GHS Baseball Pitching Program
The program takes approximately 15 minutes per player, with the player doing 3-4 reps per step.
Step 1 – Proper Alignment
Step 1 uses the Pitching Tee (base unit) to align the player’s front side and head to the target and also serves as the attachment base for the additional steps in the program. Proper alignment is the basis for correct form, throwing accuracy and reduces arm stress.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Notes:
Set the pitching tee base 8-10 feet in front of the mound
The following alignment and the correct release to the target is required for pitching accuracy.
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
The player in either the windup or the stretch and in the knee lift position align the front shoulder with the center line of the yellow boom marker with the target, the players eyes should now be aligned with the red marker on the boom. In the players stride to the target just as the pitching motion begins forward the players eyes will automatically move from the red marker to the yellow marker, for perfect alignment players must not let their eyes/head move past the center line on the yellow marker. The player must hold this alignment until the ball is released. For accurate and consistent throws player releases towards the top of the target.
Step 2 – Proper Knee Lift
Step 2 uses the Knee Lift Position Bar to show the player where to create a consistent knee lift height for their delivery to the plate. The proper knee lift will create proper balance and allow them to complete the remaining steps properly.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Notes:
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
Players with little to no pitching experience should place the knee lift position bar at the belt buckle in order to create proper balance to successfully complete the remain steps.
Experience pitchers will set the knee lift position bar at their knee lift height (Ex. Belt buckle. Belly button, or chest). If you are thrown off balance trying to touch the bar with your knee then it should be lowered to a more comfortable height where balance can be achieved.
Note: The lifted knee should only lightly touch the bar.
Step 3 – Proper Load
Step 3 uses the Power Position Bar to guide the player to properly load the backside before driving to the target. This helps increase the player’s velocity of the pitch/throw.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Note:
From the set position, the Tee will be set up on the pitchers back should.
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
The back knee will slightly bend (approx.. 30 degrees or ¼ bend) until the player touches their bottom to the bar. This creates power through the target which will increase velocity.
Step 4 – Proper Stride
Step 4 uses the Power Position Bar to guide the player to stride square by not swinging the lead leg outward toward the bar but directly down and under the bar to the target. This helps the player with the timing of the pitch/throw and increases the velocity of the throw.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Note:
From the set position, the Tee will be set in front of the pitcher’s chest.
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
To set the position of the Knee lift and pass under bar have the pitcher go to the knee lift position and set the bar approx. halfway between the bent knee and hip. Once the position of the bar is determine move the base forward towards the target approx. 2-3 inch. Depending on the set position the base may need to be moved further forward. Finally adjust the height by having the pitcher come set and place the bar height halfway between the knee and hip.
Step 5 – Proper Lead
Step 5 uses the Hip Lead & Drive Bar to guide the player to lead with their hip while keeping the upper body back. This increases the velocity of the pitch/throw by training the player to use their hips to generate power.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
Creating separation between the upper and lower half allowing the player to stride to a consistent spot. This will give a slight angle to the hip and help striding square.
Set the Tee behind the pitcher. Then from the set position, have the bar touching the pitchers lead hip with the front of the bar extending 1-2 inches past the hip. There will not be any space between the bar and the pitchers hip before they move into their knee lift.
Step 6 – Proper Leg Swing
Step 6 uses the Backside Drive Bar to Indicate to the player how much power they are generating towards the target. This trains the player to develop a strong backside follow through by swinging the back leg over the bar, reaching the player’s maximum height, and developing maximum forward momentum.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Notes:
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
Step 7 – Proper Form Repetition
Step 7 combines Steps 2 through 6 in unison. This trains the player in the proper pitching/throwing forms, teaching muscle memory and consistency. The repetition of the proper mechanics is the basis for throwing with increased accuracy, velocity and consistency.
Step 8 – Proper Follow Through
Step 8 uses the Arm Path Follow Through Bar to guide the player to keep their glove up, stride in line, and create a proper arm finish. The proper follow through increases consistency and velocity of the player’s pitches/throws.
Set-up Instructions
Set-up instructional video: Click here.
Additional Set-up Notes:
Step Instructions
Instructional video: Click here.
Additional Instructional Notes:
This attachment provides the following help:
- It forces the player to stride square and along the inside of the rail in line with the yellow and red markers.
- It keeps the player from striding open and offline.
- Once the stride rail is adjusted to the proper height, it acts as an obstruction in keeping the player’s glove hand up and alerts him when the glove hand drops and hits the guide rail.
- It aids the player to release the ball out front on a downward plane, bent over at the waist creating the proper arm path follow through.
Players in group settings learn from performing the reps themselves, as well as by watching other players perform them and listening to instruction from the coach.