The Lean

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shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket
In looking at various videos and gifs, I've noticed most pitchers have a slight lean to the throwing arm side. For those who teach, how important is the lean? Is it something that you look for, teach, make sure they are doing?
 

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Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
The thing I look for regarding this lean is it usually happens in younger pitchers who don't firm up well enough... this is where I'd use my "crack a nut" que. We need the legs and core to stabilize like a piece of steel. When they fail to do this the bodies inertia will pull them over to the ball side. Most high level pitchers are at that level because of freakish athletic ability and not always because of really good mechanics. Its this athletic ability that overcomes less desirable mechanics....Florida's Barnhill is a prime example. She has amazing rise spin despite less than stellar mechanics. I think if Sara weren't so tall, strong, and athletic her mechanics would look much different.
Take a shorter, less athletic example... Amanda Scarborough. She was forced to have stellar mechanics to compete at an All American level, and still never came close to being compared to Sara.
 

shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket
The thing I look for regarding this lean is it usually happens in younger pitchers who don't firm up well enough... this is where I'd use my "crack a nut" que. We need the legs and core to stabilize like a piece of steel. When they fail to do this the bodies inertia will pull them over to the ball side. Most high level pitchers are at that level because of freakish athletic ability and not always because of really good mechanics. Its this athletic ability that overcomes less desirable mechanics....Florida's Barnhill is a prime example. She has amazing rise spin despite less than stellar mechanics. I think if Sara weren't so tall, strong, and athletic her mechanics would look much different.
Take a shorter, less athletic example... Amanda Scarborough. She was forced to have stellar mechanics to compete at an All American level, and still never came close to being compared to Sara.
Let me clarify, a tilt to the throwing arm side. Do you view this as a positive?
 

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Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
A slight tilt is neither negative or positive....However, if she tilts enough to have to set her drag/ pivot foot down to prevent falling over... is a clear example of poor core/ hip resistance
 
Last edited:
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Lean can be pitch dependent, but the key for me is pitching into the plant foot and not bleeding energy or control. A big lean that results in a big side step or side hop to stay on your feet is too much.

Camera angle can also play in:
SideLean.JPG

In practice, I ask kids to strive for holding the release pose, but don't mind a delayed step to the throwing arm side.
 
Last edited:
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
I think this is one of those you know it when you see it things as to whether or not the lean is impacting their balance and resistance. IF they are still balanced and the front side resistance is good I don't see this having a big impact either way...also my guess would be the pitch being throw impacts this some as well especially riseballs and curve balls
 
Lean can be pitch dependent, but the key for me is pitching into the plant foot and not bleeding energy or control. A big lean that results in a big side step or side hop to stay on your feet is too much.

Camera angle can also play in:
View attachment 12623

In practice, I ask kids to strive for holding the release pose, but don't mind a delayed step to the throwing arm side.

Great pics Ken.
A lean is not a "teach" IMO. As suggested, it may be pitch dependent. Sort of a guess here but the more vertical pitches are dropballs and the pitches with lean are riseballs. The most important key to note is how connected and aligned the upper/lower torso are. A lean because of a bending at the waist (disconnection) is not good. The centrifugal force of the ball arm spinning around its circle tends to pull the body into a lean.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
A lean is not a "teach" IMO.

Thanks Rick. Slightly different topic: I’m finding that the thought/cue of getting a little more behind or over the plant (with the chin and/or rear shoulder) can have an affect on initial trajectory. I think I got that for you, John or Mike. Does this sound like something you would suggest?

Thanks,
Ken
 
Last edited:
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
Let me clarify, a tilt to the throwing arm side. Do you view this as a positive?

Well, for me..... Given the positioning of the feet, and the action with the arm on that side.... I think a slight tilt is natural. I'd say it's more of a result of making sure they aren't hinging at the waist forward or too far back, or hinging inward.

While I believe a tilt is natural. Any disconnection at the waist or the shoulders being a different angle than the hips.... then there is something to fix.

Notice in all those pictures of pitchers you posted....notice how connected they are throughout their entire body, particularly hips, torso, shoulders.

P.S. Looks like Pauly already mentioned the connection stuff.
 

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