| When you pitch, it is imperative that you have | | | | ground. If you drop your knee as you're heading |
| great balance and direction. Without proper | | | | toward the plate, then your energy goes down |
| balance, you will have a difficult time finding the | | | | instead of toward home plate which is ideal. |
| plate. Just as important, when all of your energy | | | | Step #3 Place ball and glove in the center of your |
| isn't going in the right direction (toward home | | | | body with relaxed shoulders. Ball and glove should |
| plate) you will find it difficult to throw strikes. | | | | stay in the middle for balance. When your glove is |
| There are five basic rules to find perfect balance | | | | too far to either side, you will be off balance |
| and posture when you pitch from the stretch and | | | | when you lift your leg. |
| the windup. I will explain these simple guidelines to | | | | Step #4 Place your chin over your shoulder. It is |
| you from the stretch position. | | | | important that you don't put your chin on your |
| Step #1 Start with your feet in a closed posture. | | | | shoulder. Many pitchers have the tendency to tilt |
| Place both feet together, put the groove in your | | | | their head to the left or right when they explode |
| left shoe into your right shoe, like a puzzle piece. | | | | to foot strike. If you lead with your front |
| Then spread your feet shoulder width apart. | | | | shoulder, in a closed position to foot strike, you |
| Step #2 Slightly bend your knees. The key here | | | | will more likely maintain your balance. |
| is to bend your knees deep enough to allow your | | | | Step #5 Keep your shoulders slightly closed. If |
| head to stay level (instead of going up and down | | | | you're a righty, your left shoulder should be |
| or to the sides) when you're throwing from flat | | | | closed. Maintain that posture as well to foot strike. |