DETAILED INFORMATION ON PITCHING BODY MECHANICS, MEASUREMENTS TOLERANCES and CHECKPOINTS
Although every pitcher is unique there needs to be an established point of reference that speaks to standard in form as it pertains to the Balance, Rhythm and Relaxation during a pitchers delivery. Mforce Sports endorses the mechanics of the "Tall & Fall" pitching delivery. The Strike Pitcher’s hardware will monitor the following techniques of a pitchers delivery:
The Wind-Up
The Stride Forward
The Arm Swing To The Loaded Position
The Follow Through
The following terms will be used to easily differentiate the arms, legs, and the open or closed position of the body while describing the aspects of the delivery.
Note: Dividing the body in half and pairing arms, legs, equipment and uniform parts will be referenced as follows.
Pair one - stride leg and glove hand
Pair two - pivot leg and pitching hand
Note: Body positioning, whole and in parts will be referred to as "open" or "closed"
"Open" will be defined as the front facing position of the body and it’s parts
"Closed" will be defined as the profile position of the body and it’s parts
THE WIND-UP
Goal: To develop a smooth and solid wind-up. Keep it simple. The least complicated the wind-up; the easier it is to maintain sound mechanics, which will translate into delivering consistent pitches.
At the on-set of the wind-up, proper balance is first established with positioning feet. To begin, the pivot foot is placed on the rubber ( right foot for right handers, left foot for left handers). The pitcher’s toes and the ball of your foot should hang over the edge of the rubber. Right handers set up on the 3 rd base side of the rubber and left-handler’s set up on the 1st base side of the rubber. Position the feet less than shoulder length apart (6 – 12 inches of separation). The stride foot will be 6 – 8 inches behind the pivot foot as it sits on the rubber with the heel of the stride foot slightly off the ground. Bring your hands together in front of you with the open glove facing you; place your pitching hand in the glove to grip the ball. Lean your upper body slightly towards home plate until your head is directly over your pivot foot. This position gives you the best visual angle to the plate and provides a relaxed starting posture on the rubber.
Good pitching Allow a 4 – 8 inch back step at a 45 degree angle towards 2nd base for right handers and the same distance step back at a 45 degree angle towards shortstop for left handers. While stepping back the glove is lifted.Rhythm starts with shifting weight back by stepping backward with your stride foot, ( this should begin an internal cadence that will follow you through the entire pitching motion) this is done with a short smooth rocker step back. For a younger pitcher, it is recommended that they lower the glove to their waist or lift the glove to the chest. As experience is gained, you should lift the glove to the height of the pitcher’s head, or over it. In either instance the pitcher may never have his head break the plane of the pitching rubber stepping backward in the pitching motion.
The shift in weight using the short rocker step back, allows for the proper placement of the pivot foot in front of the pitching rubber without long and unnecessary movements. In shifting the weight forward, take the rocker step back and then lift and drop the pivot foot directly in front of and parallel to the pitching rubber. Keep the stride leg flexed slightly bending no more than 15 degrees from its original position.
Critical to foot placement is the angel of the pivot foot when it lands in front of the rubber. The ball and toes of the pivot foot must be angled ahead of the heel of that same foot. Allow the weight of the body to transfer forward onto the ball and toes of the pivot foot and never on the heel of the pivot foot. This smooth and efficient transfer of weight will ensure proper balance, control, and maximum velocity. Concentration on this weight transfer is extremely important for the development of the student pitcher.
Building the energy needed to propel the pitch starts with the knee lift and hip rotation of the stride leg. It is highly suggested that the student pitcher lift and rotate the knee as opposed to using a slinging motion to bring the knee upward and across the body. The knee lift is a smooth, relaxed and a quick motion. Lifting the knee is a much more controlled motion and will promote consistency and balance in the pitching delivery.
Once the pivot foot is in place, the knee lift begins with the student pitcher lifting the heel of the stride foot first, with the ball and toes leaving the mound last.While standing tall (do not crouch) with level shoulders the knee is lifted up to belt height and rotated by the hips around so as to have the knee pointed toward 3rd base (1st base for left handers) while the toes of the stride foot are pointed down and remains relaxed and kept away from the body.
Avoid a high knee lift and an exaggerated rotation of the hips for it will adversely affect balance.
The first check point will be for the student pitcher to be able to see his thigh, knee and the tip of his toe at the height of the lift.
The second and most important check point is the balance check at the height of the knee lift. To test balance during the knee lift, pause for a few seconds at the height of the lift. If in balance, the pitcher will be able to hold this position for 2 – 3 seconds. If not, review the mechanics up to this point to find the flaw and fix it before moving on.Not being able to hold your balance at this point of the delivery is evidence of a critical mechanical flaw.
The pause at the top of the delivery helps prevent a major flaw in the pitching delivery. The short pause will help keep the student pitcher from rushing the pitch. Rushing is defined as moving forward in the delivery with the pitching hand too low, contributing to control problems and loss of velocity.
One of the most important aspects of the first two phases of the pitching delivery ( knee lift to loaded position) is to keep the pitcher’s eyes focused on the target. As the pitcher lifts and rotates the knee, direct the eyes toward the target. Start with a relaxed or soft focus – that is seeing the batter, umpire, catcher and his glove and then move to a very sharp focus, only seeing the glove. For optimum results the sharp focus should start at the height of the knee lift.
THE STRIDE FORWARD
Goal: To generate a smooth transfer of energy from the legs and hips to and through the pitching arm.
The stride forward affects where the leg lands and the land affects the release point . Over stride and the pitching arm will come through at a lower point than usual and the pitches will be wild high. Under striding will cause the pitcher to pitch up hill, causing the pitches to be wild low.
As the knee of the stride leg comes to the balance point, the hip of the stride leg is slightly tilted over the hip of the pivot leg; just enough for the batter to see the bottom of the pitcher’s back pocket. The slightly tilted hip of the stride leg starts forward ahead of the lower (calf) part of the stride leg. At the same time, with shoulders closed and the knee at the balance point, the hands break softly during the stride forward. The student pitcher should keep the stride leg up as long as possible and then striding a distance roughly equal to the pitcher's height and land on a slightly flexed but not bent front leg.
