I do not want to provide misinformation
Last edited:
Hi everyone, I'm Phil, the one in the video that was originally posted here. I received notification of this discussion via trackback comment on my blog and was just able to come view this message board. I appreciate your feedback and would like to offer a few responses to all of your comments.
First of all, I do not teach the concept of a "point" of release. Release takes place in a "zone," which I find enables the athlete to conceptualize continuous acceleration. Just as acceleration and extension are crucial after contact with a pitched ball in hitting, so are acceleration and extension crucial in the delivery of a pitch for maximum speed and command. Yes, the ball has left your hand, and yes, from 12 o'clock through the release is the most important component of the arm delivery, but knowing that the pitch does not end at the point that the ball leaves your hand is equally important.
Second, internal rotation in a relaxed arm and forearm will happen naturally so long as the aggressive movement upward, which is prevalent in elbow snap, or the tensing and stopping of the hand at release, does not take place. This video was an answer to a specific inquiry regarding the conceptual difference between elbow snap and forearm fire (or whatever term you happen to use for that type of release).
Thanks again for your feedback and I welcome further comments.