This week, I’m reposting three older videos, that include theory and exercises designed to improve the first phase of the windmill delivery: the drive through. Each video touches on different technical points and ways to address them through flexibility, core, and strength training.
Read MoreIn this week’s video I identify the three phases of the windmill pitching delivery that strength training can benefit the most. Strength coaches should especially pay attention to this post as I show you how to explain the benefits of your training program and exercise selection to parents and athletes in softball terms.
Read MoreYou must be in a tracked sideways K position to deliver the ball, but WHEN you get into that position is extremely important. More in the video!
Read MoreSince the forearm fire release and power line concept are two of the very first things you learn as a student of Fastpitch Power’s method or similar methods, it’s natural for a lot of pitchers to forget to focus on the power line as they advance in their training. Here are some simple reminders about the power line concept. Even if you don’t think this will apply to you, please read, especially if you tend to miss inside and/or outside!
Read MoreI know I’ve been talking about drive-throughs a lot lately, but I’m finding that the drive-through is the area where MOST windmill pitchers—even otherwise very accomplished pitchers—are almost universally lacking. Not only will a weak drive through rob you of speed, but it can also cause a chain reaction of countless other mechanical problems. There is a particular concept related to the drive-through that I think a lot of pitchers struggle with, and that’s what we’re going to discuss today.
Read MoreIn today’s video, I talk about some of the different things you can do to start your windmill pitch and make sure your momentum is moving in the right direction.
Read MoreHow many of you pitchers have been told you’re overthrowing, or trying too hard? And how many of you are not entirely sure what that means, or don’t know how it feels to fix it? You’re not alone.
Read MoreI got an email last week from a reader asking if our pitching articles followed a particular progression. I thought it would be very useful to compile some of our pitching articles and videos into a guide that could be used either by a complete beginner or by a pitcher who is transitioning from a different style to the one we teach. Reader, if you’re seeing this, thanks for the suggestion! Your email kept bouncing back so I’m sorry I was only able to reply this way. But now, everyone can benefit!
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Loose arm whip is absolutely critical to pitching fast. It’s not a stylistic choice; every single elite pitcher whips her arm, regardless of how she was taught to follow through after the arm whip takes place. Some lucky windmill pitchers begin whipping their arms within the first few days of learning; it just comes naturally to them. To many, however, it does not come naturally, and in those cases I believe teaching the arm to whip is the hardest thing for a young pitcher to do. BUT, it’s not impossible. It’s a long and arduous process that requires a lot of dedication and patience, but it’s not impossible. For those who are trying to learn arm whip and aren’t quite getting it, or for those who have learned a different way to pitch and are now trying to switch to the arm whip, I will compile some resources that you can use to help get the job done.
Read MoreDoes your hitter or pitcher have a hard time keeping the front side closed? Drills and rep after rep not changing much? Stop forcing square pegs into round holes and expecting each athlete to abide by technical standards. Every athlete’s body is built differently, and those differences require us to make adjustments in our instruction. If your athlete has a difficulty keeping her front side closed, and nothing seems to help, watch this video.
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