Arm Whip

That other thread on arm whip prompted me to post this clip of a pitcher who learned arm whip very easily. HOWEVER, she struggles with a lot of other things. We're still working on her lazy legs. And, I've noticed in my most recent clips of her that she's not getting her shoulders fully open by 12:00. In fact, I'm not sure she gets those shoulders fully open. Strangely her best pitch is a rise-curve. She's struggling most with the accuracy of her fastball/drop-ball. Of course, I'm interested in what the real pitching experts might suggest.

I'd suggest that she's done well with her PC.

There's that darned heavy foot drag that drives me nuts, but I don't bug her much about it. And, I'd like to see that landing foot point just a little more toward the catcher. Further, she lands over the powerline, which I see as a bit of a problem. And, as mentioned above, I believe she need to point that glove above the target to get those shoulders a bit more open going into the back-side of the arm circle.

Hey Doug, what are we looking at... her rise?

The arm part looks pretty whippy, for sure. You ever work on that rear foot opening some... so she's dragging the side of the toe... and then into release, comes up over the big toe? It'd give her a little extra pop...and as it prevents the hip from opening... might be some of the opening issue you mention.

Does she throw a drop too, or is that shoulder lift after release something she has always done?

Would love to see the whole pitch...

javasource said:

Hey Doug, what are we looking at... her rise?

The arm part looks pretty whippy, for sure. You ever work on that rear foot opening some... so she's dragging the side of the toe... and then into release, comes up over the big toe? It'd give her a little extra pop...and as it prevents the hip from opening... might be some of the opening issue you mention.

Does she throw a drop too, or is that shoulder lift after release something she has always done?

Would love to see the whole pitch...

Click to expand...

She's throwing a rise, which is her most consistent pitch right now.

I did work a little on that rear foot, but that's been awhile ago, as I turned my attention to working on a firmer landing.

She's always had a little shoulder lift right after release. I don't like it, but haven't had the time to bug her about that too. I think she needs to let the arm go after release. Seem she's forcing things a bit at and after release.

Thank you for posting the "whip". It looks good and a great visual. Had a practice with DD tonight with focus on whip/elbow/shoulder.
If I was a crier... I would be in tears.

I'll definitely show her this clip before we practice again.

Well, while this pitcher has always been somewhat a natural with the whip, we've had to work hard and continue to work hard one every single other aspect of pitching. There is a very tough road ahead. I just hope I can REALLY work on some things in the off-season before high school ball, as her only chance is likely in pitching.

Man, Doug she looks strong! I love the way she drags the back knee forward. How old is she? What have u done to get her to drag that knee that way? Would love for my DD to do that.

sbcowboy said:

Man, Doug she looks strong! I love the way she drags the back knee forward. How old is she? What have u done to get her to drag that knee that way? Would love for my DD to do that.

Click to expand...

Well, she's actually physically weak. Her strength is in her long and lankiness. Very long arms, legs, and especially fingers. I really think there is a hidden gem in this late-to-the-world-of-pitching. She's 15 and started pitching late summer 2013.

While I do like how she's learned to bring her back knee toward her front leg, I do NOT like how heavy she's dragging the back foot, even on top of that back foot (a no-no to me). I believe Javasource's advice in this regard is very sound advice--get her to open that drag foot just a bit as she goes into her leap.

You don't see here in this clip, but her arm circle goes a bit to the left over her head. Boardmember always mentions the arm should not get over the head, but over the side of the head (throwing arm side). At least that's what I remember he's said. He'll have to clarify if I'm off.

Her most consistent pitch is her riseball pitch. She's not throwing super hard yet, but I think one of these days it's all going to come together and she'll be a real flamer. I hope, anyway.

Keep in mind, I consider myself an on-site assistant pitching coach for the real experts here--Javasource, Boardmember, Rick Pauly, Bill Hillhouse, et. al. I hope to continue to develop this pitcher much further with the help of these titans. Too bad they don't live around the corner. But it's almost like they do give today's technology.

There have been many late starters in pitching that I have read about. Didn't Michelle Smith start in high school?
Did u do any specific drills that help her drag that knee forward? As far as the foot dragging hard, could it b that she is not standing tall when she releases the ball? Maybe leaning to far back and not enough front side resistance on the front leg? Just my thoughts. I am sure Java will have more input. Can u post a longer clip?

Looks like u have made great progress w/ her! Keep it up!

I am like u and try to absorb all I can for these gurus!

I am just glad that they r not afraid to share their knowledge!

Thank you guys!!!!!