Where and how the leg lands, along with the position of the stride foot, determines if the pitcher has optimum balance for the follow-through. The landing point must be consistent at all times. When taking the mound, dig a small hole where the stride foot should land. The stride forward should be a direct line to the target, stepping directly in the direction to where the pitcher intends the ball to go. The stride foot should land on the ball and toes of the foot at a pigeon toed angle, that is the toes should be angled at the one o’clock position (home plate being 12 o’clock) for a right hander, this will allow the pitcher to rotate the upper body against and over a firm but slightly flexed stride leg at 135 degrees and this will generate more rotational and downward force.
The landing of the stride foot should never be heel first. Land semi-flat with the weight on the inside ball ( the big toe side) of the foot and with the heel slightly above the toes. The front knee of the stride leg is angled inward (slightly bent and pointed towards the 3rd base side of home plate) and the inside of the stride knee should be to the inside of the front foot ( the foot leads the knee). The landing will take on a "gliding in" quality and allow for the beginning of the weight and energy transfer of the hips and torso. Proper weight shift means good balance and good balance leads to a stable and solid landing.
THE ARM SWING TO THE LOADED POSITION
Goal: Moving the arm into the loaded position to make the movement as simple as possible.
Accomplishing this will satisfy two goals. First, it will allow the pitcher to use the body’s energy efficiently. Second, it will make it very hard for the batter to pick up the ball (see the ball) early on in the delivery.
Hold your hands against your waist during the knee lift. This will help the pitcher to stay in line with second base and home plate . As the controlled forward fall begins, the stride foot, hip, glove hand, elbow and knee and eventually the back of the glove (as the arm is extended out) will all be pointed toward home plate.
To maintain the rhythm of the delivery, the breaking of the hands must be a smooth and relaxed movement. The hands should break at the waist consistently with each pitch. The separation of ball from glove happens just as the stride leg knee starts to fall into its stride. As the hands separate, take the ball out of the glove with the fingers pointed down toward the ground while the glove hand, in a smooth and relaxed manner starts to be extended out toward home plate. During this extension out with the glove hand, the wrist of the glove hand bends so as to have the thumb of the glove hand point at the 1st baseman (point at the 3rd baseman for left handler’s) allowing the back of the glove to be used as the pointer to the target. Simultaneously, with an unbent relaxed wrist ( the wrist is relaxed in a downward position and not forced into a downward position) and with fingers remaining in the down position on the ball, the pitching arm moves down, extends back, to generate hand speed, and reaches up, with the ball reaching a height of 2 – 3 inches above the pitchers head. At this height the hand has the best opportunity to get on top of the ball and create a downward action to the throw. Having the wrist in this position is key. Freedom of movement, leverage, arm extension and power are maximized from this position.
As both the stride arm and the pitching arm are extending, the elbows should be up and remain on the line that extends from 2nd base through the midpoint of the rubber to home plate.When the stride foot lands, it will be the shoulders pulled around by the hip turn and followed by the flexing of the torso that helps build the power and hand speed that will propel your pitches. It is the momentum built by the big muscles of the legs, abdomen, chest and back that are transferred through the shoulders to your pitching arm.
As the stride begins, the extension of the stride arm starts to open the body with the help of the chest following the stride leg, thus initiating the powerful action of the pitching arm. The pitcher will reach out to the target with the chest to greatly increase the length of the pitching arm and allow unrestricted freedom of movement. Both pectoral mussels should stay parallel to the ground. The back should be arched and the chest should assume a barrel like status. Shortly after the stride begins, the pitching arm will move into a right angle. From this point it is ready to drive forward with tremendous acceleration, while gaining maximum extension and power.
As the elbow leads the way, the wrist drops to a laid back position . The arm continues with the wrist in the laid back position for as long as possible as the forearm rotates outward so as to have the ball positioned behind and above the ear.The pitching elbow is tilted above the pitching shoulder and ahead of the wrist creating a 90-degree angle; at this point the pitcher is in the loaded position. This 90-degree angle creates a powerful catapulting effect, the culmination of forces built by the rotation of the lower body and the flexion of the upper body. The wrist does not move in front of the elbow until the arm passes the ear. Delivering the ball at a constant distance (5-6 inches) from the ear each time will help to develop control of your pitches. Elbow over shoulder and fingers on top of the ball are critical checkpoints.
THE FOLLOW THROUGH
Goal: To end the pitching delivery balanced, prepared to defend the position, while keeping the pitching arm from absorbing the full amount of the stress of deceleration. Arm injuries occur more often in the follow through than at any other phase of the pitching delivery.
Mastering the follow through will greatly reduce the chance of injury to the pitching arm. As the pitchers arm moves from the loaded position into the actual delivery of the ball, the arms of the body move in opposite directions simultaneously. The glove hand has reached its' extension point and is now preparing to move back to the body in such a way as to ensure balance and control. As the shoulders start to turn and the pitching hand approaches the ear to begin the catapulting action of the pitching arm, the pitcher turns the palm of the glove hand up, raises the fingers of the glove higher than the heel and starts to bring the arm towards the body.
Simultaneously the torso and chest are engaged in the delivery. As the torso bends, the glove hand continues on its course towards the left pectoral muscle of the chest (the right pectoral muscle for left handers). The stride arm will brush the fat pad of the hip as the glove with fingers up comes to rest against the left pectoral muscle of the chest. At this point the ball has left the pitchers hand and the elbow of the stride arm will appear as a chicken wing and will show just above the back at the completion of the follow through.
Keep the pivot knee close to your stride leg during the follow through rather than letting it fly off toward your pitching side. The stride foot should remain stable during the follow through. As the ball is delivered, the pivot foot is pulled from the rubber ( never drag the pivot foot from the rubber) and makes a slightly upward and outward motion. The pivot leg will form a circle before coming to the ground in an area parallel to and a few (3 –4) inches greater than shoulder width from the stride foot. This is called landing square and puts you in excellent fielding position.
During the deceleration phase of the follow through, never use any abrupt or forced reverse mechanical motions on you pitching arm. Snapping the pitching hand back up after releasing the ball will force the pitching arm to absorb too much of the energy that was built up during the delivery. Let the arm follow through naturally. The pitching arm should come to rest between the ankle and knee of the stride leg.
