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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Identifying Flaws in Technique

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

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