Landing in Relation to the Power Line
In today’s video, I talk a little bit about your landing footwork and how it relates to a good release of the ball.
Read MorePosts Tagged ‘video’
Catchers Think, Pitchers Execute
Today’s video discusses the pitcher-catcher relationship, and how important it is for catchers to be able to control some or all of the thought process of getting batters out so that the pitchers can focus only on executing pitches.
Read MoreChanging Planes and Speed
Check out today’s video to learn about maximizing your effectiveness as a windmill pitcher by incorporating pitches that change planes and speed!
Read MoreUtilizing Ground Force in Pitching
Maximizing your push off the rubber is EXTREMELY important for generating speed. In today’s video, I explain why. For a more in-depth explanation of the physical principles behind windmill pitching, read Joe’s post about it here.
Read MoreHow the Hips Compare in Pitching and Hitting
One of our students recently asked us a great question: why is it that in pitching we emphasize the hips moving in a linear fashion and the hand getting through first, but in hitting the hips rotate through and the hands lag behind? Watch today’s video for an explanation.
Read MoreCan Your Core Stand Up to Windmill Pitching?
It’s no secret that windmill pitching is not easy. It requires not only a tremendous amount of practice and aptitude for the skill, but also a tremendous amount of strength and stability. Core strength is something that is lacking in many—if not most—young female pitchers, yet it is absolutely essential to pitching with sound mechanics.
Read MoreReach, Track, Fire and Drive
What 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 MoreA Closer Look at Forearm Fire
Forearm fire is the terminology that we at Fastpitch Power use to describe the proper release of the ball in windmill pitching. Some of you may have heard part of it referred to as “internal rotation,” describing the positioning and movement of the pitching arm, elbow, and wrist as they travel down the back side of the arm circle and move through the throw zone. It’s a natural and powerful movement, and we believe it is critical to pitching with maximum velocity and command while minimizing the chance of injury. Because forearm fire utilizes the arm’s natural articulation together with gravity, many pitchers just do it without thinking about it. For those who don’t, it can be frustrating to learn. Today’s video provides a breakdown, and an explanation of its advantages over upward elbow snap, sometimes referred to as “hello elbow.”
Read MorePitching Drills for a Smoother Drive-through
A 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.
Read MoreVideo: G-flop Drill for Windmill Pitching Acceleration
Acceleration in the windmill pitching motion is critical to the success of the pitch. It’s logical: if you’re not accelerating your arm at delivery, you will not release the ball with maximum speed. Despite this, so many pitchers get into the habit of slowing down or even stopping their hands at the delivery of the pitch, resulting in compromised velocity and accuracy.
Read More