The Wind-Up
The Stride Forward
The Arm Swing To The Loaded Position
The Follow Through
The following terms will be used to easily differentiate the arms, legs, and the open or closed position of the body while describing the aspects of the delivery.
Note: Dividing the body in half and pairing arms, legs, equipment and uniform parts will be referenced as follows.
Pair one - stride leg and glove hand
Pair two - pivot leg and pitching hand
Note: Body positioning, whole and in parts will be referred to as "open" or "closed"
"Open" will be defined as the front facing position of the body and it’s parts
"Closed" will be defined as the profile position of the body and it’s parts
THE WIND-UP
Goal: To develop a smooth and solid wind-up. Keep it simple. The least complicated the wind-up; the easier it is to maintain sound mechanics, which will translate into delivering consistent pitches.
At the on-set of the wind-up, proper balance is first established with positioning feet. To begin, the pivot foot is placed on the rubber ( right foot for right handers, left foot for left handers). The pitcher’s toes and the ball of your foot should hang over the edge of the rubber. Right handers set up on the 3 rd base side of the rubber and left-handler’s set up on the 1st base side of the rubber. Position the feet less than shoulder length apart (6 – 12 inches of separation). The stride foot will be 6 – 8 inches behind the pivot foot as it sits on the rubber with the heel of the stride foot slightly off the ground. Bring your hands together in front of you with the open glove facing you; place your pitching hand in the glove to grip the ball. Lean your upper body slightly towards home plate until your head is directly over your pivot foot. This position gives you the best visual angle to the plate and provides a relaxed starting posture on the rubber.
Good pitching Allow a 4 – 8 inch back step at a 45 degree angle towards 2nd base for right handers and the same distance step back at a 45 degree angle towards shortstop for left handers. While stepping back the glove is lifted.Rhythm starts with shifting weight back by stepping backward with your stride foot, ( this should begin an internal cadence that will follow you through the entire pitching motion) this is done with a short smooth rocker step back. For a younger pitcher, it is recommended that they lower the glove to their waist or lift the glove to the chest. As experience is gained, you should lift the glove to the height of the pitcher’s head, or over it. In either instance the pitcher may never have his head break the plane of the pitching rubber stepping backward in the pitching motion.
The shift in weight using the short rocker step back, allows for the proper placement of the pivot foot in front of the pitching rubber without long and unnecessary movements. In shifting the weight forward, take the rocker step back and then lift and drop the pivot foot directly in front of and parallel to the pitching rubber. Keep the stride leg flexed slightly bending no more than 15 degrees from its original position.
Critical to foot placement is the angel of the pivot foot when it lands in front of the rubber. The ball and toes of the pivot foot must be angled ahead of the heel of that same foot. Allow the weight of the body to transfer forward onto the ball and toes of the pivot foot and never on the heel of the pivot foot. This smooth and efficient transfer of weight will ensure proper balance, control, and maximum velocity. Concentration on this weight transfer is extremely important for the development of the student pitcher.
Building the energy needed to propel the pitch starts with the knee lift and hip rotation of the stride leg. It is highly suggested that the student pitcher lift and rotate the knee as opposed to using a slinging motion to bring the knee upward and across the body. The knee lift is a smooth, relaxed and a quick motion. Lifting the knee is a much more controlled motion and will promote consistency and balance in the pitching delivery.
Once the pivot foot is in place, the knee lift begins with the student pitcher lifting the heel of the stride foot first, with the ball and toes leaving the mound last.While standing tall (do not crouch) with level shoulders the knee is lifted up to belt height and rotated by the hips around so as to have the knee pointed toward 3rd base (1st base for left handers) while the toes of the stride foot are pointed down and remains relaxed and kept away from the body.
Avoid a high knee lift and an exaggerated rotation of the hips for it will adversely affect balance.
The first check point will be for the student pitcher to be able to see his thigh, knee and the tip of his toe at the height of the lift.
The second and most important check point is the balance check at the height of the knee lift. To test balance during the knee lift, pause for a few seconds at the height of the lift. If in balance, the pitcher will be able to hold this position for 2 – 3 seconds. If not, review the mechanics up to this point to find the flaw and fix it before moving on.Not being able to hold your balance at this point of the delivery is evidence of a critical mechanical flaw.
The pause at the top of the delivery helps prevent a major flaw in the pitching delivery. The short pause will help keep the student pitcher from rushing the pitch. Rushing is defined as moving forward in the delivery with the pitching hand too low, contributing to control problems and loss of velocity.
One of the most important aspects of the first two phases of the pitching delivery ( knee lift to loaded position) is to keep the pitcher’s eyes focused on the target. As the pitcher lifts and rotates the knee, direct the eyes toward the target. Start with a relaxed or soft focus – that is seeing the batter, umpire, catcher and his glove and then move to a very sharp focus, only seeing the glove. For optimum results the sharp focus should start at the height of the knee lift.
THE STRIDE FORWARD
Goal: To generate a smooth transfer of energy from the legs and hips to and through the pitching arm.
The stride forward affects where the leg lands and the land affects the release point . Over stride and the pitching arm will come through at a lower point than usual and the pitches will be wild high. Under striding will cause the pitcher to pitch up hill, causing the pitches to be wild low.
As the knee of the stride leg comes to the balance point, the hip of the stride leg is slightly tilted over the hip of the pivot leg; just enough for the batter to see the bottom of the pitcher’s back pocket. The slightly tilted hip of the stride leg starts forward ahead of the lower (calf) part of the stride leg. At the same time, with shoulders closed and the knee at the balance point, the hands break softly during the stride forward. The student pitcher should keep the stride leg up as long as possible and then striding a distance roughly equal to the pitcher's height and land on a slightly flexed but not bent front leg.
Where and how the leg lands, along with the position of the stride foot, determines if the pitcher has optimum balance for the follow-through. The landing point must be consistent at all times. When taking the mound, dig a small hole where the stride foot should land. The stride forward should be a direct line to the target, stepping directly in the direction to where the pitcher intends the ball to go. The stride foot should land on the ball and toes of the foot at a pigeon toed angle, that is the toes should be angled at the one o’clock position (home plate being 12 o’clock) for a right hander, this will allow the pitcher to rotate the upper body against and over a firm but slightly flexed stride leg at 135 degrees and this will generate more rotational and downward force.
