Woodridge Bulldogs

 Pitching Mechanics

Three-Stage Pitching Process

1. Balance Point

            1.  Always from the stretch position ( No wind up)

2   Front Knee comes straight up

3   Hands move up with knee

B.  Power Position

            1.  Both elbows even with shoulder height

            2.  Ball turned towards Second Base

            3.  Front elbow pointed at target

            4.  Shoulders and hips lined up towards home plate

            5.  Weight evenly distributed between feet

C.   Follow Through

            1.  Back MUST be bent

            2.  Head remains on Target

            3.  Front leg slightly bent

            4.  Back leg swings up and comes down evenly with front leg

            5.  Fielding Position

General Mechanic Problems

A.      Over Rotation

1.      Occurs when shoulders rotate past 90 Degrees in balance point

2.      Drills

a.       Wall Drill ( 2” off wall)

b.      Mirror Work

B.       Early Front Side

1.      Occurs when front shoulder opens up before ball comes forward

2.      Drills

a.       Cross Plate Drill

b.      Backhand Throwing

      C.   Drifting

                  1.  Occurs when body comes forward too quickly or too soon

                  2.  Drills

                                 a.   Up-Down-Out (No Tall & Fall)

                                 b.  Goal Posts

D.   Poor Follow Through

            1.  Occurs when back doesn’t bend during follow through

            2.  Drills

                            a.  Towel Drill ( With object to reach too)

                            b.  2 X 4 Drill