Open Hips versus Half Way - Confused (once again)

[3DD'sDAD]

I need some help from all of the aficionados and specialists please.

I recently watched an episode (176) on Fastpitch TV that had an instructor (I won't mention her name here - it is evident on the video) talk about not opening the hips all way to third base (righty) during the stride phase of a pitch as this inhibits speed. Unless I misunderstood her completely, she is not talking about closing the hips, but is stating that a pitcher should not open all the way. This contradicts all of the instruction my DD has received to this point. Her PC teaches proper IR mechanics etc. and has her open to third during this phase of a pitch.

The thread that Boardmember posted (thank you by the way) talks about the stress on the glenhumeral joint in the shoulder complex (going by memory here) and how if the rotation does not occur, that damage will most likely ensue. What this instructor is saying, when coupled with the teaching of proper mechanics (IR), seems to me to be contradictory. Now I must qualify my statements by saying that I am not a PT or kinesiologist, but have a decent understanding of the physiology of the human body. If I am wrong, I need to know as I will be discussing this with DD's PC.

My DD is 16 and hits her spots very well, throws a drop; curve-drop (sometimes not intentionally ); change-up and fastball (which is really a faster drop ball that doesn't drop "quite" as much) and is working on the rise. Although I haven't had a gun on her, I think she tops out around 54-55 mph. If her mechanics are restricting her speed, then with this adjustment thereby not restricting her speed, perhaps the rise will come a bit easier and the other pitches become more effective, but I do not want her to change mechanics which will create shoulder problems.

Any help here would be appreciated.

 

[crystlemc]

I would just like to point out that Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, and 98% of the world's elite pitchers open all the way, and they have zero problem with speed.

 

[halskinner]

In referencing the Steadman - Hawkins report, the angle of the hips should be at 52 degrees, at stride foot landing, for the safest mechanics for the shoulder.

I have yet to see any medical report that says it is better, safer or whatever to open all the way then close to 52 degrees at stride foot landing. The Steadman - Hawkins report didnt say that, it only pointed out what angle the hips should be at when the stride foot touched down.

 

[BoardMember]

Yes open the hips toward 3rd.........How much depends on stride length................

 

[crystlemc]

Well, after having watched this clip, I noticed that when she demonstrates how to pitch, she opens.... go figure. Another instructor teaching something that they, themselves, do not do. Plus, how do you get arm whip when you are closed? How do you get it past your hip? And good luck throwing a rise without being open. Try these things yourself. You will see that it's definitely less than optimal.

So, I'm confused, as well. Confused as to why they booked her as a clinician...

 

[TNdad]

Not an expert, but to me it looks like you want to get "open" so that the arm can have a contiuous and uniterrupted arm circle. To allow for maximum speed and prevent injury. I have seen pitchers open all the way towards 3rd base and others not quite as open. I talked with one pitcher about it. She did some arm circles that looked great. Her hips were at a slight angle, not fully open.
Do you think that it has something to do with some girls "body type or build"?

 

[chinamigarden]

My main remaining question: If you stay mostly closed, and you hit the power line, would not the ball go more to the right?

I guess it would depend on the plane your arm is on.