He says what I have tried to say, in the past.
Problems Associated With Crow-Hop
March 28, 2013 by Denny Leave a Comment
The Crow-Hop Really Hurts a pitcher. This is one pitch that probably should not be illegal because the replant (or crow-hop) takes a lot of energy from the pitch. However, few people understand the problem or how to fix it. First, what harm does it cause? When we meet a kid with a re-plant, I challenge her to a race off the mound. In the race, I am allowed to jump straight forward, but she has to jump forward six inches, replant and then finish the jump. Immediately they realize they can’t win. Then we explain that the arm actually has to slow down to wait for the foot to re-plant and then fire a second time. A crow-hop doesn’t mean a pitcher is bad, but imagine the speed she can get without it. The re-plant also throws a pitcher’s shoulders over the front foot, limiting her effectiveness on many breaking pitches.
So, what is the cause? My daughter explained this to me one a long time ago. As a pitcher pushes off the mound the hips are so lost behind the pitcher that she is forced to plant the push foot again, try to reverse the posture, and start in a more dominant position.
How to fix? This may be the toughest fix in pitching and it could take several pages to explain various tactics. Put simply, do not let her start this way. If she has the problem, search till you find someone who can fix it. If your instructor can’t figure out how to fix it, have that person call me. Always glad to help.
Problems Associated With Crow-Hop
March 28, 2013 by Denny Leave a Comment
The Crow-Hop Really Hurts a pitcher. This is one pitch that probably should not be illegal because the replant (or crow-hop) takes a lot of energy from the pitch. However, few people understand the problem or how to fix it. First, what harm does it cause? When we meet a kid with a re-plant, I challenge her to a race off the mound. In the race, I am allowed to jump straight forward, but she has to jump forward six inches, replant and then finish the jump. Immediately they realize they can’t win. Then we explain that the arm actually has to slow down to wait for the foot to re-plant and then fire a second time. A crow-hop doesn’t mean a pitcher is bad, but imagine the speed she can get without it. The re-plant also throws a pitcher’s shoulders over the front foot, limiting her effectiveness on many breaking pitches.
So, what is the cause? My daughter explained this to me one a long time ago. As a pitcher pushes off the mound the hips are so lost behind the pitcher that she is forced to plant the push foot again, try to reverse the posture, and start in a more dominant position.
How to fix? This may be the toughest fix in pitching and it could take several pages to explain various tactics. Put simply, do not let her start this way. If she has the problem, search till you find someone who can fix it. If your instructor can’t figure out how to fix it, have that person call me. Always glad to help.