It's been a challenging few years for pitchers and pitching instructors. We kicked off our own re-evaluation of pitching mechanics with our own Pitching Challenge surveys (2002, 2004). That process included sessions with leading pitching instructors and a review of some of the latest instructional programs at the elite level. And it's still continuing, as science attempts to define the natural or impose biomechanics of pitching.

It has not been an easy process for us or for anyone - coach, player or parent. And it's not over yet. This could be, as the title says, a new beginning. Or is it simply better observation of existing abilities?


To understand the challenge, let's start with a pitcher who isn't bad, but not ideal either. What's good are the pinched shoulder blades (scapular loading) and the complete follow-through (pitching arm to opposite leg). The animation even shows decent shoulder-hip separation (torque).
BUT there's a lean on the starting position, the lead toes are turned out too much, from the animation you'll see the hand break is early, and we don't like the glove side (not equal and opposite, and finishes too far back).


This demo above is merely a starting point on developing and refining better mechanics or, at least, a better understanding of mechanics. Our current instructional approach has been developed with insights from many sources (see sidebar). And it is still - and always - a work in progress.