Los Gatos Little League

Coaches' Corner

• 4 Seam Grip -- look for the "backward C" pattern of seams (for right handers)
• Teach stretch motion first, then once the stretch is mastered, teach the windup
• Windup with hands always below the eyes
• Rear foot in front of pitching rubber -- not on top of it
• Point front shoulder at target
• Knee high, break hands with thumbs down after knee reaches its highest point
• Point ball to center field (i.e., back of hand to pitcher's head) -- "ball away"
• Throwing elbow higher than shoulder
• Release the ball "in front of the bill of your cap"
• Stride foot remains closed (i.e., toes point toward 3rd base for righties)
• Land on the ball of the stride foot and pivot toward home plate as throwing arm moves forward
• Fast arm speed
• Body always under control
• Follow through

                               Pitching Problem*                             Possible Cause

                                       wild to left                                         not pointing shoulder to target

                                       wild to right                                       not releasing in front of cap

                                       wild everywhere                                elbow below shoulder

                                                            * for  righties -- reverse for lefties