The landing of the stride foot should never be heel first. Land semi-flat with the weight on the inside ball ( the big toe side) of the foot and with the heel slightly above the toes. The front knee of the stride leg is angled inward (slightly bent and pointed towards the 3rd base side of home plate) and the inside of the stride knee should be to the inside of the front foot ( the foot leads the knee). The landing will take on a "gliding in" quality and allow for the beginning of the weight and energy transfer of the hips and torso. Proper weight shift means good balance and good balance leads to a stable and solid landing.
THE ARM SWING TO THE LOADED POSITION
Goal: Moving the arm into the loaded position to make the movement as simple as possible.
Accomplishing this will satisfy two goals. First, it will allow the pitcher to use the body’s energy efficiently. Second, it will make it very hard for the batter to pick up the ball (see the ball) early on in the delivery.
Hold your hands against your waist during the knee lift. This will help the pitcher to stay in line with second base and home plate . As the controlled forward fall begins, the stride foot, hip, glove hand, elbow and knee and eventually the back of the glove (as the arm is extended out) will all be pointed toward home plate.
To maintain the rhythm of the delivery, the breaking of the hands must be a smooth and relaxed movement. The hands should break at the waist consistently with each pitch. The separation of ball from glove happens just as the stride leg knee starts to fall into its stride. As the hands separate, take the ball out of the glove with the fingers pointed down toward the ground while the glove hand, in a smooth and relaxed manner starts to be extended out toward home plate. During this extension out with the glove hand, the wrist of the glove hand bends so as to have the thumb of the glove hand point at the 1st baseman (point at the 3rd baseman for left handler’s) allowing the back of the glove to be used as the pointer to the target. Simultaneously, with an unbent relaxed wrist ( the wrist is relaxed in a downward position and not forced into a downward position) and with fingers remaining in the down position on the ball, the pitching arm moves down, extends back, to generate hand speed, and reaches up, with the ball reaching a height of 2 – 3 inches above the pitchers head. At this height the hand has the best opportunity to get on top of the ball and create a downward action to the throw. Having the wrist in this position is key. Freedom of movement, leverage, arm extension and power are maximized from this position.
As both the stride arm and the pitching arm are extending, the elbows should be up and remain on the line that extends from 2nd base through the midpoint of the rubber to home plate.When the stride foot lands, it will be the shoulders pulled around by the hip turn and followed by the flexing of the torso that helps build the power and hand speed that will propel your pitches. It is the momentum built by the big muscles of the legs, abdomen, chest and back that are transferred through the shoulders to your pitching arm.
As the stride begins, the extension of the stride arm starts to open the body with the help of the chest following the stride leg, thus initiating the powerful action of the pitching arm. The pitcher will reach out to the target with the chest to greatly increase the length of the pitching arm and allow unrestricted freedom of movement. Both pectoral mussels should stay parallel to the ground. The back should be arched and the chest should assume a barrel like status. Shortly after the stride begins, the pitching arm will move into a right angle. From this point it is ready to drive forward with tremendous acceleration, while gaining maximum extension and power.
As the elbow leads the way, the wrist drops to a laid back position . The arm continues with the wrist in the laid back position for as long as possible as the forearm rotates outward so as to have the ball positioned behind and above the ear.The pitching elbow is tilted above the pitching shoulder and ahead of the wrist creating a 90-degree angle; at this point the pitcher is in the loaded position. This 90-degree angle creates a powerful catapulting effect, the culmination of forces built by the rotation of the lower body and the flexion of the upper body. The wrist does not move in front of the elbow until the arm passes the ear. Delivering the ball at a constant distance (5-6 inches) from the ear each time will help to develop control of your pitches. Elbow over shoulder and fingers on top of the ball are critical checkpoints.
THE FOLLOW THROUGH
Goal: To end the pitching delivery balanced, prepared to defend the position, while keeping the pitching arm from absorbing the full amount of the stress of deceleration. Arm injuries occur more often in the follow through than at any other phase of the pitching delivery.
Mastering the follow through will greatly reduce the chance of injury to the pitching arm. As the pitchers arm moves from the loaded position into the actual delivery of the ball, the arms of the body move in opposite directions simultaneously. The glove hand has reached its' extension point and is now preparing to move back to the body in such a way as to ensure balance and control. As the shoulders start to turn and the pitching hand approaches the ear to begin the catapulting action of the pitching arm, the pitcher turns the palm of the glove hand up, raises the fingers of the glove higher than the heel and starts to bring the arm towards the body.
Simultaneously the torso and chest are engaged in the delivery. As the torso bends, the glove hand continues on its course towards the left pectoral muscle of the chest (the right pectoral muscle for left handers). The stride arm will brush the fat pad of the hip as the glove with fingers up comes to rest against the left pectoral muscle of the chest. At this point the ball has left the pitchers hand and the elbow of the stride arm will appear as a chicken wing and will show just above the back at the completion of the follow through.
Keep the pivot knee close to your stride leg during the follow through rather than letting it fly off toward your pitching side. The stride foot should remain stable during the follow through. As the ball is delivered, the pivot foot is pulled from the rubber ( never drag the pivot foot from the rubber) and makes a slightly upward and outward motion. The pivot leg will form a circle before coming to the ground in an area parallel to and a few (3 –4) inches greater than shoulder width from the stride foot. This is called landing square and puts you in excellent fielding position.
During the deceleration phase of the follow through, never use any abrupt or forced reverse mechanical motions on you pitching arm. Snapping the pitching hand back up after releasing the ball will force the pitching arm to absorb too much of the energy that was built up during the delivery. Let the arm follow through naturally. The pitching arm should come to rest between the ankle and knee of the stride leg.
DETAILED INFORMATION ON PITCH GRIPS, FINGER MANIPULATIONS,
ELBOW AND WRIST POSITIONS
In the game of baseball, the pitcher is the first line of defense in the effort to win the game. Standing alone on the mound with the ball in his hands, his efforts more than any other will determine the outcome of the game.
