Showing posts with label #baseball #command #coaching #velocity #coaching #pro pitching institute #ElitebyChoice #fastball pitch location. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #baseball #command #coaching #velocity #coaching #pro pitching institute #ElitebyChoice #fastball pitch location. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

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 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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Lower Body Engagement as a Natural Response

By focusing on the correct sequence of movements, pitchers ensure consistent lower body involvement and improve their accuracy and velocity.

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.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Front Knee In Front Of Front Hip

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

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.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Better Command? It Starts With Your Back Knee

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

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.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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.

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

A Simple Way to Improve Command

 

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

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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

The Misconception Of Arm Dominance In Command

 

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

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.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Wide Feet Cause Issues

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

 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

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Front Shoulders Prompt Your Stride

 

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

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.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Body Balance In Pitching: Throwing Action And Pitch Location

 

True pitching power and accuracy originate from a balanced and grounded position, not solely from a forceful stride.

Weight in Front

Starting with your weight in front of your back foot disrupts your balance.

You rely heavily on your stride to initiate the throw, which leads to inconsistent mechanics and poor pitch location.

Balanced Starting Position

Begin with your weight slightly before your back foot and maintain a balanced posture.

A simple lift of your front leg triggers the throwing motion naturally and smoothly.

This balanced starting position promotes a more fluid and effortless throwing action and improves accuracy and control.

Takeaways

A balanced starting position is the foundation for a successful pitch.

Initiated by a simple lift of the front leg, the throwing motion feels natural and effortless when properly balanced.

A balanced approach leads to more consistent mechanics and improved pitch location.

Our Guarantee

True pitching power and accuracy originate from a balanced and grounded position, not solely from a forceful stride.

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
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com/lower-body/
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Understanding the Stride and Glove Hand in Pitching

 

The stride smoothly transitions into the delivery phase, with the glove hand guiding the arm and body towards the target.

Stride and …

The purpose of the stride is primarily for balance and momentum.

The stride maintains balance and aligns the body for delivery, generates power, and propels the pitcher toward the plate.

.. The Glove Hand

The glove hand directs the body's movement and guides the pitch.

The glove hand maintains balance and control while guiding the pitching arm and directing the ball toward the target.

A precise glove hand movement helps the pitcher achieve better accuracy and control, reducing the size of the target area.

The Ideal Synergy

The stride smoothly transitions into the delivery phase, with the glove hand guiding the arm and body toward the target.

The momentum generated by the stride efficiently transfers into the pitch, maximizing velocity and accuracy.

Repeatable mechanics, particularly in the glove hand's role, are crucial for consistent results.

Understanding these concepts and addressing potential issues optimizes mechanics and improves overall performance.

Our Guarantee

By practicing these techniques, you improve your accuracy and power.

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
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Weight Distribution: The Secret to Consistent Throws

 

If you've been struggling to hit your target regularly, the culprit might be your weight distribution.

If you've been struggling to hit your target regularly, the culprit might be your weight distribution. Understanding and correcting your weight placement significantly improves your accuracy and power.

The Problem: Weight in Front

When your weight shifts forward, your throwing arm is forced to work harder to compensate for the imbalance.

Your arm may struggle to find the target, resulting in missed throws. Your weight forward position limits your power generation, leading to weaker throws. Overcompensating with your arm puts unnecessary strain on your shoulder and elbow.

The Solution: Weight on Your Back Leg

The key to consistent and powerful throws is to center your weight between your feet, with a slight emphasis on your back leg. This balanced position allows your throwing arm to work efficiently and effectively.

Start with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart. As you begin your throwing motion, keep your weight back onto your back leg.

Use your lower body to generate power, driving your weight forward through your front leg as you release the ball. Finish your throw with a smooth follow-through, ensuring your weight remains balanced.

Our Guarantee

By practicing these techniques, you improve your accuracy and power.

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
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Mastering Glove Hand Activity for Unmatched Pitching Control

 

The glove hand plays a vital role in initiating the pitching motion, maintaining balance, and transferring energy to the throwing arm.

A well-coordinated glove hand movement is crucial for a smooth and efficient pitching delivery.

The glove hand plays a vital role in initiating the pitching motion, maintaining balance, and transferring energy to the throwing arm.

The Pitfalls of Passive Glove Hand Activity

A passive glove hand hinders energy transfer from your lower body to your upper body, resulting in weaker pitches.

A passive glove hand leads to variations in your release point, affecting accuracy and control.

A passive glove hand disrupts your balance, making it difficult to maintain control of your body and the pitch.

