Pitching Techniques at KI PITCHING

At KI PITCHING, coaches instruct beginner, intermediate, and some advanced pitchers on the crucial grip techniques necessary for optimizing ball movement and control. Without correct finger pressure and knowledge of how to hold the ball for various pitches, pitchers may find it challenging to impart the effective movement and spin required to execute pitches successfully.

Pitchers refine their release points and techniques to enhance the power and accuracy of their pitches. At the release moment, the forearm performs a squeezing motion, propelling the ball from the fingertips at the precise location needed for optimal pitch control. The action happening just before the ball's release is known as forearm pronation. The forearm transitions from a position where its inside faces away from the pitcher's body (facing out towards third for a righty) to a rapid forward snap (snapping towards the target), a motion referred to as "pronating."

Coaches stress the importance of a solid follow-through for consistent and effective pitching. The objective is to keep the arm loose along the path and through the pitch delivery. To enable the arm to whip before releasing the ball, it must stay relaxed.

At KI PITCHING, we offer a detailed program that teaches pitchers the unravel motion step by step. This method not only teaches correct mechanics but also builds a solid connection between body and mind. The unravel motion is initiated when the lower body sequences correctly, drawing the elbow into position and allowing the arm to whip for an ideal pitch. It's essential for the pitching shoulder to be aligned behind the power line, while the glove hand extends in front of it. Relaxation is key for the pitcher, as any tension can hinder the synchronized movements needed to powerfully and effectively execute the pitch.

At KI PITCHING, coaches stress the importance of the lower body's sequential and cooperative movements in producing maximum speed and power. It is here that the groundwork for enhanced velocity is established. As the heel drops, the activation of the thigh and glute muscles allows the right side of the hip to rotate inward, leading to the inward turn of the right knee, initiating a "tornado effect" that travels through the body—from the knee, hip, torso, lats, and triceps/upper arm, down through the elbow/forearm, into the wrist, and finally out through the fingers, propelling the ball towards the target.

Front side resistance is the stabilizing force in the landing foot that completes the stride during a pitch. This stabilization is crucial as it turns the pitching motion into a powerful, controlled release. The resistance motion includes shoulder resistance and hip snap. A strong and stable landing foot provides the foundation for the dynamic movements of the entire body during the pitch. The shoulder and hip play a significant role in the resistance process. For softball pitchers, front side resistance means stabilizing the body's forward motion using the strength of the front leg upon ground contact and pushing through by slamming the heel down, activating the quads, glutes, and core, creating "ground force power." It's essential to learn to land with a soft knee during resistance. Landing with a bent front knee engages the hamstring and activates the glutes. This engagement creates a "tornado effect," beginning at the knee, driving through the hip, core, lats, triceps, forearm, and out of the hand into the pitch delivery. This is the source of VELOCITY! Resistance is an element that requires time to develop within the full pitch motion, controlling the entire pitch. Without resistance, the body's sequencing is off, reducing its ability to generate maximum power and velocity. 

Activating our core before pitching is crucial to signal our brain, body, and muscles for the upcoming activity. It prepares the muscles for their specific roles. By maintaining a strong core, we provide protection for our spine—imagine bracing for a punch at the moment of landing at 9 o'clock. Contracting the abs engages the obliques, and upon landing, this contraction helps to activate the obliques further, enhancing power through the arm.