The pitcher's objective is to throw strikes of various speeds and trajectories to multiple locations in and around the strike zone. In doing so the pitcher will keep the batters of the opposing team confused and off balance in their efforts to hit the ball. Endeavoring to assist the pitcher in this battle, Mforce Sports has provided this text on basic pitch groups that when mastered, will begin to prepare the pitcher to engage batters with the knowledge of how to throw the various types of pitches that will make his efforts competitive.
FASTBALLS
THE MASTER PITCH
The fastball is the fundamental weapon in the pitchers arsenal. Above all others, and in all of its' variations, the fastball is the foundation from where a pitcher builds a repertoire. Every other pitch learned by the pitcher works in conjunction with the fastball.
The fastball does not have to be thrown with overwhelming velocity to be effective. Primarily, an effective fastball is one that is precisely located and secondly, one that has movement.
THE FOUR SEAM FASTBALL
The four-seam fastball grip is the foundation grip for all players. It's the grip used by infielders to ensure good throws to other position players.
The four-seam fastball is the easiest to throw for strikes because it produces the least amount of movement. The four-seam grip creates a spin that allows all four seams to revolve evenly in a backward rotation, resulting in a pitch that resists movement to the left, right or down.
The pitcher's objective is to throw strikes of various speeds and trajectories to multiple locations in and around the strike zone. In doing so the pitcher will keep the batters of the opposing team confused and off balance in their efforts to hit the ball. Endeavoring to assist the pitcher in this battle, Mforce Sports has provided this text on basic pitch groups that when mastered, will begin to prepare the pitcher to engage batters with the knowledge of how to throw the various types of pitches that will make his efforts competitive.
FASTBALLS
THE MASTER PITCH
The fastball is the fundamental weapon in the pitchers arsenal. Above all others, and in all of its' variations, the fastball is the foundation from where a pitcher builds a repertoire. Every other pitch learned by the pitcher works in conjunction with the fastball.
The fastball does not have to be thrown with overwhelming velocity to be effective. Primarily, an effective fastball is one that is precisely located and secondly, one that has movement.
THE FOUR SEAM FASTBALL
The four-seam fastball grip is the foundation grip for all players. It's the grip used by infielders to ensure good throws to other position players.
The four-seam fastball is the easiest to throw for strikes because it produces the least amount of movement. The four-seam grip creates a spin that allows all four seams to revolve evenly in a backward rotation, resulting in a pitch that resists movement to the left, right or down.
THE FOUR-SEAM GRIP
Grip the baseball at one of the widest spaces of the ball with your finger pads (finger prints) resting firmly over the raised seams. This position of the fingers will allow you to pull down on the ball resulting in rotation and velocity.
Spread the fingers 1 to 1-1/4 inches apart. The index finger pad is positioned ½ inch over the seam, the middle finger ¾ of an inch over the seam. The ring finger is placed on the outside of the ball touching the seam 1 ½ inches from the middle finger. The pinky does not make contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The thumb acting as a rudder and assisting in controlling the flight of the ball, rests under the middle and ring fingers in the middle of the ball.
There should be a ½ to ¾ inch space between the ball and the palm of your hand. The ball sits firmly but comfortably in this grip.
Relax the wrist and the forearm muscles to get a better wrist snap at the release of the ball. As the ball leaves your hand try to feel the middle and ring finger pads pull down on the raised seems of the ball. This is refereed as finishing the pitch.
Keep in mind that a good fastball has less to do with velocity than with control as in placement in and around the strike zone.
The fastball does carry an added bonus for the pitcher who throws with great velocity. When this pitch is thrown with a great deal of velocity and a tight spin, the ball will appear to rise or hop as it approaches the batter.
Grip the baseball at one of the widest spaces of the ball with your finger pads (finger prints) resting firmly over the raised seams. This position of the fingers will allow you to pull down on the ball resulting in rotation and velocity.
Spread the fingers 1 to 1-1/4 inches apart. The index finger pad is positioned ½ inch over the seam, the middle finger ¾ of an inch over the seam. The ring finger is placed on the outside of the ball touching the seam 1 ½ inches from the middle finger. The pinky does not make contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The thumb acting as a rudder and assisting in controlling the flight of the ball, rests under the middle and ring fingers in the middle of the ball.
There should be a ½ to ¾ inch space between the ball and the palm of your hand. The ball sits firmly but comfortably in this grip.
Relax the wrist and the forearm muscles to get a better wrist snap at the release of the ball. As the ball leaves your hand try to feel the middle and ring finger pads pull down on the raised seems of the ball. This is refereed as finishing the pitch.
Keep in mind that a good fastball has less to do with velocity than with control as in placement in and around the strike zone.
The fastball does carry an added bonus for the pitcher who throws with great velocity. When this pitch is thrown with a great deal of velocity and a tight spin, the ball will appear to rise or hop as it approaches the batter.
THE TWO-SEAM FASTBALL
The elementary variation on the four-seam fastball is the two seam fastball. It's important to note that the two-seam fastball and its variations are delivered with the same motion as the four-seam fastball. Any variation in the delivery will tip off the batter as to what is coming. The baseball pitcher who has a fastball with movement and average velocity will be more of a challenge to a batter than a pitcher with a straight fastball and good velocity.The primary function of the two-seam fastball is making the ball move. Manipulation of the wrist, adding additional pressure on a finger or sliding the thumb from one side of the ball to the other creates lateral and or downward movement. The basic two-seam grip is designed to create an uneven spin on the ball allowing air pressure to build up on one side of the ball, thus causing it to move.
THE TWO-SEAM GRIP AND BASIC PRINCIPALS OF FINGER PRESSURE
Having the index finger and the middle finger resting on and running parallel to the raised seams that are closest together accomplish the two-seam fastball grip. There should be a finger separation of approximately 5/8 of an inch.
The index finger pad should be positioned between ¾ of an inch and 1-1/4 inches over the center of the ball.
The middle finger should be between 1 inch and 1-3/4 inches over the top of the baseball.
The bottom half of the ball rests on the inside of your thumb between the knuckle and the nail, approximately 3-1/4 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/2 inches from the middle finger resting on the seam supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
This grip sits a little deeper in the hand with a space of approximately1/2 inch from the ball to the palm of your hand. With this basic grip, applying more pressure to the index finger will create a slower spin rotation and the creation of uneven air pressure causing the ball to tail or move in on same handed batters.
The basic principle of finger pressure is that the ball will move in the opposite direction of the pressure.
