No two people are alike and pitching is no different. It is important to keep this in mind when working with pitchers. The pitching delivery is predicated upon a series of movement patterns (mechanics) that are unique to each individual. A pattern is defined as a combination of qualities, acts, tendencies, etc., forming a consistent or characteristic arrangement. Each pitcher has different strengths and weaknesses based on body type, genetics, arm action, flexibility/mobility, etc… The most influential factors in developing mechanics are environment (coaching) and intent. Too often, coaching is the driving force behind intent. The pitcher’s intent becomes to please the coach and build their delivery around what the coach views as pleasing to the eyes. There is a preconcieved notion on how they should look and thus grouping all pitchers into the same mold which obviously doesn’t work. That is when coaching can really get in the way. Always keep in mind that the body will organize itself in a manner that will give us the best chance of accomplishing the movement goal. Together the movement patterns combine to accomplish the body’s goal of throwing the baseball. Synergy is the one word I would use to describe the pitching delivery. An example of synergy would be two umpires working together to get the call right. Alone, they couldn’t do it but together they figure it out.
Just kidding, but of course the idea is the same. The idea is that more is accomplished by the body working together than could ever be accomplished with the body parts working independently. Can you throw the ball faster by standing still or taking a crow hop and throwing? The question becomes what is the goal? Is it to throw harder, more strikes, take stress off the arm, repeat the delivery? Before we can expect to make any changes we must first ask what is the goal and what is the plan to achieve the goal?
Let’s start with the plan of keeping it simple. We must realize that the patterns have been established and even though the change seems very simple to you or I it can be very difficult for the pitcher. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand or patting your head and rubbing your stomach and then changing to rubbing your head and patting your stomach without interruption. How did you do? So, as a coach we have to be careful to not overload the individual and placing him in a position to fail by asking him to perform multiple goals and tasks simultaneously. The goal of the coach is to limit the number of times the player fails through a system of trial and errors.
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Understand the pitcher’s goal or intent with his delivery. Is it to throw strikes, throw it harder, etc… This is the #1 step because intent alone will have the greatest influence on the body’s movement patterns.
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After establishing the intent, focus on individual movement patterns that may be keeping him from reaching his goal and work backwards from there. If the pitcher cannot repeat his release point is it because of the glove, the head, the lower body? Isolate what you think is the problem and create a simple movement goal.
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Establish a “feel” for movement patterns and performing it correctly. Awareness is key. Ask the pitcher constantly, “what do you feel?”.
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Ask the pitcher to step out of his comfort zone and over-exaggerate the movement. Changing movement patterns is not easy and the player has to step away from what feels comfortable.
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Do not ask the pitcher to perform multiple tasks that involve other body parts or movement patterns outside the realm of focus. The goal for the coach/player is to limit the number of failures.
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Most people are visual learners and video plays a major role in the development of mechanics and changes in the delivery. The adjustments will occur at a faster rate if they can bridge the gap between what they see and feel. Eliminate perception and make it reality.
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Allow the pitcher ownership in the development process and hold them accountable. Communication and accountability is vital. Ask them to keep a journal and chart their progress. This can be accomplished through charting and maintaining journals. Ask them what do they feel? What do they see? Once the answers become similar the development process will begin to take shape.
From there, good luck and enjoy the never ending journey into pitching and development.
