Thread: Does pitching style matter????

Originally Posted by Slapper23

Hello Ken,

I think this may be a matter of interpretation. When Bill says his hips do not close until after release, I would agree IF we are talking about fully closed and facing the batter. But Bill hips, as well as Ueno and Cat's, all lead the way as the pitching hand comes toward release. The difference is the hips lead but only close to around 45 degrees, as you pointed out previsously.

I would fully agree with Mark's opinion on this...


Interesting topic.

Mike

Yes, good explanation.

It's not about degree of closure. It's about momentum/energy transfer. Watch even the clip of Finch and see the hip snap where that segment transfers momentum to the next segment. That's when it happens. It's not about what happens in terms of closure after that.

After reading Hal's post I would agree hip position is somewhat pitch type dependent but the momentum/energy transfer will still be there in an elite pitcher. Momentum is not visible but the kinetic chain will always be there.

"Watch slow motion video. In most pitchers you will see a smooth motion of the hips, not a "popping" or acceleration. They do what they do to help the body maintain balance in the face of incredible force developed by the legs, and by the shoulders and arm as it throws. They move as the back leg drives into the front leg. But I just don't see them generating power or adding to the pitch. And believe me, I've tried."

Hi Ken.

If you are talking about a lep and drag pitcher, that back leg really isnt driven into the front leg. It is, for the most part, as the style suggests; it is dragged forward by the body's momentum. It has already done it's part to contribute to the forward momentum as it pushed off. I don't see where it can possibly contribute to any more speed after that point.

It certainly cannot contribute anything to the pitch once the ball has been released. Once the hand opens up and releases the ball, the pitch is over and the delivery is in progress.

HOWEVER, that pivot foot still plays a very vital role in maintaining balance during the pitch AND right afterwards. If done correctly, when the pivot foot comes forward (is dragged forward) there should only be enough pressure on the big toe to keep it in contact with the ground. It should not dig in like a plow. It is the rudder of the ship, not the anchor. It's role is huge in maintaining a straight course towards the target.

Too much weight on the pivot foot as it drags;

1. Slows down momentum and speed, like that anchor.
2. Causes the drive hip to stay open more than desired, then you are having to pull the leg forward hard. Messes up mechanics.
3. Can actually injure the ankle and/or knee and even hip. (Saw a groin muscle pulled because of that.)

To be honest here, I always wanted to assume a defensive position where my left foot stayed in front of my right, and my shoulders still turned slightly to the side. I NEVER wanted to end up standing straight on to the batter, no way! If I was still slightly sideways, I could lean backwards alot quicker than I could lean/bend my body sideways at my hips.

AW heck, I'm startin ta ramble on again.

Hi Ken/Hal,

IMO, it is nearly impossible to take the function and importance of the body core out of any athletic movement. The legs and hips/core must pass momentum up the chain.

Mike

Hi Ken,

Sure hip rotation occurs on a horizontal plane and arm rotation in the vertical plane. And I'm not talking about a "popping" of the hips. Call it a smooth transfer, if you will, but momentum from the big muscles must be passed to the upper torso or all you have left is an arm thrower.

I just watched Jenny Finch, Cat Osterman, Monica Abbott, as well as the NPF pitchers in person yesterday at Normal, IL. All of them have different degrees of hip closure based upon the pitch they are throwing. But, they all show the hips turn - minor or major - prior to the arm coming around. These girls are developing a great deal of momentum starting with the push from the rubber, the blocking and capturing of this momentum at stride foot plant, and the transfer of this momentum up the chain. You have the ferris wheel momentum created by the arm circle and the merry-go-round momentum created by the hip turn/transfer. When the timing is right and they connect, you have tremendous pitching speed as a result. My take, anyway.

Mike

IMO they all close, it just occurs at different times with different pitchers, and thats OK, some pitchers may be effective closing after the release, some close at the release, and some close and are effective after release...they all don't have to do it the same way...