For example, a right handed pitcher throwing the two-seam fastball to a right handed batter will apply more pressure to the index finger. When executed properly, this will cause air pressure to build up on the left side of the ball moving it in and down to the right handed batter.
That same right handed pitcher facing a left handed batter applying more pressure to the middle finger when executed properly will cause air pressure to build up on the right side of the ball and move it in and down to the left handed batter.
This principal is very helpful in getting batters to chase a pitch.
VARIATIONS ON THE TWO-SEAM FASTBALL
Finger placement contributes to how the ball will move. Fingers close together will result in ball movement. Having the fingers spread apart will slow the ball down and reduce movement.
The elementary variation on the four-seam fastball is the two seam fastball. It's important to note that the two-seam fastball and its variations are delivered with the same motion as the four-seam fastball. Any variation in the delivery will tip off the batter as to what is coming. The baseball pitcher who has a fastball with movement and average velocity will be more of a challenge to a batter than a pitcher with a straight fastball and good velocity.The primary function of the two-seam fastball is making the ball move. Manipulation of the wrist, adding additional pressure on a finger or sliding the thumb from one side of the ball to the other creates lateral and or downward movement. The basic two-seam grip is designed to create an uneven spin on the ball allowing air pressure to build up on one side of the ball, thus causing it to move.
THE TWO-SEAM GRIP AND BASIC PRINCIPALS OF FINGER PRESSURE
Having the index finger and the middle finger resting on and running parallel to the raised seams that are closest together accomplish the two-seam fastball grip. There should be a finger separation of approximately 5/8 of an inch.
The index finger pad should be positioned between ¾ of an inch and 1-1/4 inches over the center of the ball.
The middle finger should be between 1 inch and 1-3/4 inches over the top of the baseball.
The bottom half of the ball rests on the inside of your thumb between the knuckle and the nail, approximately 3-1/4 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/2 inches from the middle finger resting on the seam supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
This grip sits a little deeper in the hand with a space of approximately1/2 inch from the ball to the palm of your hand. With this basic grip, applying more pressure to the index finger will create a slower spin rotation and the creation of uneven air pressure causing the ball to tail or move in on same handed batters.
The basic principle of finger pressure is that the ball will move in the opposite direction of the pressure.
For example, a right handed pitcher throwing the two-seam fastball to a right handed batter will apply more pressure to the index finger. When executed properly, this will cause air pressure to build up on the left side of the ball moving it in and down to the right handed batter.
That same right handed pitcher facing a left handed batter applying more pressure to the middle finger when executed properly will cause air pressure to build up on the right side of the ball and move it in and down to the left handed batter.
This principal is very helpful in getting batters to chase a pitch.
VARIATIONS ON THE TWO-SEAM FASTBALL
Finger placement contributes to how the ball will move. Fingers close together will result in ball movement. Having the fingers spread apart will slow the ball down and reduce movement.
THE SINKING FASTBALL
Starting with the basic two-seam grip, slide the middle finger to the right of the raised stitching and bring the index finger over so that its touching the middle finger. This grip creates "The Sinking Fastball".
The stitching should be in the middle of the touching fingers. The thumb is slightly off center to the left on the seam approximately 3-1/3 inches from the index finger. Apply more pressure with the index finger than the middle finger. This pitch is held tighter and deeper in the hand with only a ¼ inch space between the ball and the palm of the hand. This off centered grip creates a side spin allowing the ball to move down and in on right handed batters.
Starting with the basic two-seam grip, slide the middle finger to the right of the raised stitching and bring the index finger over so that its touching the middle finger. This grip creates "The Sinking Fastball".
The stitching should be in the middle of the touching fingers. The thumb is slightly off center to the left on the seam approximately 3-1/3 inches from the index finger. Apply more pressure with the index finger than the middle finger. This pitch is held tighter and deeper in the hand with only a ¼ inch space between the ball and the palm of the hand. This off centered grip creates a side spin allowing the ball to move down and in on right handed batters.
THE CUT FASTBALL
Start with the off centered finger position of the sinking fastball and then slide the thumb off center to the middle finger side of the ball, 4-1/2 inches from the index finger.
This variation of thumb placement creates "The Cut Fastball". A quick late moving fastball designed to runaway from same handed batters.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/4 inches from the middle finger, tucked under the thumb supporting the grip. The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The wrist action with this pitch is slightly adjusted. The wrist is rolled a few degrees toward the outside as the ball is passing by the head. The wrist snap is a fastball movement with the ball rolling off the thumb and not being pushed up by the thumb and turned by the wrist.
Start with the off centered finger position of the sinking fastball and then slide the thumb off center to the middle finger side of the ball, 4-1/2 inches from the index finger.
This variation of thumb placement creates "The Cut Fastball". A quick late moving fastball designed to runaway from same handed batters.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/4 inches from the middle finger, tucked under the thumb supporting the grip. The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The wrist action with this pitch is slightly adjusted. The wrist is rolled a few degrees toward the outside as the ball is passing by the head. The wrist snap is a fastball movement with the ball rolling off the thumb and not being pushed up by the thumb and turned by the wrist.
THE FORKBALL
An extreme even spread of the fingers (2-1/2 inches or more from the inside of the middle finger to the inside of the index finger) between the seams creates the "Forkball". A difficult pitch to master.
The index finger is placed in the middle of the narrow stitches with the pad of the index finger positioned between 1 inch to 1-3/4 inches over the top of the ball.
The middle finger slides to the extreme right of the stitches.
The thumb is centered 3-1/2 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned ½ inch from the middle finger supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball and rests on the ring finger.
Griping the ball this way and applying pressure with the middle finger will result in greater movement in the sailing fastball, knuckle-slider and the knuckle-curve variety. Pressure applied by the index finger will cause the ball to break similar to that of a sinker or screwball.
An extreme even spread of the fingers (2-1/2 inches or more from the inside of the middle finger to the inside of the index finger) between the seams creates the "Forkball". A difficult pitch to master.
The index finger is placed in the middle of the narrow stitches with the pad of the index finger positioned between 1 inch to 1-3/4 inches over the top of the ball.
The middle finger slides to the extreme right of the stitches.
