How Slow And Robotic Mechanics And Short Strides Reduce Pitching Velocity

by Dick Mills on November 02, 2009

Pitchers that have slow moving and robotic pitching mechanics that produce short strides cannot maximize their pitching velocity. 

Here is a video of Phillies starting pitcher Joe Blanton, who is listed as 6'3" and 244 lbs and yet he can barely break 90 mph.  So why can't he throw harder. 

If you look closely at the video notice that Joe is walking off four steps and drawing a line on the mound. That is his stride length...which is far too short to maximize his speed of movement and force production which reduces his velocity.

Also notice that when Joe releases the ball he is standing nearly straight up and down which indicates he has not generated enough forward momentum to develop explosive trunk rotation and trunk flexion which is how velocity is created.

If Joe walked off six steps instead of four and then used his lower body to develop a long and much faster stride more than  likely he would be throwing mid nineties based on his size.  

Remember velocity is produced by how fast the entire body moves toward the plate.  Mass (size of the pitcher's body) X acceleration (how fast he moves) = Force (final velocity out of the hand)

Also if you watch Joe Closely you can see there is a final jaring motion upon landing. This is because of his short stride and his lead leg straightening much too early. This also reduces his ability to control the ball more consistently.

This is what I have been focusing on in our Explosively Pitching DVD program since 2004.  We teach parents how to help their sons use their bodies to pitch instead of just their arms. Not only does this improve velocity but reduces the risk of arm injuries. http://www.pitching.com/products/

"My 14 year old son's velocity jumped 12 mph, his control improved dramatically and his arm pain vanished. For the first time since he has been pitching, he finally understands what he is doing...what causes the ball to do what it does and how his body functions to be effective...now that is priceless." 

Mark A Smith, Downers, Grove, IL