Baseball is a game that is widely played throughout the world today. It's virtually impossible to field a competitive team without having a quality pitching staff. Natural talent is obviously a key factor in how effectively one is able to get hitters out, but the knowledge and use of good pitching mechanics has become more important in recent years. A less talented player with better mechanics may in some ways perform at a higher level than one with more natural ability but poor technique.
The first thing to understand is why pitching mechanics are even important. There are two main answers to this: performance and durability. Those with solid, efficient mechanics are likely to have better velocity and command of their pitches than those with poorer technique. This latter group will also be more likely to suffer injuries to the shoulder and elbow due to excess stress on these joints that is created by flawed techniques.
The motion of delivering a pitch is a very complex one that includes many moving parts and potential for errors. It is no easy task to learn the details well enough to effectively assess the mechanics of any pitcher, but it doesn't take an absolute expert to learn a few key points that can help any aspiring hurler.
Proper arm positioning is obviously a fundamental element in the process. It is also very detailed as well as controversial. Experts have varying ideas on what are the best positions for the throwing arm at various stages of the delivery. There are few major points that are more generally agreed upon and easier to assess for those with less experience and expertise.
As with many movements in sports, throwing a ball begins with the legs. If the majority of the effort is made with the shoulder and arm, the result will be decreased speed and a greatly increased risk of injury. A strong leg drive will allow one to generate more force in the motion. This obviously leads to pitches with greater velocity. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of work that needs to be done with the upper extremities, reducing the risk of getting hurt.
Closely related to this point is the need for balance. A balanced, controlled delivery will lessen strain on the shoulder and elbow, two main locations of major injuries for pitchers. Lateral movement should be minimized with nearly all the motion being in the direction of home plate. When starting the windup and when landing the front foot, the body should be in as balanced a position as possible.
The ability to repeat one's delivery time after time is essential as well. A pitcher whose delivery is consistent with every pitch is much more likely to have good control than one whose motion varies considerably. Of course, it's important that the motion that is consistently repeated consists of proper mechanics as repetition of poor technique is asking for arm problems.
Watching video of successful major league pitchers will make it apparent that there is no one right way when it comes to pitching mechanics. The details of this depend on each individual player but the basics are the same for everyone.
The first thing to understand is why pitching mechanics are even important. There are two main answers to this: performance and durability. Those with solid, efficient mechanics are likely to have better velocity and command of their pitches than those with poorer technique. This latter group will also be more likely to suffer injuries to the shoulder and elbow due to excess stress on these joints that is created by flawed techniques.
The motion of delivering a pitch is a very complex one that includes many moving parts and potential for errors. It is no easy task to learn the details well enough to effectively assess the mechanics of any pitcher, but it doesn't take an absolute expert to learn a few key points that can help any aspiring hurler.
Proper arm positioning is obviously a fundamental element in the process. It is also very detailed as well as controversial. Experts have varying ideas on what are the best positions for the throwing arm at various stages of the delivery. There are few major points that are more generally agreed upon and easier to assess for those with less experience and expertise.
As with many movements in sports, throwing a ball begins with the legs. If the majority of the effort is made with the shoulder and arm, the result will be decreased speed and a greatly increased risk of injury. A strong leg drive will allow one to generate more force in the motion. This obviously leads to pitches with greater velocity. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of work that needs to be done with the upper extremities, reducing the risk of getting hurt.
Closely related to this point is the need for balance. A balanced, controlled delivery will lessen strain on the shoulder and elbow, two main locations of major injuries for pitchers. Lateral movement should be minimized with nearly all the motion being in the direction of home plate. When starting the windup and when landing the front foot, the body should be in as balanced a position as possible.
The ability to repeat one's delivery time after time is essential as well. A pitcher whose delivery is consistent with every pitch is much more likely to have good control than one whose motion varies considerably. Of course, it's important that the motion that is consistently repeated consists of proper mechanics as repetition of poor technique is asking for arm problems.
Watching video of successful major league pitchers will make it apparent that there is no one right way when it comes to pitching mechanics. The details of this depend on each individual player but the basics are the same for everyone.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.pitchharder.com for more helpful information about Fundamental Points Of Pitching Mechanics
