How to Step on the Pitcher's Mound

Learning how to become a pitcher is not easy. You may have a strong throwing arm and your coach may want to develop your talent. When you throw the ball on the sidelines or in the outfield, you may have impressive velocity. However, when you step on the pitcher's mound it may feel very strange. It takes time and effort to learn how to stand properly on the raised pitcher's mound and push off the rubber

Instructions

1. Stand on the pitching rubber and familiarize yourself with it. When you pitch, you must be in contact with this rubber slab when you begin your windup. When there are no runners on base, you should wind up to deliver your pitch. Start off by facing home plate and then shifting to a position where your dominant foot (right foot for a righthander; left foot for a lefthander) pushes off the side of the rubber to get all the power you can muster for your pitch.

2. Put your dominant foot on the side of the pitching runner when you have runners on base. In order to prevent the runners from stealing bases easily, you must put yourself in a position to pick runners off base or have a relatively quick delivery home. This is done by putting the side of your dominant foot on the rubber and then pushing off as you deliver the pitch.

3. Take your dominant foot off the pitching rubber if you are not ready to pitch. Once you have taken your position on the mound, you are committed to pitch or throw to a base unless you step off the correct way. Lift your dominant (back) foot off the rubber and step backwards if you want to come off the mound. If you break your motion in any other way when runners are on base, you will be called for a balk and the runners will be allowed to move up one base.

4. Step back on the rubber only when you are ready to begin your next pitch. If you are not ready to throw or you want to talk to your catcher or coach, do not step back on the pitching rubber. You can stand on the mound, have a conversation with your teammates or coaches or tie your shoes as long as you are not on the rubber. Once you step back on the rubber, you should be ready to pitch or throw the ball to a base.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice throwing from the mound when you are a pitcher. It takes time to get used to throwing from the elevated mound and pushing off the rubber.

• Never pitch if you feel twinges of pain in your shoulder, elbow or forearm. Pain in these areas may be signs of a serious injury.

References

• Pitching mechanics