Pitching Mechanics - It’s The Sequence That Produces Force Not The Arm

by Dick Mills on April 27, 2009

If a pitcher wants to improve his throwing velocity...whether he is a 9 year old or a 19 year old, he must make sure he is using his body correctly in the right sequence in order to transfer maximum force to the ball.

Using the body correctly to produce proper pitching mechanics and maximum force requires that all the joints of the body are used in proper sequence or with good timing. This is often referred to as sequential joint action.  

Tim Lincecum, the Giant's RH, at 5'10" 170 lbs. can throw a baseball 100 mph.  But how does he do it?  Lincecum himself says he uses his body to produce velocity while his arm is along for the ride. 

Why Tim Lincecum Uses An Extremely Long Stride 

In the case of Lincecum he uses a powerful lunge type movement into a long stride (120% of his height) so that his body is producing maximum force while his arm gets involved in the pitch as late as possible.

When a pitcher's arm becomes involved in the pitch too early by taking the ball out of the glove before the lead leg is down and already into the stride this will prevent the arm from gaining maximum force. 

Beginning pitchers especially need to learn how to lunge toward the plate or shift their weight forward before their hips and trunk begin to rotate.  If they begin rotating or turning too early they lose force and actually add stress to their arms.

Why Pitchers Need To Break Their Hands As Late As Possible

So pitchers should learn how to step out powerfully sideways into a long stride while getting their throwing arms into position as late as possible. 

Tim Lincecum uses a long stride because more than likely his father understood that the longer the pitcher holds onto the ball before it comes into play the more force that is built up by the body...thus why pitchers with longer strides can produce more force.

This is how parents should help their kids learn how to pitch so they use their bodies to produce velocity instead of just their arms.