Achieving Optimal Glove Hand Activity

To achieve optimal glove-hand activity, the front leg lift must maintain balance, the throwing hand faces second, and the glove hand faces home.

The next movement rotates the glove hand palm from facing the target with the palm facing the target to the palm facing the pitcher’s body.

The action promotes a stride and throwing action to bring the ball to the target with uncanny regularity.

Our Guarantee

An active, coordinated glove hand empowers you to deliver powerful, accurate, consistent pitches.

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
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

The Importance of Front Foot Position

The position of your front foot during your pitching delivery plays a crucial role in generating power, accuracy, and control.

The position of your front foot during your pitching delivery plays a crucial role in generating power, accuracy, and control.

A Well-Positioned Front Foot

Proper foot placement allows for a smooth transfer of energy from the lower body to the upper body, resulting in increased power and velocity.

A balanced stance provides a solid foundation for pitching motion, improving accuracy and control.

A consistent foot placement helps you establish a repeatable release point, increasing accuracy.

The Pitfalls of Improper Front Foot Placement

When your front foot goes behind your hip in the starting position, you can lose balance and power. Your weight shifts backward, making generating momentum and delivering accurate pitches difficult.

While this position may seem balanced, it can limit your ability to effectively generate power and rotate your hips. It can also lead to a slower and less powerful delivery.

Our Guarantee

A well-positioned front foot will empower you to deliver powerful, accurate, consistent pitches.

You can significantly improve your pitching performance by understanding the importance of front foot placement and following the guidelines provided in the Pro Pitching Institute's Programs.

We're so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can't help you properly place your front foot, your instruction is free, no questions asked.

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Break Free from "Feeling" Your Pitch

Do you find yourself "feeling" your way through your delivery, hoping for the best? If so, it's time to break free from this unreliable approach and embrace a more precise and effective method.

Do you find yourself "feeling" your way through your delivery, hoping for the best? If so, it's time to break free from this unreliable approach and embrace a more precise and effective method.

The Power of Mechanics

"Feeling" your pitch often leads to inconsistency and frustration. When you rely on intuition rather than mechanics, your delivery becomes unpredictable, and you'll struggle to maintain a high level of performance consistently.

True pitching mechanics are about understanding and executing the correct movements. It's not about "feeling" your way through the motion; it's about following a proven process that delivers results.

Your lower body plays a critical role in generating power and accuracy. When your lower body is engaged correctly, it helps you transfer energy efficiently and consistently A common mistake is to land your front foot and then start your throwing motion. This limited movement restricts your power and control.

The Pro Pitching Institute's Approach

At the Pro Pitching Institute, we teach a proven pitching process that focuses on proper mechanics and body awareness. Our instruction is designed to help you correct movements and sequences to ensure a repeatable delivery, harness the power of your lower body to generate more velocity and accuracy and develop the ability to hit your target with precision and consistency.

Our Guarantee

We're so confident in our instructions that we offer a unique guarantee: if we can't help you turn your pitching command from a "feeling" into an expectation, your instruction is free. No questions asked.

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Mastering the Fundamentals: Back Knee, Front Heel, and Glove Hand Position

 

A solid base, proper alignment, and efficient energy transfer are key to delivering accurate and powerful pitches.

A strong foundation is essential for any building; the same principle applies to pitching. A solid base, proper alignment, and efficient energy transfer are crucial to delivering accurate and robust pitches.

The Importance of Proper Positioning

To create a strong base, your back knee starts slightly behind your back foot. As you initiate your stride, your weight should shift towards your back foot, allowing for a powerful drive forward.

Your glove hand palm is facing towards your body. This position helps maintain balance and allows for a smooth energy transfer from your lower body to your upper body.

Your front heel is relatively close to your back heel, creating a compact and powerful stance. Your front foot is angled slightly towards your target, providing a stable platform for your delivery.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

You may lose power and accuracy if you shift your weight too early.

A long stride leads to imbalance and decreased control.

An incorrect glove hand position hinders your ability to generate power and maintain balance.

Let's hear from you!

Coach Skip Fast provides personalized instruction and helps you refine your technique.

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

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Velocity vs. Command: The Keys to Pitching Success

 

A strong, balanced starting position is the foundation of effective pitching and sets the stage for a powerful and accurate delivery.

Understanding Velocity and Command

Two critical components of a successful pitcher's arsenal are velocity and command. While velocity often gets the headlines, command is equally important, if not more so.

Velocity: The Raw Power

Velocity, simply put, is the speed at which a pitch is delivered. A high-travel fastball can be intimidating to hitters, making it difficult to react quickly. However, raw velocity alone isn't enough to dominate hitters.

