All About Pitching

Giants’ Tim Lincecum…Apply 5 Steps To Boost Any Pitcher’s Velocity

Is Giants' Tim Lincecum a freak of nature because at 5'10" 170 lbs. he is able to throw 95-100 mph fastballs using explosive pitching mechanics?

I don't think so and I will explain why many more pitchers may be able to reproduce what Tim Lincecum is doing to boost their velocity and overall performance. Yes, even small skinny guys.

A cover story about Giants' Tim Lincecum appeared in the July 1, 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated written by Tom Verducci. The title of the article is The Freak - A 170-pound Manchild With a 98-mph Fastball, Tim Lincecum Will Blow You Away. Sports Illustrated 

This is a very long article and most who read it will believe every word... even though there is as much misinformation in this article as all other pitching articles I read.

Is Tim Lincecum A Freak Of Nature?

In the article they refer to Tim Lincecum who is 5'10" 170 lbs. who throws 95-100 mph...as a "freak."

This is a shame. Why? Because those who read it will believe that their son or their pitchers were not born a freak of nature like Tim Lincecum. That of course is totally untrue.

Where did he get the name "freak?" From his manager Bruce Bochy. Bruce must think because Lincecum throws 98 mph most of the time and his ace Barry Zito has been throwing 85 most of the time this year and last year...insinuating that something must be extra special about Lincecum such as having more "velocity genes" or extra types of certain muscle fibers that makes him capable of launching rockets at hitters.

I must say that I am a fan of Tim Lincecum and his father Chris. I started observing Tim during 2006 prior to the draft. At that time I had posted an article about him and have posted many videos of him some right along side Nolan Ryan.

It just happens that Tim Lincecum does a lot of things right mechanically and things that if applied to Barry Zito could see him add 7-10 mph to his fastball. Remember Barry Zito was throwing 91-93 mph as a college freshman.

Then professional baseball got a hold of him and made him slow and controlled. And that is what killed his velocity.

Why Can't You Apply Lincecum's Mechanics And Boost Your Velocity

When comparing pitchers or there velocity there should be some fundamental questions that are asked. The big question that should be asked by everyone who watches Tim Lincecum, pitch is this - What is it about Tim Lincecum's delivery that is so different than most pitchers...which may allow him to produce such high velocity?

What could some of those aspects about his mechanics be that may be different than most pitchers today?

1. He moves faster down the mound than the large majority of all pitchers
2. He gets his arm involved much later than any pitcher I have seen
3. He gets down low and drives his body down the mound faster like he is sitting down in a chair moving down a rail
4. His stride is well over 100% of his height (129%)
5. He is smooth but explosive

Now just imagine what would happen if some pitching coach would have just asked himself that question when they first saw Lincecum pitch last year in the big leagues! Let's assume this pitching coach or instructor was very curious...like me.

Let's say he identified those five aspects and applied them to all his pitchers. What do you think would have been the results?  I believe every pitcher would improve their velocity.  And for Little League, high school and college pitchers you could see anywhere from 6-12 mph increases.

It's Not Tim Lincecum's Strength That Produces 95 mph Pitches

In this article there was little mention of strength as being a factor in Tim Lincecum's velocity...since the latest sports science research has proven that strength is not much of a factor for creating or improving pitching velocity.

If you watch Tim Lincecum or many high velocity pitchers with good mechanics you will notice a similarity. They look smooth. Smoothness in pitching means the parts all move with correct timing. Before one part slows down the other part is ready to take over.

When you observe Tim Lincecum you will also see that he has no slow movements or hesitation. This is a key factor for maximizing velocity and thus why so many pitchers today at all levels cannot improve their velocity no matter how much they focus on improving strength. Slow movements and hesitation are velocity killers. Thus why many coaches and instructors should question possibly today's biggest pitching velocity killer...pitching drills of all sorts.

Pitchers Are Made In The Off-Season

If pitchers would apply those five aspects to improving their mechanics then every pitcher would improve their velocity substantially by next spring.  Why not then work on this during the off-season?

Many of our clients spend the off-season pitching at least twice a week...while videotaping so both the parent and the pitcher are able to identify whether improvement is happening or not. Without videotaping a pitcher can actually get much worse.

For those high school pitchers who are thinking of going to a private instructor, I suggest you bring this list of 5 things to improve upon and show it to your instructor and ask him about it. Also if your instructor is not videotaping your delivery and focusing mostly on improving your lower body action, stride length, speed of movement and landing position, then don't waste your time or money.

Remember the lower body produces the velocity while the upper body just takes the energy and transfers it to the arm.

Regular videotaping with a clear understanding that it is the lower body...not the upper body that is the key to velocity, will insure that every pitcher continues to improve his velocity.

Instructional DVD's If you want a simple and proven method to improve pitching velocity and control while reducing the risk of injuries, check out my Explosive Pitching DVD's...the only pitching program today that is backed-up by sports science research rather than the hyped-up beliefs of most coaches and instructors.  I guarantee it 100% or your money back...no questions answered.

Don't Forget - My Complete Pitching Instruction program is the only complete "pitching clinic" home study course available that is backed by real sports science research. It's designed for parents, coaches, and players of all ages. Whether you're a pitcher just starting out, or an advanced pitcher looking for answers, we make it simple to understand for both the parent and pitcher.

"Dick’s program has given me the knowledge I need as a pitching coach to help young people succeed. I highly recommend it to any pitcher Little League through college. From mechanics to conditioning to the mental aspect, everything he does is top notch. His program helped our pitchers go 29-1, have a 0.80 ERA last season, and win a State Championship."

Banks Faulkner, Gilbert Indian Baseball, Gilbert, SC

If you're serious about improving pitching performance without risking arm injury or worse reserve your copy of the Complete Pitching Instruction DVD Set today!