How to Pitch

To be a good baseball pitcher takes dedication, skill and hard work. Knowing the basic pitching fundamentals will allow a player to put maximum force behind their pitch while protecting their arm from injury. Learn the basic phases of a pitching windup below.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get in a comfortable stance on the rubber staying square to the plate while holding your glove somewhere between your chest and waist. Your throwing hand may either be in the glove or down at your side depending on your preference.

2. Take a short step back (left leg for right handers and right for lefties) turning with your front foot until it is parallel or against the rubber. Your weight should be shifting to your back leg during this step. Your hands may either swing over your head or remain at the chest throughout this phase.

3. Shift your weight onto your back foot as you turn sideways to the plate and raise your front leg to your waist. Keep both eyes focused on your target and your head still throughout this step.

4. Break the hands apart as your front leg reaches its peak. Then reach your throwing arm down and back towards second base as you point your front elbow at the target. This "gathering phase" of the motion concludes with the front leg dropping as the throwing arm nears the top of its arc (or circle) and readies to throw the baseball.

5. As your front leg begins to drop you have two options. Either Drop and Drive: dip and push (or drive) off your back leg towards the plate. Or Stand Tall and Fall: allow your front leg to fall and take you forward towards home plate. Ask your baseball coach which approach would work best for you.

6. Stride towards home plate. As your front foot lands several things must take place. The front elbow is driven downward as the hips open (or turn) towards home bringing your throwing arm into the peak of its arc.

7. Release the baseball towards your target. As your body releases the pitch bend at the back and raise your back leg. The follow through should bring your arm and body weight over the front leg. Allow the back leg to land parallel to the front to ensure a good fielding position.