Hillhouse Pitching 101

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Jul 12, 2008
159
0
Tuscola, IL
Just wanted to say that I just got done watching the new video from Bill Hillhouse. The knowledge and simplicity of it is outstanding. I just wish he would have done some demonstration in the video. That was one of the things I was really hoping to get with this video. There are so few high quality videos of him pitching and this would have made the video much better than it already is. His knowledge of the pitching motion is precise and too the point, but to actually show it in action would have put this video over the top. Kind of disappointed, but it is still very good.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
I have Hillhouse's previous 4 DVDs and he never really has anyone (himself or otherwise) pitching at full speed and analyzed which I would think would be very helpful for pitchers and pitching coaches (dad's/mom's) to see real pitches to reinforce mechanics, spins, and movement. Heck, even BM has video of himself pitching in a parking lot as a free sticky at DFP. :D But maybe I am bitter because he doesn't come to SoCal to give lessons very often...
 
Jan 17, 2013
414
18
Texas
Bwalk63, dang you got me bummed out now. Still waiting for my copy to get here. I too was hoping for more demonstration and slow motion analysis.
 
Jun 13, 2009
304
0
I can tell you guys that in talking with Bill, he is going to try doing live pitching on his next video. He says it's hard because getting his videographer to have time to film him is more difficult than expected. Most of the video shoots are on a week day, during the day time when "catchers' would be in school. So, finding someone isn't easy. I absolutely think he could make a bigger effort but, personally I don't worry about it much because I get to see him throw live BP to hitters during weekly lessons, teaching them how to adjust swings to breaking pitches, where pitchers will likely pitch them, how to start picking the pitcher, etc.

The thing I liked about this video was the comparisons he did with other "styles": why he does what he does and WHY. It really gives ammo to the nay-sayers who try to argue points that I never had answers to. Example, the figure 4 finish. Argument: Michele Smith teaches it so if it was good enough for her, why not good enough for my kid? Answer, doesn't it make more sense to keep ALL the body parts going forward instead of deviating them sideways? Doesn't the figure for reduce the power of the hips instead of increasing it? These are things I took away that help me explain why my DD does what she does when people ask. I am biased, I get it. But I think this video is necessary in everyone's library. Well done, well edited, easy to follow. I can't wait for the others to come.

Bill did a great job.

CG
 
Jun 18, 2010
2,624
38
I can tell you guys that in talking with Bill, he is going to try doing live pitching on his next video. He says it's hard because getting his videographer to have time to film him is more difficult than expected. Most of the video shoots are on a week day, during the day time when "catchers' would be in school. So, finding someone isn't easy. I absolutely think he could make a bigger effort but, personally I don't worry about it much because I get to see him throw live BP to hitters during weekly lessons, teaching them how to adjust swings to breaking pitches, where pitchers will likely pitch them, how to start picking the pitcher, etc.

The thing I liked about this video was the comparisons he did with other "styles": why he does what he does and WHY. It really gives ammo to the nay-sayers who try to argue points that I never had answers to. Example, the figure 4 finish. Argument: Michele Smith teaches it so if it was good enough for her, why not good enough for my kid? Answer, doesn't it make more sense to keep ALL the body parts going forward instead of deviating them sideways? Doesn't the figure for reduce the power of the hips instead of increasing it? These are things I took away that help me explain why my DD does what she does when people ask. I am biased, I get it. But I think this video is necessary in everyone's library. Well done, well edited, easy to follow. I can't wait for the others to come.

Bill did a great job.

CG

Tell Bill I'll video, edit, and find a catcher. I'll even try to arrange a reunion with Doug M. his old teammate.
 
Mar 12, 2009
556
0
Yes...he needs to make a video of him pitching various pitches with at least two different grips for each if possible. The one thing I think is tough is he says to just release the ball earlier for a dropball instead of shortening the stride but in my personal opinion I think it's harder to find a different release point rather than shortening up the stride just a little. Just my two cents on that certain pitch but I would love to see him demonstrating his pitches with full effort. I would definitely purchase that video.
 
Jan 4, 2012
3,852
38
OH-IO
Yes...he needs to make a video of him pitching various pitches with at least two different grips for each if possible. The one thing I think is tough is he says to just release the ball earlier for a dropball instead of shortening the stride but in my personal opinion I think it's harder to find a different release point rather than shortening up the stride just a little. Just my two cents on that certain pitch but I would love to see him demonstrating his pitches with full effort. I would definitely purchase that video.

I don't think so... my DD isn't his body type.... she is symmetrical. :cool:
 

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