He just turned 14, and he is a starter on the high school team.
Thanks for the responses.
First Inning
Second Inning
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I'm not a pitching guru but I know what I like and that's it. Great work! Working ahead in the count, working the edges and up and down. The hitters never did get a rhythm or figure it out.
I also like the adjustment after the first hitter in the 2nd inning and not being afraid to go after them and let them hit it.
Realizing that it is probably the coach, I'm becoming less and less of a fan of wasting a pitch 0-2. If you've got 'em on the ropes - upper cut!
And he did that in the 2nd.
Congratulations, if he can keep that up you've got a pitcher there in my book.
Maybe we'll get a chance to see him in the summer. Thanks for posting the video so The Kid can start getting ready for him now....
I also like the adjustment after the first hitter in the 2nd inning and not being afraid to go after them and let them hit it.
Realizing that it is probably the coach, I'm becoming less and less of a fan of wasting a pitch 0-2. If you've got 'em on the ropes - upper cut!
And he did that in the 2nd.
Congratulations, if he can keep that up you've got a pitcher there in my book.
Maybe we'll get a chance to see him in the summer. Thanks for posting the video so The Kid can start getting ready for him now....
jmpbama92- I wouldn't consider myself a pitching guru either, but I have noticed one thing in particular that I believe could be honed in on while watching your video clip. Your son's front side opens very early, and if you notice, he falls off towards first base several times throughout his appearance.
The easiest way I try to explain this sort of thing is in physics terms (I realize the concept of the words "easy" and "physics" in the same sentence could be perceived as rather contradictory to people, but this analogy works for me nonetheless). The fastest way from Point A to Point B is a straight line. If you weigh 150 lbs., then you want 150 lbs. of energy to be exerted from your current location (Point A, the rubber) to your destined location (Point B, the plate). Any excess movement in any other direction hinders the ability to generate the proper force to throw the ball with maximum velocity.
The easiest way I try to explain this sort of thing is in physics terms (I realize the concept of the words "easy" and "physics" in the same sentence could be perceived as rather contradictory to people, but this analogy works for me nonetheless). The fastest way from Point A to Point B is a straight line. If you weigh 150 lbs., then you want 150 lbs. of energy to be exerted from your current location (Point A, the rubber) to your destined location (Point B, the plate). Any excess movement in any other direction hinders the ability to generate the proper force to throw the ball with maximum velocity.
jmpbama92,
Your son has a couple more mph in the tank if he can take care of the glove to buy himself the timing to keep the shoulders closed longer and rotate later which should result in better hip and shoulder separation. The later rotation will buy him some other things as well: less wear and tear on the arm via better use of the body, release point closer to home plate, and better movement on breaking pitches (due to a release point that is further out front and a bit lower).
Your son has a couple more mph in the tank if he can take care of the glove to buy himself the timing to keep the shoulders closed longer and rotate later which should result in better hip and shoulder separation. The later rotation will buy him some other things as well: less wear and tear on the arm via better use of the body, release point closer to home plate, and better movement on breaking pitches (due to a release point that is further out front and a bit lower).
He seems to be opening up early to me also.
Edit: Now I see the glove action. Agreed.
Edit: Now I see the glove action. Agreed.
Great stuff.
Roger is on it. Get someone who can work on his glove side and and get him closed up. His glove is hanging back when he throws and it should rotate inward and his body should run into it. This is going to add velo and get his ball action down plus give him some more control.
Roger is on it. Get someone who can work on his glove side and and get him closed up. His glove is hanging back when he throws and it should rotate inward and his body should run into it. This is going to add velo and get his ball action down plus give him some more control.
jmpbama92,
I think your son will be just fine. I agree with the above posts, your son is definitely falling off towards the first base side, which appears to be due to his glove hand collapsing, thus causing him to open prior to his landing foot touching down. It's difficult for him to get over his front side without staying online, as J H had suggested. If he can't get over that front side consistently, he is going to have a tough time keeping his FB down in the zone and his breaking ball will be loopy without much bite, not to mention the added stress on his arm. I'm actually impressed that your son was able to pound the zone like he did, that's a good thing IMO. He must be a very good athlete. At 14 years old, as he gets stronger (core work, etc...) and makes some mechanical adjustments he'll be in great shape! Find a good pitching coach in your area, if it's affordable. If not, there is a ton of great information on the internet. Most of what we all see in your video was easy to breakdown and is relatively basic. You certainly don't have to be a pitching guru to recognize some of the adjustments that will help him.....Good luck to him this season, and keep us updated on his progress. I'm sure he'll have an excellent Frosh year!
