. 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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Front Knee In Front Of Front Hip

With the knee staying in front of the hip, the knee promotes a more efficient and biomechanically sound throwing motion leading to better overall performance and reduced injury risk.

"Step and Throw"

"Step and Throw" emphasizes proprioceptive balance. Maintaining control throughout the motion allows for better integration of the lower body.

This leads to improved command, velocity, and consistency while reducing stress on the arm.

Front Knee

Your Front Knee, staying in front of your front hip, controls your Arm movements, lands your Foot Plant, and throws the ball.

By maintaining this knee-over-hip position, you maintain better control of your body and arm throughout the motion.

Stride

The foot plant becomes a natural part of the coordinated movement, not a separate event.

Your Arms deliver the ball to your target, the lower body and core drive the speed, and you force the Hitter to pick up the ball's speed and movement.

Pitch Smart

Your Lower Body produces your command, reinforcing that true command originates from the lower body and core, not just the arm.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Better Command? It Starts With Your Back Knee

Want to throw strikes consistently?

It's simpler than you think: your back knee.

Your back knee behind your back foot keeps your weight back, makes your throwing motion natural, and channels your lower body's energy straight to the target.

Check Your Back Knee!

Tired of wild pitches and missed targets?

You're not alone.

Many pitchers struggle with command, and a common culprit is their back-knee position.

Starting with your back knee ahead of your back foot throws everything off.

The Back Knee Advantage

Want to take your pitching to the next level?

When you position your back knee behind your back foot, your back knee keeps your weight back for optimal power, promotes a natural and repeatable motion, and naturally channels your lower body's energy directly to the target.

Pitch Smart

Stop fighting your mechanics. Start with your back knee behind your back foot.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Front Knee Position: Setting the Stage for Success

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

A Simple Way to Improve Command

 

Front Foot Wider Than Your Shoulders

Your front foot wider than your shoulders leads to the front knee naturally drifting behind the front hip during the leg lift.

Your feet wider than your shoulders create an unstable and unbalanced position, reducing control over the pitch.

You will likely "fly open" or have difficulty repeating a consistent release point.

Feet One Baseball Width Apart

Feet one baseball width apart promotes a more balanced leg lift, keeping the front knee in front of the front hip.

Your feet one baseball width apart provides better control, gives you a better sense of where the ball will go, and encourages a more linear and repeatable delivery.

Conclusion

Your feet one baseball width apart helps you maintain proper alignment, keeps the front knee in front of the hip during the leg lift, and allows for a more consistent and repeatable delivery, leading to improved command.

Our Guarantee

A narrower stance, roughly one baseball width apart, promotes better balance.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

The Misconception Of Arm Dominance In Command

 

Complicated Command

Many pitchers overthink their arm action, believing it solely dictates where the ball goes.

This over-reliance on the arm leads to inconsistent release points and poor command.

The throwing arm plays a role, but it's more of a facilitator than the primary driver of location.

The Importance Of A Strong Foundation

Starting with the weight over the back foot allows for a smooth and powerful leg lift without compromising balance.

A clean and controlled glove hand movement sets the stage for the rest of the motion.

The lower body rotates, generates the power, and directs the pitch toward the target.

The arm action then follows naturally, executing the pitch with the power generated by the lower body.

Simple Command

Actual command originates from a stable lower body and a coordinated sequence of movements.

The throwing arm is a tool to deliver the pitch, not the sole determinant of its location.

Our Guarantee

By focusing on a strong foundation and allowing the lower body to drive the pitch, pitchers develop consistent command and improve their overall effectiveness.

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

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wide Feet Cause Issues

 The Problem

When you stand with your feet too far apart, it leads to several problems.

Your instinct places your front knee behind the front hip.

Your glove hand is used for balance and nothing else.

Due to a less stable base and inconsistent release point, your accuracy suffers.

The Solution

The solution involves bringing the feet closer together.

Your instincts align your front knee with the front hip and promote better lower body drive.

Your glove hand involves itself with improving the location.

A more stable base and consistent release point leads to better accuracy and control.

Your Conclusion

Proper foot placement is essential in pitching.

Keeping your feet closer together improves your mechanics, leading to better control, accuracy, and overall performance.

Our Guarantee

Developing the proper foot position significantly improves your pitching mechanics and achieves tremendous success on the mound.

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/lower-body/
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.

Front Shoulders Prompt Your Stride

 

The front shoulder initiates the forward movement of your lower body (stride).

Pulls Your Body Towards The Plate

When the shoulders drive the movement, it creates a more consistent, repeatable throwing motion which leads to better command and control of your pitches.

By engaging the core and upper body first, you generate more power and velocity on your pitches.

A shoulder-dominant motion distributes the forces of pitching more evenly, reducing the stress on your elbow and shoulder joints.

A Balanced Start

Starting with your weight slightly more on your back leg creates a more powerful coil in your body.

Glove Hand Initiation

Your glove hand initiates the movement.

As you bring your glove hand towards the plate, it triggers your front shoulder to start moving forward.

The movement of your front shoulder then causes your lower body to stride forward.

Key Considerations

Your front shoulder starts moving forward slightly before your stride leg steps.

As your front shoulder moves forward, your hips and torso powerfully rotate, generates torque, and adds significant power to your pitch.

Our Guarantee

By focusing on developing a shoulder-dominant motion, you significantly improve your pitching mechanics and achieve greater success on the mound.

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/lower-body/
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Copyright © 2025, Pro Pitching Institute.