Phillies Pitcher Cliff Lee - Should You Copy His Pitching Mechanics?

by Dick Mills on October 27, 2009

Here is another reason why pitchers should not copy the mechanics of even top major league pitchers. 

This is a video of Cliff Lee, the #1 starting pitcher for the Phillies, who will start the first game of the World Series against the New York Yankees.  

No doubt Cliff has had recent success. But could he be even more successful if he made some minor adjustments with his pitching mechanics?

Right now he has many irrelevant movements which are not helping him create for momentum toward the plate or for gaining more force on the ball. 

His mechanics are not only reducing his velocity but make it more difficult for him to have even better control.

The problem with copying the pitching mechanics of major league pitchers is that you also end up copying actions that can actually reduce your overall performance, including velocity, control while adding stress to your arm. 

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