Mechanics to Consistently Throw Strikes

Mechanics to Consistently Throw Strikes

"Just take the ball and throw it where you want to. Throw strikes. Home plate don't move." - Satchel Paige

This summer I have done a lot of research on effective mechanics that helps prevent mechanical issues that often frustrate young pitchers while pitching. Those issues being pulling off of the target and closing off the back foot. Those issues can cause many pitchers from throwing strikes and hitting their target consistently. As you can see below, you will see the importance of getting ahead, and staying ahead in the count for a pitcher. 

As you can see, it is extremely important for a pitcher to get ahead. So what are these mechanics that can help a pitcher be more consistent?

The Eyes On The Target

The first step to being able to consistently throw strikes and hit your target is to have your eyes set on your target. If we do not see our target, then how are we expected to locate the pitch there? Simply put it cannot be accomplished. 

The Shoulder Is Pointed At The Target

The next step is to have the shoulder pointed at the target. If the eyes and the glove shoulder is pointed on the target, then you are well on your way to consistently hitting your target. Before the shoulder is pointed downward, I would suggest having your thumbs going downward at separation between the glove and throwing hand. Other wise known as being thumb to thumb. This allows your shoulders to remain square and keeps you in line with your target. 

Take The Center Of Your Chest To The Target

The final step is to take the center of your chest to the target. I would suggest having your pitchers believe that they are in the Iron Man suit. The reason being, is they can see the center of their chest. For example, this is what I am talking about: 

If they imagine they are in the Iron Man suit, they will be able to visualize what part of their chest they need to take to the target, along with the throwing shoulder and elbow. They will take the center of the chest to the target. Another cue, we can use here is to take your chest to your glove. This allows the pitcher to stay on a linear plane to their target, and use all of their power from their legs to the target. 

Putting It All Together

The last thing I will discuss, is the lower half, more importantly the back foot that is on the rubber. The first movement that the back foot will do, is slide to the direction the body is going. A cue that the pitcher is staying in a straight line is by seeing where that back foot has slid after the pitcher gets back the ball from the catcher. Check out the back foot in this picture: 

Notice how even a zany pitcher like Carter Capps does the chest to the glove, and notice his back foot. No matter the style of pitcher you are, effective mechanics stay the same. I also would suggest that none of these mechanics will work unless you believe that you will pitch the ball where the target is. Also it is important to note that we are all human and we will not be perfect with this. But we must believe we can be perfect. Here are two more pictures of what this all looks like.

 Notice the eyes, shoulders, chest to glove, and the back foot. I hope this helps all of you out there in becoming more consistent pitchers!