PITCHING Mechanics Rise Ball Drop Ball Change Up Curve Speed Control

ACHIEVING CONTROL By: Bill Hudson If you are having control problems, go back to the basic fundamentals as described at the beginning of this handout. A good way to check yourself is to stand in front of a full length mirror and throw a small rolled up sock or some other soft object into the mirror. This will allow you to check the different stages of the pitch. Also, stand with your side to the mirror and watch the pitch from this angle. Here are some trouble items to watch for: · Stride foot landing too far to the left. This causes the right side of your body to fall off to the right instead of driving straight ahead. You also lose balance and body control. · Not dragging the toes of the power leg. This causes the right side of your body to drive forward too fast and causes loss of body control and balance. · Allowing the right shoulder to come forward past your left shoulder. This usually causes a late release of the ball. Result is usually a pitch high and to the left. · Not closing your hip during delivery. This usually causes pitch to be inside to a right hand batter. · "Pulling up" with the right shoulder. Result: Loss of speed (you lose most of your leg drive) and also loss of balance and body control.