The Importance Of Good Pitching Mechanics

By Rena Hudson


The game of baseball has been immensely popular in the Americas for many years. As any fan can tell you, quality pitching is a major key to fielding a successful team. While some of this is dependent upon pure natural ability, pitching mechanics play a major role as well. Improving the technique of throwing the ball can enhance one's natural abilities while poor mechanics can limit the upside of even the most talented pitchers.

The primary point to be made is why pitching mechanics are an integral ingredient of success in this arena. Performance level and durability are the two main answers to this. Better, more efficient technique can allow one to throw with greater velocity and control as well as minimizing the risk of injuries, particularly to the vulnerable shoulder and elbow regions. On the other hand, poor mechanics may limit the command of one's pitches and expose the player to a greater risk of 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.

The proper positioning of the throwing arm throughout the entire motion is not easily defined. In fact, there is no complete consensus as to what exactly are the best positions in this complex process. Before moving on to such a difficult aspect, one needs to have a basic understanding of some fundamental points that are more agreed upon.

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.

How well the player is able to repeat the proper mechanics is of utmost importance. Variations in the delivery will lead to problems with command as well as potentially causing injury. It is essential, however, to be repeating the motion utilizing sound principles; repeating a poor motion is good for neither one's performance nor for the health of one's arm.

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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