How to use pitching video to improve performance

Pitching video analysis is important. That's because it enables you to slow things down and dissect your pitching delivery from start to finish. Most pitching faults are so subtle that even trained pitching coaches and parents cannot pick up on them.

The Chicago Cubs tape every pitch their pitchers make -- from practice bullpens to games. That may be unnecessary at the lower levels of the game. But videotaping a few times a month is necessary to really improve your mechanics.

I recommend that you start doing it, if you haven't already.

Coaches and parents: You may find it highly beneficial to create a list of about three or four "mechanical checkpoints" (criteria or cues) that you can look for in your pitcher's/son's pitching delivery.

Then, when you're going over the video after the throwing session, let the pitcher tell you what he's doing right and wrong — it'll help him better understand the movements he's making on the mound.

Then make the pitcher responsible for checking these checkpoints off as he views the video of himself pitching -- again, as a means to get your baseball pitcher to understand proper function and execution of pitching mechanics.

Finally, if you're a coach, keep a videotape for each player. The analysis will serve as an excellent visual record of improvement. It's good motivation, too!