4 Mechanics That Link Throwing and Hitting
June 16, 2011
(you can click here for a 2-page .pdf of this newsletter)
Mechanic #1: Keep Your Head Steady
Just like hitting, a steady head is crucial to throwing as demonstrated in this 2004 study:
![Balance 20Point 20Error 20Title](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/Balance%20Point%20Error%20Title.png)
Mechanic #2: Keep Your Hands Up
Just like hitters must not "drop" their hands, pitchers must keep their glove CHEST-HIGH at 3 points of the throw:
(1) Starting Position (2) Foot Strike (3) Ball Release
Mechanic #3: Focus on Back Extension
Just like hitters are encouraged to "finish high" by extending their hips and back:
![HandsUpHitting2](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/HandsUpHitting2.bmp)
![HandsUpHitting1](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/HandsUpHitting1.bmp)
Throwers/Pitchers need to use more Extension when throwing, what I call
"Throwing with a Big Chest"
Mechanic #4: Have a Strong Front Leg
Just as hitters needs a strong front leg during the swing:
![Front 20Leg1](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/Front%20Leg1.jpg)
![HandsUpHitting3](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/HandsUpHitting3.bmp)
Pitchers MUST have a strong front leg when throwing to control momentum and get a consistent Release Point:
![FrontLeg1](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/FrontLeg1.bmp)
![FrontLeg2](img/Pitching%20Newsletters/2011/4%20Mechanics%20Between%20Hitting%20and%20Throwing/FrontLeg2.bmp)
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Email (PitchingDoc@msn.com) or Call (631-352-7654)
Dr. Arnold!