Feet and hips question?

My Dd is a beginning pitcher with no real pitching coaching experience. Other than what dad (me) has read here. Her arm motion is pretty good for a beginner. Problem I'm seeing now is she rocks back turns her foot and strides towards the plate. I've read a lot about keeping the laces pointed to catcher. Her front foot isn't landing consistently inline with catcher. Sometimes to far left or right. If lands straight pitch usually goes straight.

We have worked a lot on arm movements but need some tips for feet, leg, hip work. The drive mechanics sticky is huge now and I'm confused of what I need to do. If someone could give me some suggestions on drills or tips for lower half work I sure appreciate it.

Chad

Dukhunt22 said:

My Dd is a beginning pitcher with no real pitching coaching experience. Other than what dad (me) has read here. Her arm motion is pretty good for a beginner. Problem I'm seeing now is she rocks back turns her foot and strides towards the plate. I've read a lot about keeping the laces pointed to catcher. Her front foot isn't landing consistently inline with catcher. Sometimes to far left or right. If lands straight pitch usually goes straight.

We have worked a lot on arm movements but need some tips for feet, leg, hip work. The drive mechanics sticky is huge now and I'm confused of what I need to do. If someone could give me some suggestions on drills or tips for lower half work I sure appreciate it.

Chad

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There is nothing quite like being able to see a clip of her pitching.

I posted this a while back so hopefully you can see her feet and leg work.

http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ZEKNl5WI280&u=/watch?v=N-KCSRYJqYw&feature=em-upload_owner

She seems to be getting a lot of arm action going before she ever gets into her leg drive. I would calm that down considerably and have the initial focus be on starting with all her weight on her right leg/foot. When her weight is completely on her right foot, she should have her left leg relaxed and have that left heel all the way up such that shes on the end of that left foot big toe, with even some obvious floppiness in that leg/foot. Then, she should take her weight back to her left leg and get on point with her right foot when it is weightless.

She turns her right foot completely sideways when she actually starts her drive forward. She needs to keep that right foot and knee pointed mostly toward the catcher. I believe she should drive out square to the catcher. If she learns to do it explosively, she will automatically open up as she stretches/kicks out.

I do like the way her arm looks from 10:00 through 7:00 coming down the back side. However, at 7:00 she is really leaning forward. Her spine should be closer to perpendicular with the ground when her arm is coming down that back side into release. At least that is my view.

Given she does have a good arm orientation 10:00 through 7:00 down the back side, I think she's got potential. I'd slow things down a bit and really focus on her drive mechanics. That's my non-expert advice (from what I have gleaned from experts). I'm sure if this tread continues, the real experts will chime in.

Personally, I like the walk-in drill for learning some of this stuff.

We use a full length mirror, a pitching mat, and some balled up tube socks to work on form. The mirror provides instant feedback and it can be done indoors and at night!

I would suggest JS's push back drill.

I'd perform it without a ball at first and concentrate on lower body mechanics, that is if leap and drag is the style your aiming for.

Pay close attention to the first two minutes of Coach White's analysis.

Quick comment, ALWAYS have her pitch from a pitching plate and some turnout of the pivot is ok.