False Step

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May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Yes it's a gym step.

It could be a feature and not a bug. Most high level pitchers have some sort of "gym step".

Depending on the severity it could be no big deal. One IP is not an issue. The walks may or may not be related. The increased velocity may take away some of the accuracy. Hard to say without video.

Just my thoughts.
 
Jan 28, 2017
1,663
83
It could be a feature and not a bug. Most high level pitchers have some sort of "gym step".

Depending on the severity it could be no big deal. One IP is not an issue. The walks may or may not be related. The increased velocity may take away some of the accuracy. Hard to say without video.

Just my thoughts.

Hasn't gain any speed. I don't think it's a big deal unless it keeps getting worse. Daddy brag but nobody is hitting her so everyone is looking for something. Going to a few tournaments later in the fall that she will not be the best. No video with her taking a gym step since it started last week. Doesn't do it if thinking about it.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Gym steps are usually an indicator of a good weight transfer... Just have her focus a bit on her right foot big toe staying pressed into the ground as she's getting up on the ball of her foot (pre-launch) this awareness should solve the problem quickly
 
Jan 28, 2017
1,663
83
Gym steps are usually an indicator of a good weight transfer... Just have her focus a bit on her right foot big toe staying pressed into the ground as she's getting up on the ball of her foot (pre-launch) this awareness should solve the problem quickly

Where should her right hip be at when her toe is in the ground. I think it is behind her. I had some minor surgery and missed her last pitching lesson. She told me that her pitching coach changed her hands a little but it's a very minor detail. Either that or she has grown a little again has thrown her off or being 12.
 
Apr 28, 2014
2,316
113
DD had it for 8 months.. developed during winter from pitching inside. Only remedy is to make them aware and for them to dig a hole and focus on big toe trying to push into dirt. That worked for DD after getting called for a few IPs
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
#1 fix? Walk by the ump tent and tell them there's a kid pitching in the next game who gym steps, that you're the parent and you'd like them to ring her up. Works every time!

Awareness is another key fixer. Show her video to give her a visual, then ask her to tell you good/bad on various pitches.

Another idea is to have her start with her drive heel just barely over the front of the plate and drag back into the front edge of the rubber (see two step from javasource.)
 
Last edited:
Jan 28, 2017
1,663
83
#1 fix? Walk by the ump tent and tell them there's a kid pitching in the next game who gym steps, that you're the parent and you'd like them to ring her up. Works every time!

Awareness is another key fixer. Show her video and ask her to tell you good/bad on various pitches.

Another idea is to have her start with her drive heel just barely over the plate and have her drag back into the front edge of the rubber (see two step from javasource.)

Tried the drive back deal pitching but looked horrible. Took some video without a ball and she sees it now. She does not swing back, brings the ball in her glove over her head and down and throws. Telling her to bring her hips forward as she is coming down looked good. Working without a ball. Hard to see catching her.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Where should her right hip be at when her toe is in the ground. I think it is behind her. I had some minor surgery and missed her last pitching lesson. She told me that her pitching coach changed her hands a little but it's a very minor detail. Either that or she has grown a little again has thrown her off or being 12.

Keep the toes down throughout the load, weight shift, and launch. Pre-launch is when the hips are still back.
Java has called this move a pawing action... looks like a cat digging in the litter box. This occurs as the weight is shifting into the left side
 
Jan 28, 2017
1,663
83
Worked two days without a ball and just form. Then had her throw without batters and told her to bring her hips forward more and get her big toe in the ground. Last thing we had her drag a piece of clothe with her toe. This seemed to really help her. Pitched the next day in practice to batters and no problems. Hope it stays that way. TY!
 

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