This is a continuation from my last video, in which I talked about foot alignment issues and how they affect your drive through mechanics in pitching. Today I’m going to talk about the domino effect that that can have on the rest of your pitching mechanics.
Read MoreWe’ve talked extensively about the common issues that occur with foot alignment in windmill pitching. If you’re still relying solely on training aids to force the foot forward, you’ll want to reconsider. In today’s video, I give visual demonstrations of what is really causing these issues and how you can resolve them.
Read MoreWe’ve talked a lot about how the force with which you push off the pitching rubber largely determines the velocity of your pitch as a windmill pitcher. It follows that the harder you push off the rubber, the longer your stride has the potential to get.
Read MoreI’m going to continue answering reader questions this week, and it just so happens that this one is a nice continuation from my post last week about strengthening your body to support the leg drive phase of the windmill pitch. How do you work on transitioning from a good push off the pitching rubber to a good drive-through in your pitching practice?
Read MoreOver the past couple of weeks I’ve found myself sending these videos to a lot of people, either in response to questions I’ve received or after working with them in person. No matter what age or level you are, I guarantee your leg drive can get better. For the extreme majority of you, I’m willing to bet it could get A LOT better. However, it’s definitely not going to get better with practice alone.
Read MoreWhat follows is one of my favorite muscle memory drills which helps pitchers see and feel their bodies at various, crucial points in the delivery. Please note the following when performing this drill:
1. The pitcher should be 25 – 35 feet from the catcher, depending on age and level.
2. Coaches commands should be a minimum of 2 to 3 seconds apart to allow the pitcher to sense and adjust any mechanical flaws, as well as keep her balance (if she cannot keep her balance, it’s an indication that she needs to strength train).
3. This video is a demonstration for a fastball. The drill can be adapted for any pitch. Look to future posts for other pitches.
Read MoreAh, crow hopping. This topic has been causing frustration and controversy among windmill pitchers, softball coaches, parents, and probably umpires for years. MANY pitchers—even many elite pitchers, some of whom you may have seen on television—do it, yet it’s illegal according to the rules of fastpitch softball. Over the next two posts, I’m going to talk a bit about what crow hopping is, what causes it, and how to fix it.
Read MoreDoes your pitcher seem to lack extension or power as she drives away from the rubber? In these videos, Joe explains how lack of strength and flexibility contribute to poor execution and acquisition of drive through mechanics, and demonstrates four exercises that every pitcher can benefit from.
Read MoreDrive foot turn out can be a doorstop in a young softball pitcher’s development. The consequences are obvious, but the cause is much more difficult to derive. In this video, Joe explains how lack of physical strength and flexibility contribute to one of the most common technical mistakes in young pitchers.
Read MoreA little while ago I received an email from a Fastpitch Power reader asking for specific windmill pitching drills to address the issues of turning the load foot and dragging it during the drive-through. The reader was right; though we’ve discussed these issues at length, we’ve been a little light on info regarding how to fix them. I see more pitchers every day having problems dragging their feet, and since it’s so prevalent, I want to share my response with all of you.
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