[video=youtube_share;cjhNj50w4yk]http://youtu.be/cjhNj50w4yk[/video]
I am no expert but my thinking is if you start this low a pitcher will not be afraid of falling.
Might this be a benefit of an initial forward bend?
It can make the sense of falling that comes from getting your hips in front of your toes less scary.