The Non-Negotiables
Form First
A pitcher with POOR FORM and 6 pitches is both INEFFECTIVE AND INJURY PRONE.
The focus should be on acquiring SAFE and EFFICIENT FORM.
NON NEGOTIABLES OF PITCHING
- Drive toe straight (no pre turning).
- Knee over toe and chin over knee.
- Drive off of the pitching rubber with a sprinter’s 90 degree angled push.
- Left knee reaches hip level as the ball and glove reach chest height (shoulders and hips are still facing the catcher).
- Forward K is quickly converted with a reach and punch.
- Arm is loose and the elbow is leading the ball.
- Palm is up and arm is bent on the back side of the circle until release.
- Elbow reaches the core first and the forearm accelerates into extension (whip).
- Front leg pushes against the ground and gives firm front side resistance.
- Back foot quickly closes the gap and joins the front font (no light).
- During the whole process, shoulders are stacked over hips.
- Finish with pretty posture.
When the foundation is solid, that’s when the real fun begins—adding spin and movement. Mechanics are always evolving, but a strong base allows pitchers to confidently build on their skills and take their game to the next level.
However, when adding pitches:
- Add 1 pitch at a time.
- Go back and sharpen the form on your earlier pitches—new pitches can shake old habits, and this is your chance to tighten them up.
- Maintain the same pitching form for every pitch — the only difference comes from how each spin is created.
- Master true spin first—on the right axis—then work on cranking up that spin rate.
Prioritize quality over variety: it’s better to command a few pitches with excellence than many with inconsistency.