I think your son will be just fine. I agree with the above posts, your son is definitely falling off towards the first base side, which appears to be due to his glove hand collapsing, thus causing him to open prior to his landing foot touching down. It's difficult for him to get over his front side without staying online, as J H had suggested. If he can't get over that front side consistently, he is going to have a tough time keeping his FB down in the zone and his breaking ball will be loopy without much bite, not to mention the added stress on his arm. I'm actually impressed that your son was able to pound the zone like he did, that's a good thing IMO. He must be a very good athlete. At 14 years old, as he gets stronger (core work, etc...) and makes some mechanical adjustments he'll be in great shape! Find a good pitching coach in your area, if it's affordable. If not, there is a ton of great information on the internet. Most of what we all see in your video was easy to breakdown and is relatively basic. You certainly don't have to be a pitching guru to recognize some of the adjustments that will help him.....Good luck to him this season, and keep us updated on his progress. I'm sure he'll have an excellent Frosh year!
jmpbama92,
I have studied pitching a long time and for 14 things look pretty good. The one thing that really stands out to me is that it your son is intentionally throwing the offspeed pitches slow. I can watch his leg drive and body motion and can always tell before he throws if it is going to be either the fastball or the breking ball or offspeed pitch. This is common in pitchers who think it is more effective to get that movement over velocity or think there needs to be a big change in speeds.
It appears from the video that junior is throwing hard enough to get it by the batters of this caliber. The first thing I would do is to get him to throw his CB with more velocity- keep the same exploding leg drive and release as he does his fastball. He may not get as much break, but the results of a hard breaking CB messes with batters minds.
Your son is getting great shoulder and hip rotation. It is kind of hard to see it but if you stop the video just at the right time you can see his shoulders still squared with third base and his hips squared with home plate.
Your son also has a good arm slot that produces good running action in on right handed batters.
I have studied pitching a long time and for 14 things look pretty good. The one thing that really stands out to me is that it your son is intentionally throwing the offspeed pitches slow. I can watch his leg drive and body motion and can always tell before he throws if it is going to be either the fastball or the breking ball or offspeed pitch. This is common in pitchers who think it is more effective to get that movement over velocity or think there needs to be a big change in speeds.
It appears from the video that junior is throwing hard enough to get it by the batters of this caliber. The first thing I would do is to get him to throw his CB with more velocity- keep the same exploding leg drive and release as he does his fastball. He may not get as much break, but the results of a hard breaking CB messes with batters minds.
Your son is getting great shoulder and hip rotation. It is kind of hard to see it but if you stop the video just at the right time you can see his shoulders still squared with third base and his hips squared with home plate.
Your son also has a good arm slot that produces good running action in on right handed batters.
I'm going to agree with JH generally, and amplify a bit.
Your son not only opens up early, he lands his left foot off line (towards the 1B side by about 6-10").
He gets himself into good position to use his hip turn for power, but then doesn't. Because when he rotates off, he has to stop his upper body at a dead stop to keep the ball on line to the plate.
What I'd like to see is for him to step straight and then drive straight to the plate. I'd also like to see him whip from his hips up through his torso and out the arm to his hand so that he gets maximum muzzle velocity.
An interesting point is that he finishes better on his change-up and curve than he does on his fastball. Note how his shoulder turns over when he's focusing on getting those off-speed pitches down in the zone. Let's get the fastball doing this, too. It'll not only help his fastball, but it'll keep him from tipping his pitches, because a good and experienced hitter will pick up on the differences in his delivery from one pitch to the next.
One point of just my personal preference is the way he steps back. I know a lot of people like that side step back with the kick leg, with the post leg sliding along the rubber as that happens. But to me, this puts the pitcher at a bad angle to home plate and can influence him to over rotate to compensate for being off line. Also, you usually like to see pitchers post up between the middle of the rubber and the far arm side, but the angle step & slide action actually puts your son at the glove side of the rubber, which will make it harder for him to pitch inside effectively. My other reason for not liking this approach is that it involves a lot of head movement that makes it harder for him to stay on line to the mitt. The ball will go where the head goes, so let's keep the head still and on line from start to finish.
Your son not only opens up early, he lands his left foot off line (towards the 1B side by about 6-10").
He gets himself into good position to use his hip turn for power, but then doesn't. Because when he rotates off, he has to stop his upper body at a dead stop to keep the ball on line to the plate.
What I'd like to see is for him to step straight and then drive straight to the plate. I'd also like to see him whip from his hips up through his torso and out the arm to his hand so that he gets maximum muzzle velocity.
An interesting point is that he finishes better on his change-up and curve than he does on his fastball. Note how his shoulder turns over when he's focusing on getting those off-speed pitches down in the zone. Let's get the fastball doing this, too. It'll not only help his fastball, but it'll keep him from tipping his pitches, because a good and experienced hitter will pick up on the differences in his delivery from one pitch to the next.