Command: The Art of Control

Command is the ability to consistently throw pitches to specific locations. It's the art of hitting your spots, whether a low and away fastball or a knee-buckling curveball. A pitcher with excellent command can manipulate the strike zone, keep hitters off balance, and induce weak contact.

The Synergy Between Velocity and Command

While velocity and command are distinct elements, they work synergistically to create an effective pitching performance. A pitcher with high velocity and excellent command is a force to be reckoned with.

A fastball with pinpoint accuracy is much more dangerous than one without control. A pitcher with command can mix up their pitches effectively, keeping hitters guessing.

The Mechanics of Velocity and Command

To generate velocity and command, pitchers focus on their lower body, which is the engine room of their delivery. By generating power from the legs and hips, pitchers can transfer energy to their upper body and arm.

A strong core helps maintain balance and stability, allowing pitchers to deliver pitches with accuracy and power. A smooth, efficient arm action is essential for velocity and command.

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”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Mastering the Art of Balance: A Pitcher's Secret Weapon

A strong, balanced starting position is the foundation of effective pitching and sets the stage for a powerful and accurate delivery.

 A strong, balanced starting position is the foundation of effective pitching and sets the stage for a powerful and accurate delivery.

Why Balance Matters

A balanced stance allows for optimal transfer of energy from the lower body to the upper body, resulting in increased velocity.

Good balance leads to consistent mechanics, which translates to better control and accuracy.

A balanced delivery reduces stress on the joints and muscles, minimizing the risk of injuries.

The Ideal Starting Position

Keep your weight primarily on your back foot, ensuring a strong base.

Position your front knee slightly in front of your front hip to promote forward momentum.

Place your glove hand near your back hip, ready to initiate the lower body rotation.

The "Palm-to-Palm" Action: A Key to Success

By bringing your throwing hand palm-to-palm with your glove hand, you initiate a powerful and coordinated delivery. This action ensures that your lower body drives your upper body, maximizing velocity and accuracy.

Practice Makes Perfect

To master the art of balance, consistent practice is key. Incorporate drills like wall ball and shadow pitching into your training routine to refine your mechanics. Remember, every great pitcher started somewhere. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your pitching goals.

Let's hear from you!

By following these tips and seeking guidance from qualified coaches, you can elevate your pitching game and achieve your full potential.

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Identifying Flaws in Technique

 

Identifying flaws in technique is a crucial step for any struggling pitcher seeking to enhance their performance on the mound.

Analyzing Your Pitching Mechanics

(An excerpt from our best-selling “Fast-Track Strategies for Overcoming Pitching Challenges.”)

Identifying Flaws in Technique

Identifying flaws in technique is a crucial step for any struggling pitcher seeking to enhance their performance on the mound. Many pitchers may not realize that subtle imperfections in their mechanics can significantly impact their effectiveness. First, it is essential to analyze the basic components of the pitching motion, including grip, stance, windup, delivery, and follow-through. Each element plays a vital role in the overall execution of a pitch. By breaking down these components, pitchers can pinpoint specific areas requiring adjustment or improvement.

One common flaw pitcher often encounter is inconsistent grip on the ball. A proper grip holds the ball like a pet bird and ensures that the pitcher controls the pitch's movement and velocity. A grip that is too tight or too loose can lead to erratic throws. Therefore, it is beneficial for pitchers to regularly assess their grip and make minor adjustments as needed.

Another area to examine is the pitcher's stance and windup. A balanced stance sets the foundation for a successful pitch. If a pitcher stands too rigidly or shifts their weight improperly, it can lead to a loss of power and control. Coaches should encourage pitchers to focus on their body alignment and ensure that their feet are shoulder-width apart, with the weight evenly distributed. The windup should be fluid and controlled.

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Strategies for Building Confidence

 

Building confidence as a pitcher is essential for both performance and mental resilience.

Understanding the Pitcher's Mindset

(An excerpt from our best-selling “BRAND NEW Fast-Track Strategies for Overcoming Pitching Challenges.”)

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.

Another crucial strategy is to set achievable goals. Rather than overwhelming oneself with the pressure of perfect performances, 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.

Feedback plays a significant role in confidence building. Coaches and teammates provide constructive criticism that helps pitchers refine their techniques and strategies. Effective communication is essential in this process; pitchers should seek feedback regularly and view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal critique. Additionally, surrounding oneself with supportive teammates creates a positive environment where encouragement and constructive dialogue flourish, further boosting confidence...

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

                                                  Copyright © 2024, Pro Pitching Institute.