The thumb is centered 3-1/2 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned ½ inch from the middle finger supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball and rests on the ring finger.
Griping the ball this way and applying pressure with the middle finger will result in greater movement in the sailing fastball, knuckle-slider and the knuckle-curve variety. Pressure applied by the index finger will cause the ball to break similar to that of a sinker or screwball.
THE SPLIT FINGER FASTBALL
The moderate even spread of the fingers (1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches from inside the middle finger to the inside of the index finger) to the outside of the raised stitching creates the split finger fastball.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/4 inches from the middle finger supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball and rests on the ring finger.
The split finger fastball is generally a much faster pitch than the forkball and does not break as much. Applying equal finger pressure with a normal wrist snap will create a downward break on this fastball.
The moderate even spread of the fingers (1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches from inside the middle finger to the inside of the index finger) to the outside of the raised stitching creates the split finger fastball.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/4 inches from the middle finger supporting the grip.
The pinky does not make contact with the ball and rests on the ring finger.
The split finger fastball is generally a much faster pitch than the forkball and does not break as much. Applying equal finger pressure with a normal wrist snap will create a downward break on this fastball.
THE CHANGE OF PACE PITCHES
THE ESSENCE OF PITCHING
The chess game between the pitcher and the batter always favors the pitcher when he changes the speeds of his pitches effectively. Drastically changing the speed of a pitch without altering the body mechanics of the pitching motion is one of the absolute best advantages a pitcher can posses.
The benefits of the change of pace pitches are numerous and profound. Considering that the arm speed of the change of pace pitches is the same as that of the fastball pitches. Batters looking at the spin of the change-up recognize it as a fastball but they can't recognize the adjusted speed of the ball. This is why employing the change of pace pitches in your repertoire is the best way to attack a batter.
Organizing or packaging you change-up pitches with your fastball pitches will add an additional level of deception to your approach in confusing the batter. Packaging is throwing change-up pitches that have the same spin pattern as the fastball pitches, four seam fastballs with four seam change-ups, two seam fastballs with two seam change-ups.
A change of pace pitch can be thrown more consistently for strikes than any other non-fastball pitch. Additionally, this series of pitches will not strain the arm because the grip on the ball will do all of the work of slowing the pitch down for you.
The change-up, delivered with the desired speed reduction, thrown low and to the outside of the strike zone is one of the most devastating pitches in the game, capable of producing a lot of weak ground balls and swinging strikes.
The chess game between the pitcher and the batter always favors the pitcher when he changes the speeds of his pitches effectively. Drastically changing the speed of a pitch without altering the body mechanics of the pitching motion is one of the absolute best advantages a pitcher can posses.
The benefits of the change of pace pitches are numerous and profound. Considering that the arm speed of the change of pace pitches is the same as that of the fastball pitches. Batters looking at the spin of the change-up recognize it as a fastball but they can't recognize the adjusted speed of the ball. This is why employing the change of pace pitches in your repertoire is the best way to attack a batter.
Organizing or packaging you change-up pitches with your fastball pitches will add an additional level of deception to your approach in confusing the batter. Packaging is throwing change-up pitches that have the same spin pattern as the fastball pitches, four seam fastballs with four seam change-ups, two seam fastballs with two seam change-ups.
A change of pace pitch can be thrown more consistently for strikes than any other non-fastball pitch. Additionally, this series of pitches will not strain the arm because the grip on the ball will do all of the work of slowing the pitch down for you.
The change-up, delivered with the desired speed reduction, thrown low and to the outside of the strike zone is one of the most devastating pitches in the game, capable of producing a lot of weak ground balls and swinging strikes.
THE THREE FINGER CHANGE-UP
The basic change-up or palm ball grip is accomplished by placing your index finger, middle and ring fingers across the wide seams of the baseball allowing a ¾ inch gap between the fingers.
The thumb is positioned 1-3/4 inches from the index finger on the left side of the ball.
The pinky is positioned 1-1/2 inches down and to the right of the ring finger.
The ball is held in the palm of the hand.
To enhance speed reduction in delivering this pitch, the pitcher should pull down with the fingers at full extension finishing the pitch by dragging hard at the back of ball, utilizing a wrist movement instead of a wrist snap.
The basic change-up or palm ball grip is accomplished by placing your index finger, middle and ring fingers across the wide seams of the baseball allowing a ¾ inch gap between the fingers.
The thumb is positioned 1-3/4 inches from the index finger on the left side of the ball.
The pinky is positioned 1-1/2 inches down and to the right of the ring finger.
The ball is held in the palm of the hand.
To enhance speed reduction in delivering this pitch, the pitcher should pull down with the fingers at full extension finishing the pitch by dragging hard at the back of ball, utilizing a wrist movement instead of a wrist snap.
THE CIRCLE CHANGE
Although difficult to master, this change up grip provides excellent sinking or fading movement away from opposite handed batters.
To accomplish the grip of the circle change, first form a circle or OK sign with the bent index finger and thumb.
Grip the baseball with the middle, ring and pinky fingers along the wide seams of the ball.
The thumb is positioned1-1/2 inches from the middle finger.
The gap between the middle finger and the ring finger is ¾ of an inch.
The gap between the ring finger and the pinky is 7/8 of an inch.
The finger pad of the middle finger is positioned 3/4 of an inch over the raised seams.
The finger pad of the ring finger is positioned ½ inch over the raised seams.
The pinky sits behind the raised seams of the baseball.
Although difficult to master, this change up grip provides excellent sinking or fading movement away from opposite handed batters.
To accomplish the grip of the circle change, first form a circle or OK sign with the bent index finger and thumb.
Grip the baseball with the middle, ring and pinky fingers along the wide seams of the ball.
The thumb is positioned1-1/2 inches from the middle finger.
The gap between the middle finger and the ring finger is ¾ of an inch.
The gap between the ring finger and the pinky is 7/8 of an inch.
The finger pad of the middle finger is positioned 3/4 of an inch over the raised seams.
The finger pad of the ring finger is positioned ½ inch over the raised seams.
The pinky sits behind the raised seams of the baseball.
BREAKING BALLS
THE FINISHING TOUCH
We at Mforce Sports strongly advise that engaging the breaking ball pitches be done with a trained professional to ensure proper instruction, preparatory activities and all safety precautions are adhered to.
