Sometimes referred to as America's Pastime, baseball is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. One of the most important components to building a competitive team is to have a solid pitching staff. Some are blessed with pure natural talent when it comes to throwing effectively while others may have to get by on lesser abilities. Regardless of the talent level, using good pitching mechanics can be an essential part of having a successful and healthy career as a hurler.
There are two primary reasons why pitching mechanics are important. The first is related to performance in that an efficient, solid delivery is likely to result in better command of one's pitches and can also help to generate more velocity. The second reason is related to injuries. Poor mechanics can increase the amount of stress on the body, particularly on the shoulder and elbow of the throwing arm, resulting in a higher chance of suffering an injury.
The movements associated with throwing a baseball from the mound are extremely complex and include innumerable details. Because of this, it could take years to learn to properly evaluate a pitcher's mechanics. However, it doesn't take a professional pitching coach to learn to recognize a few key components to a good delivery.
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.
The parts of the body that should be used to generate the majority of the force needed for a pitch are the legs and trunk. When the arm and shoulder are used too much in this regard, the result is decreased velocity and, all too often, a debilitating injury to the pitching arm. Conversely, good leg drive and use of the trunk results in faster pitches and less stress on the shoulder and elbow, which in turn means a lower risk of injury.
Another important point is balance. A pitcher who is falling off to one side is likely to have more problems with controlling his pitches than one who is balanced and minimizing lateral movement. Starting the motion in a balanced state and remaining this way throughout the entire process also relates to the previous point in that the legs and trunk can be used more and the arm can be used less.
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.
There are two primary reasons why pitching mechanics are important. The first is related to performance in that an efficient, solid delivery is likely to result in better command of one's pitches and can also help to generate more velocity. The second reason is related to injuries. Poor mechanics can increase the amount of stress on the body, particularly on the shoulder and elbow of the throwing arm, resulting in a higher chance of suffering an injury.
The movements associated with throwing a baseball from the mound are extremely complex and include innumerable details. Because of this, it could take years to learn to properly evaluate a pitcher's mechanics. However, it doesn't take a professional pitching coach to learn to recognize a few key components to a good delivery.
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.
The parts of the body that should be used to generate the majority of the force needed for a pitch are the legs and trunk. When the arm and shoulder are used too much in this regard, the result is decreased velocity and, all too often, a debilitating injury to the pitching arm. Conversely, good leg drive and use of the trunk results in faster pitches and less stress on the shoulder and elbow, which in turn means a lower risk of injury.
Another important point is balance. A pitcher who is falling off to one side is likely to have more problems with controlling his pitches than one who is balanced and minimizing lateral movement. Starting the motion in a balanced state and remaining this way throughout the entire process also relates to the previous point in that the legs and trunk can be used more and the arm can be used less.
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.
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