pitching mechanics

[AdamInNY]

Opinions needed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy5rea7Q43o

I know he shouldn't finish with his head down like that. It's a result of me telling him to make sure his right leg comes over.

Basically been concentrating on balance when his leg comes up. Making sure the foot is relaxed and toe pointing down. Also more recently pulling his glove hand down, and not letting it swing out so it pulls his arm across his body.

Obviously this is without a ball in his hand, which changes everything.

Adam

[bbrages]

What's the age? 8 or 9? Looks excellent for that age, IMO.

[AdamInNY]

He's baseball 9. Thanks.

[songtitle]

Basically been concentrating on balance when his leg comes up.

Balance is a myth. You should be trying to propel your hip toward homeplate.

[LAball]

Balance is a myth. You should be trying to propel your hip toward homeplate.

I respectfully , vehemently disagree.

[Coach of Twins]

Balance is exactly what you should be working on with a 9 year old. Body control is essential before you can worry about propelling anything anywhere. You have to excuse some of the regulars here, they seem to always think they are dealing with their "pro" clients when they come in here spouting their opinions as fact.

[CandlestickBum]

Balance is exactly what you should be working on with a 9 year old. Body control is essential before you can worry about propelling anything anywhere. You have to excuse some of the regulars here, they seem to always think they are dealing with their "pro" clients when they come in here spouting their opinions as fact.

Boy howdy.

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[songtitle]

Sigh. I have no clients. I taught my 5 kids how to play ball. My youngest is in HS now.

If you want to waste time teaching balance, then great. But it has nothing to do with pitching, and it will rob your velocity.

Anyone can teach a 9 yo the NPA Hershiser Drill

[bbrages]

So what do you guys think about the pitcher in the original post?

[songtitle]

So what do you guys think about the pitcher in the original post?

ummm... quit balancing?

[tradosaurus]

I respectfully , vehemently disagree.

I second that motion! Balance is a must!

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[The Uncoach]

There are multiple uses of the word "balance." I would be very careful.

[AdamInNY]

There are multiple uses of the word "balance." I would be very careful.

You're right, I shouldn't have used that word. What I really meant by it was simply being able to go through the pitching motion without wobbling all over the place .

[tradosaurus]

Balance:
1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
2. something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.
4. a state of bodily equilibrium: He lost his balance and fell down the stairs.

I don't know what multiple uses would be for this word.

[bbrages]

ummm... quit balancing?

I'm in the camp that finds "balance" to be a problematic objective... but do you think this kid is too "balanced"?

I have seen kids that seem to lack a sense for a smooth flow of back-and-forward weight shift... they just start by picking up a leg and then try to "balance" in that flamingo/karate kid pose for a second before throwing. It's kind of a disaster. But I don't see that problem here.

I like the gliding, not stomping, stride foot, the timing of the hips and shoulders opening. If this was my kid, I would work on the mental side of pitching and I would try to keep these mechanics consistent. I would not try to change anything mechanically.