Basic Pitching Information

Basic Pitching Information

Following is some basic pitching information.  Be sure to compare it to your league or association guidelines and change what is different to reflect your association rules.

Basic Pitching Information

Legal positioning

Receive the ball in the pitching circle

Step on the mound

  • come to a complete stop
  • shoulders in line with 1st and third base (facing the catcher)
  • ball held in both hands in front of the body
  • both feet in contact with the pitching rubber

Receive the signal from the catcher

  • you must look towards the catcher

Assume Pitching position

  • both feet touching the rubber
  • shoulders in line with first and third base (facing the catcher)
  • ball held in both hands in front of the body
  • both feet in contact with the pitching rubber
  • Hold the pitching position for 1-10 seconds
  • Deliver the pitch – directly from the pitching position

Basic Grip

  • firm but comfortable
  • hold the ball in the fingers as opposed to the hand or palm
  • position the fingers across the seams evenly
  • use the 2, 3, or 4 finger grip depending on the size of the hand
  • use the fewest fingers that will give you adequate control

Pitching Technique

The stride

  • step straight toward the catcher
  • point the toe at the catcher
  • length is like an exaggerated walking step

Arm circle

  • keep the arm fairly straight but relaxed
  • make the largest circle possible (windmill)
  • keep the arm close to the head at the top of the circle
  • arm should travel straight up in front and straight down with force at the back

Arm/Hip Coordination

  • thrust the hip forward as the pitching hand reaches the bottom of the circle
  • the arm and hip should make contact at the point of release
  • the weight transfers to the back foot at instant of release
  • drag the back foot hard after the release

Follow Through

  • relax the body and let the pitching hand continue to shoulder height
  • your arm and body should come to a natural stop

Release Technique

  • the ball should be spinning toward the catcher
  • the wrist must be facing forward toward the catcher, be careful not to turn the wrist in or out
  • the ball is released off the ends of the fingers, the thumb points toward the catcher and the wrist is directly behind the ball
Post Views: 303