Proper Pitching Mechanics And Techniques

To aid baseball pitching coaches or pitching instructors in organizing their pitching instruction more effectively, here is a checklist of important techniques to stress when teaching proper pitching mechanics, form and delivery.

1. The pitcher should throw all of his pitches from the same angle.

2. The pitcher should not be forced into a delivery that is unnatural to him.

3. The pitcher must avoid idiosyncrasies that will "tip" his pitches. The ball should be held well up in the web of the pitchers glove, or if necessary, the pitcher should windup with the ball in the glove.

4. The pitcher must vary his time to the plate (the amount of time he holds the ball once he comes set) with runners on base.

5. It's generally a good idea to keep the eyes fixed on the pitching target throughout the entire delivery. This simple pitching technique can improve control.

6. The pitching arm should thrust down with the back of the hand up, as the pitcher drives down to pitch.

7. Hip action is one of the most important aspects to be stressed in the delivery. The timing mechanism is hips open first, then the shoulders which deliver the arm to fire the baseball.

8. The back should be bent and loose in the delivery.

9. The leg kick and stride should not be exaggerated.

10. The follow-through should be a natural culmination of total form and delivery.

11. The hand and wrist action should be loose and flexible.

12. The stride leg should land on the ball of the foot, on or across the center line.

13. The pitcher must practice to find his proper release point and keep it consistently.

14. The ball should be gripped loosely but firmly in the fingers. The ball should not be choked back in the palm of the hand, which inhibits wrist action and pop on the fastball (i.e., pitching velocity).

15. The grip should be selected bearing in mind the pitcher's best pitch and pitching style.

Comments

[Steve Rau]

Hey Steve,

I like much of your teachings and you have a nice clean blog/website. I do have to disagree on the 12th bullet point. I don't feel landing on the ball of the foot provides any real stability and is actually unnatural. I prefer a flat footed landing which feels more stable at impact.

I don't think it's a key element of the delivery, but just a thought.

Would love to hear your comments.

[Marty Roberson]

How are you doing, Mr. Ellis. I have a very unuasual problem with my pitching. I have great velocity and control of my pitches on flatground. But when I get on the mound I find it very hard to feel the same as I do on flatground. I dont have a clue where the ball is going. My coach always tells me when I get on the mound I'm not using my legs. I know this is very hard to answer or discuss not seeing physically what it looks like, but any feedback with be greatly appreciated.