One point of just my personal preference is the way he steps back. I know a lot of people like that side step back with the kick leg, with the post leg sliding along the rubber as that happens. But to me, this puts the pitcher at a bad angle to home plate and can influence him to over rotate to compensate for being off line. Also, you usually like to see pitchers post up between the middle of the rubber and the far arm side, but the angle step & slide action actually puts your son at the glove side of the rubber, which will make it harder for him to pitch inside effectively. My other reason for not liking this approach is that it involves a lot of head movement that makes it harder for him to stay on line to the mitt. The ball will go where the head goes, so let's keep the head still and on line from start to finish.
I agree with what is being said. I think that posture at top of leg kick is one thing that is contributing to some of the issues mentioned. I think he is too perpendicular, almost leaning back, which contributes to the fall off to the 1b side and the stride foot landing open.
If he can get in a more athletic stance over his back foot instead of upright, he should be able to stay down the line better.
Here's a link (not mine) that may better convey what I am saying...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...38&NR=1&feature=fvwp
I also think that some comfortable bend with both elbows will help. Throwing arm will not fly back and get late as much and glove side will allow for glove tuck.
JMHO. He is obviously doing great at 14.
If he can get in a more athletic stance over his back foot instead of upright, he should be able to stay down the line better.
Here's a link (not mine) that may better convey what I am saying...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...38&NR=1&feature=fvwp
I also think that some comfortable bend with both elbows will help. Throwing arm will not fly back and get late as much and glove side will allow for glove tuck.
JMHO. He is obviously doing great at 14.
Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
I find this to be the case A LOT, including with myself. Pitchers by nature are most comfortable throwing a fastball, an arm action that they are most used to. Therefore when throwing offspeed pitches, the mechanical aspect of throwing the pitch the proper way is more forefront in a pitcher's mind. As he continues to progress throwing the pitches more, generally speaking, the action of throwing offspeed stuff will become more second nature in concept. It is certainly not a red flag at this point, being that the OP's son is just 14, but something to note for the future as well.
quote:An interesting point is that he finishes better on his change-up and curve than he does on his fastball. Note how his shoulder turns over when he's focusing on getting those off-speed pitches down in the zone.
I find this to be the case A LOT, including with myself. Pitchers by nature are most comfortable throwing a fastball, an arm action that they are most used to. Therefore when throwing offspeed pitches, the mechanical aspect of throwing the pitch the proper way is more forefront in a pitcher's mind. As he continues to progress throwing the pitches more, generally speaking, the action of throwing offspeed stuff will become more second nature in concept. It is certainly not a red flag at this point, being that the OP's son is just 14, but something to note for the future as well.
JMP, you have received excellent advise.
J H is a very talented college pitcher and has given you sound information to think about tweaking as I agree. Midlo Dad also picked up on something that I noticed right away - and that was his left foot landing left of the imaginary line from rubber to home plate instead of on it with his toes pointing at a 45deg angle towards 3B.
You really have a talented young pitcher on your hand. He pounds that zone often.
Someone above mentioned that his glove hand was "collapsing". Here in the south we call that "chicken winging" it as you should be familiar with. lol. That glove hand should really be tucked in as he is coming over that left front knee.
If you'll watch his right leg as it kicks after delivery, you'll notice it comes around perpendicular/sorta flat towards 3B. If you could get him to bring his whole body towards homeplate like JH recommended you'll see that kick come up over his back after delivery.
I think the culprit of this kick AND landing left of the "line" COULD be that flat mound. If that mound was regulation height some of this might be worked out on his own. That's one of the flatest mounds I think I've ever seen. Heck, our fire ant hills rival that thing. lol
J H is a very talented college pitcher and has given you sound information to think about tweaking as I agree. Midlo Dad also picked up on something that I noticed right away - and that was his left foot landing left of the imaginary line from rubber to home plate instead of on it with his toes pointing at a 45deg angle towards 3B.
You really have a talented young pitcher on your hand. He pounds that zone often.
Someone above mentioned that his glove hand was "collapsing". Here in the south we call that "chicken winging" it as you should be familiar with. lol. That glove hand should really be tucked in as he is coming over that left front knee.
If you'll watch his right leg as it kicks after delivery, you'll notice it comes around perpendicular/sorta flat towards 3B. If you could get him to bring his whole body towards homeplate like JH recommended you'll see that kick come up over his back after delivery.
I think the culprit of this kick AND landing left of the "line" COULD be that flat mound. If that mound was regulation height some of this might be worked out on his own. That's one of the flatest mounds I think I've ever seen. Heck, our fire ant hills rival that thing. lol
quote:Originally posted by YoungGunDad:
Midlo Dad also picked up on something that I noticed right away - and that was his left foot landing left of the imaginary line from rubber to home plate instead of on it
I have been pondering this... Why do we think the foot should be in the center (front leg is bent at a weird angle, and the ball exits 3 feet to the right)? Why not land with the axis in the center (less throwing across the body)? Or even land with the throwing arm in the center (the ball exits on line but the hips are more open)?
