The article emphasizes the critical role of pitching in baseball, stating that without a reliable pitcher, winning games becomes significantly harder. It provides guidance for coaches on how to help pitchers improve their mechanics and health, even if the coach wasn’t a pitcher themselves. Here are the eight fundamentals outlined:
-
Grip: For youth pitchers, the focus should be on mastering the 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, and changeup grips, avoiding curveballs for young arms.
-
Arm Angle: There isn’t one perfect arm angle for all pitchers. Each should find a consistent and natural angle to improve control and reduce injury risk.
-
Balance: Key aspects include keeping hands centered for balance, focusing eyes on the catcher’s mitt, and maintaining overall body balance during the pitch.
-
Stride: The stride length should be about 80-90% of the pitcher’s height. Proper hand positioning during the stride aids in velocity and location.
-
Timing: Timing involves the coordination of movements from the windup to the release. A good timing helps in pitching with both power and accuracy.
-
Release Point: Consistency in the release point is crucial for command over the pitch.
-
Follow Through: Completing the pitching motion fully helps in maintaining momentum and preventing injury.
-
Mental Game: The mental aspect includes focus, confidence, and strategy, understanding when to use different pitches.
The article encourages coaches to delve into more detailed resources like video courses on pitching mechanics to further understand these fundamentals, emphasizing that mastering these basics can significantly improve a pitcher’s performance and confidence.
