How fast should the wind-up/delivery be?

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Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
This might be an awfully dumb question, but I never see it talked about (perhaps that means it doesn't matter).

At what point does the pitcher need to accelerate during the delivery? Should the entire thing from first movement be fast, or is it OK to go slow up until a certain point before exploding forward?

A pitcher I'm working with is slow up until she reaches the peak of her backswing, then she goes forward quickly. We have a lot to work on, but would speeding up the initial phase of the delivery help? Is it absolutely necessary? Or does the quickness not really matter until she starts to go forward?
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
JD,

Approximately 12:00 in the Power K. At or around that point, the plant foot has landed and the ball has begun to be pulled down the backside. This is where the tremendous core torque energy storage begins. That kinetic energy is transferred simultaneously from the extremeties into the core, unwinding explosively at the release point which is very nicely positioned right there, tight into that core powerplant.

Most pitchers would probably tell you that they can achieve a large percentage of their speed by simply pitching out of the slingshot.

In my opinion, there's negligible speed gain in the upper body frontside, which includes arm circle velocity and/or backswing on that side. The backswing is a personal style of pitching, and not a prerequisite for the pitching motion. In fact, I would present the opinion that it may introduce more detriment, than benefit. Maybe consider for yourself whether your actually pushing, or pulling the ball up the frontside into your Power K. It may be utilized by some coaches to provide some drive momentum/balance (especially a double backswing). In other instances, maybe it's just a cookie cutter coaching style.

You may chose to work the large muscle groups in the lower body for drive into the Power K. A strong, resistant plant can help enhance the downswing pull and subsequent core torque build-up which will be released at "brush" with release.

Chris
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Would not necessarily use DD as example but she does what Chris posted.

She is pretty slow until she pulls down.

Pitchers I can recall that are fast all the time seem to slow down on down swing.

Stamina comes into play too, conserve your energy until it is needed.
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
NV,

What's you're opinion on that speed increase?

Further, I could point to the fastest pitchers in the world and could conclude that their velocity has something to do using a backswing. But, having a backswing and being among the fastest doesn't necessarily mean it's due to having a backswing.
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
Majority of college pitchers do not have a backswing anymore.

They twist and turn but no backswing.

Might be wrong.

quinc,

There's tons who still do employ the one-armed, locked elbow motion. However, I think you're right that the ranks are beginning to see more of the motion which you describe. There's a reason for that, even if some of those twisting motions appear to be a bit exaggerated. ;)
 

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