How to Fix Pitcher Leaning Back

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Jan 4, 2015
27
0
Tacoma, wa
My 14 year old dd tends to lean back/to the side when pitching. Does anyone have good drills or tips to help? I know she likely has other issues too, we've just been trying to fix this forever. I'll take any other tips too. It's just a warm up pitch in a game through the chain link. She doesn't like me to video her practicing so I take what I can get. [video]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MmMFCQ64EEM[/video]
 
Aug 1, 2014
73
6
Call me crazy but I wouldn't fix that at all. Correct me if I'm wrong but at the end of the pitch, the pitchers weight should be slightly toward second. This indicates a good transfer of weight and left side resistance. As long as she can get into a fielding position after release I wouldn't change it. Good looking pitcher there imo.
 

JJsqueeze

Dad, Husband....legend
Jul 5, 2013
5,436
38
safe in an undisclosed location
Wafastpitch- aside from the aesthetic, what is it about the lean that you think is an issue? I ask because if I saw her on the dirt I would not think "man that is an unnatural lean" and I have seen quite a few girls throw with what is clearly an unnatural forced lean back that robs speed. I would just think it is slightly excessive. Is it preventing her from developing a pitch or do you think it is preventing her from throwing harder?
 
Apr 5, 2009
748
28
NE Kansas
I have a 16 y.o with a similar lean and I have come to the conclusion that the lean back without the final crunching forward of her shoulder was only allowing her to throw up to her backside and not thru her backside. It looks powerful but that lean back might contribute to the upper arm not coming completely in tight to the body and allowing full IR of the arm to throw across the body but rather something closer to 3/4s of it. Search for bow/flex/bow thoughts and and body stabilization by Rick Pauly. We've since concentrated on a more upright position at full plant and are getting much better whip and spin. Along with a little more speed.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
Personally, I think she tries to open too soon. I believe she should keep the feet and hips pointed to (square to) the target longer. When she kicks out, she will automatically pop open. I actually think this would help her with the lean to the side you are concerned about.

There is a lot to like here. I like her firm landing. I like her arm-whip, particularly her arm orientation at 7:30 (behind her just prior to release). Further, she's getting a decent (Pauly) "bow-flex-bow." Don't try to adjust too much.
 
Last edited:
Jan 4, 2015
27
0
Tacoma, wa
Thanks all!

Lsjames, I was concerned about the lean costing her speed. She's 5'5 so she has to work to manufacture as much speed as she can. If it's not taking from her speed then I won't worry about it.

The swimming she does more sometimes than others. Her consistency has improved so much that I haven't mentioned it in a while. If she drives out straighter that should help with the swimming too. I will give her the feedback and let her try some things. She's got decent speed when warm (52-54) and tons of spin, she's just had coaches in the past try to work out that lean. Then again, she's had some try to break her of the whip too. Fortunately they were unsuccessful ;)
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
I'm "leaning" towards favoring Doug's evaluation. Can you post a video from the side and behind?
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Check out this clip about Katie Sutherland-Finch:



This kid generates speed and spin by hard work and being a student of her craft. Size is a only one factor--drive, focus and love of the game can get lead you to greatness.
 
Jan 4, 2015
27
0
Tacoma, wa
Thanks Ken! I'll check that out. I will have to get some video of her from different angles. I have some older footage, but I need some current.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,477
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top