Complete Pitching Mechanics Breakdown: Every Step Explained

Coach Dan Blewett introduces the video by explaining that it will cover pitching mechanics for youth and amateur baseball players, aiming to present the information in a simple and accessible manner. He emphasizes the chapter format of the video, allowing viewers to easily navigate through different sections on topics like the back leg, leg kick, and shoulder-hip separation. The coach clarifies that he won't provide absolute rules, as pitching mechanics can vary among players, and encourages viewers to keep an open mind and not to argue based on absolutes. He also mentions that he has separate videos for the pitching wind-up and stretch, which are available for further reference.

The discussion focuses on the importance of the leg kick in pitching, highlighting that while it can increase power and help lead with the hip, the height of the leg kick is negotiable as long as it doesn't compromise stability or cause extra motion. Coach Blewett advises against excessively high kicks that may lead to loss of balance and difficulty in correcting the motion. He also addresses the common advice of pointing the toe down when kicking, noting that most successful pitchers land on their heel or flat foot. He encourages viewers to observe professional pitchers and understand that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to the leg kick.

This section delves into the role of the hip in pitching, explaining that as the leg descends, the hip should lead and push down the mound to maintain balance. The concept of the 'balance point' is discussed, with the coach clarifying that while some pitchers pause at this point, it doesn't have to be a static position. He emphasizes that the body should stay in motion, with the hip moving down towards the plate and creating 'uphill shoulders' to counteract the mound's downward angle. This helps prevent common issues like getting around the ball and dropping the arm slot.

The coach discusses the function of the hands in the pitching delivery, explaining that they act as a timing mechanism, rising and falling in sync with the leg kick. He advises against keeping the hands stationary, as it can lead to a robotic feeling and poor timing. The hands should start around the chest level and move down the mound together with the leg, ensuring that the timing is consistent. The coach also addresses the placement of the hands at the start, noting that while there's flexibility, the hands ultimately need to get to the center when it's time to release the ball.

The paragraph covers the actions of the glove arm and pitching arm during the separation phase of the pitch. The coach explains that the hands should separate on the way down, and cautions against separating them too early, which can disrupt the rhythm and timing of the delivery. He describes the ideal positioning of the chest, glove arm, and pitching arm upon landing, with the chest pointed back, the glove arm at a comfortable height, and the pitching arm at a 90-degree angle or slightly less. The coach also discusses the importance of the ball's position and the arm's angle upon landing, emphasizing the need to avoid an obtuse angle that could stress the elbow and slow down the pitch.

In the concluding section, the coach talks about the follow-through in pitching, focusing on the back leg's role in dissipating force. He explains that the back leg should rotate and then straighten, creating a semicircle motion as the energy from the pitch is released. The coach also discusses the glove arm's position, which should be compact and close to the body, with a vertical upper arm extending the line from the shoulder. He emphasizes the importance of a smooth arm slot and the need for the arm to bend towards the end of the follow-through to help dissipate the force and reduce stress on the shoulder and labrum. The coach acknowledges that no pitcher has perfect mechanics and encourages continuous improvement, ending the video by inviting viewers to explore additional resources for further learning.