halskinner
Banned
- May 7, 2008
- 2,637
- 0
FR,
I am also one that always wants to know the pitcher's height and stride length when there is a question in the overall motions.
The single main issue there is the exact po int in the arm circle when you have landing foot touchdown. The ball must be just into the downswing at LFT. If the ball is too early or too late it is definitely felt in the shoulder and it doesnt feel good or right. If the timing is off there, the timing is off EVERYWHERE else in the motions.
Stride length. The Steadman - Hawkins report say stride length of 80% to 100% of a pitchers height. !00% is a strong aggressive stride length for a leap and drag pitcher. That is what I started all my students at, just a few inches under 100% and they all did great.
Now, if you stretch the stride past 100%, here is what is going to happen; The pitcher will either hesitate when starting her arm circle, slow down the arm circle. Either will cause loss of ball speed. Believe it or not and contrary to what logic would seem to dictate, a longer stride does not take longer to make the stride, TO A POINT at least. If the stride is too short at first and then lengthened to the correct length it will be a faster stride and the arm circle will be faster and more aggressive. This results in smoother motions and faster ball speed.
Stride height. You asked about a pitcher jumping out and as high as they could. Why would a pitcher want to jump out high? Is the batter hanging over their head? No. The batter is straight ahead of them, you want all your force and energy going in that direction.
Heres another fact that will affect speed and accuracy. The higher the stride foot comes off the ground the farther it must come down and the harder and more jarring the landing will be. Keep the stride foot low and keep the motions smoother.
When the motions are smooth, it is easier to throw. When its easier to throw, its easier to throw harder.
I am also one that always wants to know the pitcher's height and stride length when there is a question in the overall motions.
The single main issue there is the exact po int in the arm circle when you have landing foot touchdown. The ball must be just into the downswing at LFT. If the ball is too early or too late it is definitely felt in the shoulder and it doesnt feel good or right. If the timing is off there, the timing is off EVERYWHERE else in the motions.
Stride length. The Steadman - Hawkins report say stride length of 80% to 100% of a pitchers height. !00% is a strong aggressive stride length for a leap and drag pitcher. That is what I started all my students at, just a few inches under 100% and they all did great.
Now, if you stretch the stride past 100%, here is what is going to happen; The pitcher will either hesitate when starting her arm circle, slow down the arm circle. Either will cause loss of ball speed. Believe it or not and contrary to what logic would seem to dictate, a longer stride does not take longer to make the stride, TO A POINT at least. If the stride is too short at first and then lengthened to the correct length it will be a faster stride and the arm circle will be faster and more aggressive. This results in smoother motions and faster ball speed.
Stride height. You asked about a pitcher jumping out and as high as they could. Why would a pitcher want to jump out high? Is the batter hanging over their head? No. The batter is straight ahead of them, you want all your force and energy going in that direction.
Heres another fact that will affect speed and accuracy. The higher the stride foot comes off the ground the farther it must come down and the harder and more jarring the landing will be. Keep the stride foot low and keep the motions smoother.
When the motions are smooth, it is easier to throw. When its easier to throw, its easier to throw harder.