STOP Ignoring This Body Part During Pitching

June 9, 2016

(Click here for a .pdf of this newsletter)

Another installment in my 'STOP' series. Click here to read other 'STOP' newsletters

Proper throwing/pitching instruction should focus on body movement, NOT the throwing arm. I give complete credit for this approach to Tom House at the National Pitcing Association (click here to learn more about the NPA).

A poor arm slot and poor release point are symptoms, NOT the causes, of poor mechanics. Correct how the body moves and the throwing arm will take care of itself.

I have 4 body parts of I focus on to fix mechanics. Here are the first 3:

-The front elbow to correct glove control (Click here to learn more)

-The back to assume proper posture at ball release (Click here to learn more)

-The eyes to help find a pitcher's proper arm slot (Click here to learn more)

While the front elbow/glove control is the most incorrectly taught throwing/pitching mechanic, the MOST IGNORED mechanic is the 4th body part: The front leg.

In every other rotational sport (golf, hockey, tennis), the front side is strong and stable to provide a base with which the hips rotate to transfer energy to the upper body.

In baseball we see this with hitting as coaches emphasize a strong front leg to help create bat speed.

Why do coaches ignore the front leg when we teach throwing/pitching?

A study in 2012:

Showed not only that a pitcher's front leg absorbs TWICE THEIR BODYWEIGHT on their front leg as they pitch:

But that those who with the highest velocity had the best "braking":

What does that mean?

The strong your front leg, the harder you throw.

Let's see some video...

So STOP ignoring the front leg if you want to throw harder!

Have Questions About This Newsletter?

Contact (PitchingDoc@msn.com / 631-352-7654) Dr. Arnold!