Following each of these steps will insure proper mechanics so you can pitch more often and avoid injury. These steps are the groundwork for a young pitcher as she grows, gets stronger and learns different types of pitches.
Step 1: 9 o'clock position
Make sure you have a good grip on the ball. Ideally, there should be a little space between the palm of your pitching hand and the ball. Don’t grip the ball too tight. Your glove is pointed toward the catcher, and you should have good balance.
Step 2: 12 o'clock (Super K) position
If you are right-handed, your weight is on your right leg (which is your drive leg) as you are pushing off the pitching rubber with your right foot. Your hips are open, facing third base because you’ve pivoted on your right foot (you want your hips to be open so that your arm has a path to proceed with the circular motion of the pitch). Your thumb on the ball is pointing back, your fingers are up and your wrist is in a cocked position.
Step 3: 3 o'clock position
Again, if you are right-handed, your stride foot (left foot) lands on the toe when you stride. Your arm is accelerating, while your thumb is pointing down. Your wrist is still cocked and your right leg is bent because you’re pushing off the mound. Your glove is pointing toward the catcher so that you stay balanced.
Step 4: 6 o'clock (release) position
Here, your weight is shifting from your left leg on the release of the ball at the hip while the right foot is dragging off the pitching rubber. Remain upright; don’t bend at the waist. Your wrist-snap and release point should be close to your body.
Step 5: Follow through
When following through, keep your pitching arm loose and relaxed. Make sure you follow through completely; don't“flick”your arm after you release the ball. After the release, your right leg is stepping through so that your hips are back to a square position facing home plate. This puts you in proper fielding position for any ball that is hit in front of you, or just to the left or right of you.
Demonstrating each step is Lauren Clouston of Lisle, who plays for the Sox Training Academy’s U16 travel team.
Marianne Connell, pitching instructor at the Bulls-Sox Training Academy in Lisle provides the proper steps. Connell is a Glenbard East and North Central College graduate, and is the pitching coach at College of DuPage.
Staff photos by Ron Koopmann
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