How To Do Your Own Pitching Video Analysis -- And What To Look For To Improve Your Mechanics

I am often asked about the use of pitching video analysis and its importance as a training tool for developing baseball pitchers. It's very important. One of the best ways to develop quality pitching mechanics is to video tape your performances.

In my youth baseball career, for example, my dad video taped games and practice sessions on a fairly frequent basis. (About a couple of times a month.)

My pro coaches in the Chicago Cubs organization video taped each pitching performance. Then, then the next day, we'd view the tape in the clubhouse and discuss mechanics and improvement areas.

I'm sure you can find somebody to video tape a practice session or a game performance. But if you don't have a good coach to sit down with you afterward to talk over your mechanics, you can do it on your own.

Video tape a Major League Baseball game on TV. If the "Big Unit" or Pedro are pitching, record an inning or two on a VHS tape. Matt Clement, above right, was a former Chicago Cub pitcher when I was in the organization. He's got great pitching mechanics and would be a good guy to record, too.

Once you've recorded their pitching delivery, slow down the tape and observe their motion. See what they're doing out there on the pitcher's mound. Then pop in your tape to the VCR, and see what you do. How do your mechanics compare to theirs? What can you do to get better?

You can do this on your own, and it's a great way to develop quality mechanics.