Windups: Is Your Pitcher Getting The MOST From Hers?

Hey There Friend!

Tonight's article is all about what your pitcher does at the beginning of her pitch to create momentum into her stride. A windup is personal to each individual pitcher and I believe that that, in most cases, she should be allowed choose what style she likes and feels most powerful using!

There are 2 main types to choose from:

• Windups that HIDE the ball from the hitter
• Windups that involve the arms SWINGING back

In the video above I show a few examples of common variations of both types of windups. There are certainly many other variations that a pitcher could use!

Off-Season is the PERFECT time to experiment with changing a windup!

I encourage my pitchers to try at least one windup that hides the ball and another that swings their arms back. Once she has played with both types for a few days, have her catcher catch a few pitches or a couple teammates stand in the box. Ask them to give her feedback on which wind-up is more deceptive or that the ball seems to be faster using. That can give your pitcher valuable feedback on which option may be best for her!

Here are a few PROS and CONS of both types of windups:

Wind-ups that HIDE the ball:

• Pros
  • Hitters can't see the ball until it's released which may improve PERCEIVED velocity and make pitchers "sneaky" fast to the hitter.
  • It's more difficult for the hitter and coaches to pick grips/pitches
  • Keeps the arms connected which may help improve front side/glove arm position. It's more difficult to let the glove fly off to the side when they stay connected on the front side of the pitch!
• Cons
  • Some pitchers feel like staying connected takes away some of the power they are able to create by swinging their arms to start the pitch

Windups that SWING the arm(s) back:

• Pros
  • Swinging the arm back can make pitchers FEEL more powerful into their circle
  • Swinging BOTH arms back can be a good way to sync the arms up together. Swinging them back in sync can help them extend forward in sync!
  • Can help a pitcher create a long, loose arm at the start of the pitch
• Cons
  • Some pitchers wrap their arm behind them when they swing back which can cause a problem with the arm path into the pitch
  • It can cause a stiff, locked arm to start the pitch which can take away the WHIP that creates power on the backside of the pitch
  • Can be easier for hitters and coaches to pick a pitch if the pitcher changes grips on certain pitches

Encourage your pitchers to try a couple different windups this training season. For some pitchers, a SMALL change can make a BIG difference in creating MOMENTUM and/or DECEPTION at the start of her pitch!

As always, feel free to reach out to me via email (myndie@breakthrewfastpitch) or though social media!

If you are on Facebook, join my private group, "All Things Pitching" to connect with me and others on a similar path as you are my friend!

You can also find me on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram! Pick the platform that you use the most and let's connect my friend! ; )

Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you again next week!

All My BEST,

Myndie