Category: Pitching
Type: Policy
GARY ADAMS' TIP OF THE MONTH SEPT 2000
It is a good idea for a coach or a parent to have a “check list” when teaching his player or son how to pitch. I use a check list for my pitchers at UCLA whenever I observe them in practice or in games. The list is divided into the four phases of pitching delivery:
I. The Preliminaries
II. The Coil
III. The Explosion
IV. The Follow Through
Each of these are answered with a yes or no, both for the windup and for the stretch deliveies:
I. The Preliminaries: Wind Up Stretch
1. Eyes- On target, concentration apparent
2. Grip- Hidden from opponent’s view
3. Body- Facing the hitter directly
II. The Coil:
1. Front Hip- Coiled to position parallel to rubber
2. Striding Knee- Bent with foot close to pivot leg
3. Front Thigh- Parallel to ground
4. Back- Bent towards hands (not leaning or arched)
5. Front Shoulder- Coiled, pointing at target
6. Pivot Leg- Slightly bent for push-off
7. Pivot Foot- Firmly planted along edge of rubber
8. Body- Compact and on balance
III. The Explosion:
1. Body- "Drives" forward after hands separate
2. Front Shoulder- Drives, then explodes (opens) fully
3. Pivot Knee- Dips, then stays near ground during stride
4. Front Leg- Strides directly to ground (no "kick-out")
5. Front Foot- Lands on open side of line from pivot to target
6. Throwing Hand- Passes behind back knee
7. Wrist- Loosely cocked, with hand on top of ball
8. Throwing Arm- Reaching out and over striding leg
9. Head- Still, with eyes on target
IV. The Follow Through:
1. Throwing arm shoulder- Finishes close to landing knee
2. Throwing hand- Close to ground, palm facing pitcher
3. Back- Bent forward and over landing leg
4. Rear end- Low
5. Feet- Recover quickly, ready position
Submitted by: UCLA Head Coach Gary Adams
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