It is critical to throw with proper pitching mechanics if you want to throw at any high level in Baseball. Not only will you minimize your chances of an arm injury if you throw the ball correctly, you will be able to throw harder and have better control of every pitch you have in your arsenal.

One thing you need to understand is that pitching mechanics are not the same for everyone. There are those pitchers who throw sidearm, three-quarter arm slot and others who throw at a ninety degree angle. One thing coaches need to consider when teaching young athletes appropriate mechanics is to ensure they never mess with the arm slot of a pitcher. Many coaches out there will look at a great pitcher like Nolan Ryan and try to mold each pitcher like him. That is a mistake, although there are great pitching mechanic lessons to learn from the master himself, Nolan Ryan, not everyone will have the same arm slot Nolan does, nor the tree trunk legs.

A lot of parents and coaches ask me how proper technique will help their athletes throw the ball faster. This is a very valid question and one that requires some explaining. The majority of power comes from the arm in most little league pitchers, this not only puts undue stress on the arm, it lowers the velocity of each pitch they throw. It makes perfect since for every pitcher to throw with their entire body, not just their arm. It would make sense then, that if a pitcher did use their entire body in unison to the pitch that they would generate more velocity on the ball. It is not uncommon for a pitcher to gain at least five miles an hour once they understand and put to practice common pitching technique.

To maximize your ability to throw harder and throw more strikes; you should use your body in a way that allows you to transfer energy appropriately toward your target. Pitchers get into trouble with their control, velocity and are prone to arm injury; if they throw with poor technique. Pitchers should have great pitching mechanics along with good functional strength and flexibility. Appropriate nutrition and good genetics are also required if a pitcher wants to compete at a higher level.

To conclude, throwing the ball the right way, with correct pitching technique is important for your success on the mound. If you are a pitcher who wants to go to the next level, you need to be an avid student of the game and learn more about pitching technique and proper delivery of the baseball.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 8:21 am and is filed under Baseball. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.