Breaking ball pitches are and should be the last series of pitches developed by a pitcher. They should be avoided until later in their career.
The mastery of the fastball and change of pace pitches are much more important in establishing a foundation for an aspiring hurler.
Throwing a breaking ball improperly at a young age is more likely to damage the elbow or shoulder.
For the seasoned apprentice however, the curve-ball is one of the best pitches in baseball. There are many ways to throw a curve-ball, all derived from variations on the basic method, being the four seam curve-ball.
In preparing to throw the curve-ball, attention must be paid to the strength of the hand that will throw the ball. Weak fingers, thumbs, and wrist will not generate the rotation needed to produce a good breaking curve-ball. A simple and basic way to build strength in the fingers and wrist is by squeezing a tennis ball.
Breaking ball pitches are and should be the last series of pitches developed by a pitcher. They should be avoided until later in their career.
The mastery of the fastball and change of pace pitches are much more important in establishing a foundation for an aspiring hurler.
Throwing a breaking ball improperly at a young age is more likely to damage the elbow or shoulder.
For the seasoned apprentice however, the curve-ball is one of the best pitches in baseball. There are many ways to throw a curve-ball, all derived from variations on the basic method, being the four seam curve-ball.
In preparing to throw the curve-ball, attention must be paid to the strength of the hand that will throw the ball. Weak fingers, thumbs, and wrist will not generate the rotation needed to produce a good breaking curve-ball. A simple and basic way to build strength in the fingers and wrist is by squeezing a tennis ball.
THE FOUR SEAM CURVE-BALL
When executed properly, the four seam curveball grip allows you the maximum amount of rotation on the ball. A tightly spinning four seam pitch will produce a big breaking curveball.
To accomplish the four seam curveball grip, have the middle finger resting firmly along the inside of one of the wide seams of the ball with the index finger touching the middle finger inside the opposite seam.
The thumb is centered under the ball 3-5/8 inches away from the index finger.
The ring finger is 2 inches from the middle finger on the right, supporting the grip.
The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The ball rests firmly in this grip allowing a ½ inch space between the ball and the palm of the hand.
Although the four seam curveball may be thrown from three different arm angles, the overhead twelve o'clock to six o'clock curveball is the toughest to hit. It has very little lateral movement but an extremely sharp downward motion.
When throwing the curveball, your delivery is nearly identical to the fastball delivery. With the arm following the same path as the fastball until it passes the ear, at that point the wrist will turn so as to have the palm of the hand facing the side of the head rather than home plate.
Using the bill of the cap as a guide for the height of the release point, and the left pectoral muscle as a guide for the proper angel of the release point, the arm, as it reaches full extension should have the elbow bent slightly as the hand prepares to make the downward pull with the fingers. Snap your wrist toward home plate as you deliver the ball by pulling down on the raised seams with the middle finger, while simultaneously pushing up with your thumb. This will result in the ball being released over the fingers as opposed to under the fingers as with the fastball.
The arm action from the pitching / pivot side of the stride side of the body should continue all the way until the pitching elbow is touching the outside thigh of the stride leg.
When executed properly, the four seam curveball grip allows you the maximum amount of rotation on the ball. A tightly spinning four seam pitch will produce a big breaking curveball.
To accomplish the four seam curveball grip, have the middle finger resting firmly along the inside of one of the wide seams of the ball with the index finger touching the middle finger inside the opposite seam.
The thumb is centered under the ball 3-5/8 inches away from the index finger.
The ring finger is 2 inches from the middle finger on the right, supporting the grip.
The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
The ball rests firmly in this grip allowing a ½ inch space between the ball and the palm of the hand.
Although the four seam curveball may be thrown from three different arm angles, the overhead twelve o'clock to six o'clock curveball is the toughest to hit. It has very little lateral movement but an extremely sharp downward motion.
When throwing the curveball, your delivery is nearly identical to the fastball delivery. With the arm following the same path as the fastball until it passes the ear, at that point the wrist will turn so as to have the palm of the hand facing the side of the head rather than home plate.
Using the bill of the cap as a guide for the height of the release point, and the left pectoral muscle as a guide for the proper angel of the release point, the arm, as it reaches full extension should have the elbow bent slightly as the hand prepares to make the downward pull with the fingers. Snap your wrist toward home plate as you deliver the ball by pulling down on the raised seams with the middle finger, while simultaneously pushing up with your thumb. This will result in the ball being released over the fingers as opposed to under the fingers as with the fastball.
The arm action from the pitching / pivot side of the stride side of the body should continue all the way until the pitching elbow is touching the outside thigh of the stride leg.
THE TWO SEAM CURVEBALL
The grip of the two seam curveball produces an uneven spin on the ball causing a diminished ball rotation count that effects the break and velocity of the pitch. What is gained with this type of spin is a curveball with enhanced speed at the cost of a reduction in break radius.
To accomplish the two-seam curveball grip, place the middle finger across the wide seam of the ball with the index finger next to it.
The thumb is centered under the ball 3-1/2 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/2 inches from the middle finger.
The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
During the delivery of the pitch, more pressure will be applied to the middle finger.
The two-seam curveball is delivered in the same fashion as the four-seam curveball. Relying on the same release and arm angle guides and employing a wrist snap that has the finger pad of the middle finger pulling down towards the long seam of the ball, while the thumb is pushing up on the narrow seam from underneath.
The grip of the two seam curveball produces an uneven spin on the ball causing a diminished ball rotation count that effects the break and velocity of the pitch. What is gained with this type of spin is a curveball with enhanced speed at the cost of a reduction in break radius.
To accomplish the two-seam curveball grip, place the middle finger across the wide seam of the ball with the index finger next to it.
The thumb is centered under the ball 3-1/2 inches from the index finger.
The ring finger is positioned 1-1/2 inches from the middle finger.
The pinky does not come into contact with the ball but rests on the ring finger.
During the delivery of the pitch, more pressure will be applied to the middle finger.
The two-seam curveball is delivered in the same fashion as the four-seam curveball. Relying on the same release and arm angle guides and employing a wrist snap that has the finger pad of the middle finger pulling down towards the long seam of the ball, while the thumb is pushing up on the narrow seam from underneath.