Part I: How to properly pitch
Researchers at Kerlan Jobe Clinic in California studied the throwing mechanics of youth baseball pitchers between the ages of nine and eighteen. They were able to identify several characteristics of a proper throwing motion that decrease the likelihood of a pitcher suffering a shoulder or elbow injury. In addition to increasing safety these characteristics also increase the efficiency of the throwing motion, which should lead to better performance. Youth baseball coaches might incorporate this information in their teaching. Pictures are included at the end of the text, If you would like more information on this topic please message me.
1. Lead with the hips: During the early cocking phase of throwing, the pelvis should be leading towards home plate (a) instead the pitcher being upright (b). If the hip is leading towards the plate it sets the pitcher up to drive off with the back leg. This helps to generate power with the legs instead of just throwing with the arm.
2. Elevate the elbow: The elbow should reach its maximum height or elevation by the time the foot strikes the ground. (a) Throwing from a lower elbow position puts more strain on the elbow. (b)
3. The Hand on Top position: When the arm is cocked the hand should be on top of the ball (a), instead of under it (b) By having the hand on top it encourages elbow elevation, when the hand is underneath the elbow may drop down. Some coaches refer to the hand underneath position as a “pie throwing” position and teach pitchers to avoid that posture. Sometimes it can be difficult to teach young kids to throw form a hand on top position if their hands are too small to hold the ball from on top.
4. Front Shoulder Closed. When the foot strikes the ground the front shoulder should be closed and pointing towards home. This allows the pitcher to generate force by uncoiling the body. If the shoulder is open the pitcher has to throw with just the shoulder and elbow which puts more strain on them
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