Exposing the myth of "Pushing Off" the Mound
May 12, 2010
(You can click here for a 2-page .pdf of this newsletter)

A new study just published:

Looked at muscle activation of the lower body during pitching in 4 different phases:

• Phase 1: Starting stance to the top of the leg kick
• Phase 2: From the top of the leg kick to Foot Strike
• Phase 3: From Foot Strike to Ball Release
• Phase 4: Ball Release until 0.5 seconds after Ball Release
  

What Did They Find?

• Both legs are equally important in pitching. As the pitchers approach Foot Strike (Phase 2):

both legs are used equally:

and it's during Ball Release (Phase 3):

that the legs work the hardest:

• Pitchers DO NOT Push Off The Mound. There are 2 common approaches to the back leg when pitching:

but the evidence points NOT to pushing off but rather a "controlled fall":

Disproving yet another commonly-taught pitching mechanic:

Focus on your hips, NOT your legs, to build velocity:

"The Quicker You Go, The Harder You Throw."

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Dr. Arnold!