Results were good but it seemed to me the majority of his pitches-including the ones that were swung at and missed-were up in the zone a little.
Could get hit hard by a good hitting line up. is this varsity?
Work more down around the knees.
Could get hit hard by a good hitting line up. is this varsity?
Work more down around the knees.
jmpbama92- To sum everything that has been said up, I believe that the majority of posters here would agree that the major mechanical flaw in your son's motion at this time would be the lack of a balanced, strong and powerful front side.
Here are three different pictures of me throwing from three different camera angles in three different games. Before I go any further I'd like to say that I am not posting these pictures of myself in any gloating sort of way, but out of all the pictures I have of me throwing I feel that these could potentially help the OP in terms of what he is looking for mechanically. I am well-aware that I have mechanical flaws as well and don't want these postings to come off as saying "do what I do." I just feel that it just so happens that the camera caught me at the right time and my front side is locked relatively in a place that it is supposed to be.
I freeze-framed your Youtube clip of your son's first inning at the 00:19 second mark. If you notice, his glove is down near his knee, his lead leg (left) is not perpendicular with his follow leg (right, and his torso is slanted towards 1B. If he can get his momentum to reach more directly towards home plate and have everything flow accordingly, velocity/location/consistency will fall into place.
As noted, your son's ability to throw strikes with his throwing mechanics shows me that he is very athletic. These adjustments shouldn't be too difficult to make.
Also, please don't take the critique negatively, it is purely constructive from everyone. I can assure you that by the looks of it, you have a talented pitcher in the making. I can only imagine what I looked like when I was 14...not pretty.
Here are three different pictures of me throwing from three different camera angles in three different games. Before I go any further I'd like to say that I am not posting these pictures of myself in any gloating sort of way, but out of all the pictures I have of me throwing I feel that these could potentially help the OP in terms of what he is looking for mechanically. I am well-aware that I have mechanical flaws as well and don't want these postings to come off as saying "do what I do." I just feel that it just so happens that the camera caught me at the right time and my front side is locked relatively in a place that it is supposed to be.
I freeze-framed your Youtube clip of your son's first inning at the 00:19 second mark. If you notice, his glove is down near his knee, his lead leg (left) is not perpendicular with his follow leg (right, and his torso is slanted towards 1B. If he can get his momentum to reach more directly towards home plate and have everything flow accordingly, velocity/location/consistency will fall into place.
As noted, your son's ability to throw strikes with his throwing mechanics shows me that he is very athletic. These adjustments shouldn't be too difficult to make.
Also, please don't take the critique negatively, it is purely constructive from everyone. I can assure you that by the looks of it, you have a talented pitcher in the making. I can only imagine what I looked like when I was 14...not pretty.
JH and others,
My son is a 16 year old lefty and has a similar mechanical issue (glove side opens prematurely, tends to fall off towards third). He has been taught since little league, and by his current pitching coach, to "hit the little man" with his right elbow thereby forcing his glove side open and pulling him toward third. These issues were recently pointed out when he attended a college camp. He is trying to address the issue but it is proving difficult.
What are suggestions to help keep his glove in front so that he looks more like the pictures of J H?
My son is a 16 year old lefty and has a similar mechanical issue (glove side opens prematurely, tends to fall off towards third). He has been taught since little league, and by his current pitching coach, to "hit the little man" with his right elbow thereby forcing his glove side open and pulling him toward third. These issues were recently pointed out when he attended a college camp. He is trying to address the issue but it is proving difficult.
What are suggestions to help keep his glove in front so that he looks more like the pictures of J H?
Florida ball,
This is one area that old school pitching coaches have messed up more kids than you can imagine. Even one of my favorite instuctors, John Bagonzi used to have it in his book. This is the pull down with the off (glove hand).
The best way my son was able to help with this problem is to get to foot strike position with the glove hand up and slowly go through your motion and focus on rotating the thumb up. If he focuses on the thumb and rotates the glove to his chest his hand will naturally get to where it is supposed to be. The other area that helps kids fly open is the "open door" swinging of the leg. He should focus on "showing his heal cleats" to the catcher. Practicing these two approaches will help get him closed up.
Good luck.
This is one area that old school pitching coaches have messed up more kids than you can imagine. Even one of my favorite instuctors, John Bagonzi used to have it in his book. This is the pull down with the off (glove hand).
The best way my son was able to help with this problem is to get to foot strike position with the glove hand up and slowly go through your motion and focus on rotating the thumb up. If he focuses on the thumb and rotates the glove to his chest his hand will naturally get to where it is supposed to be. The other area that helps kids fly open is the "open door" swinging of the leg. He should focus on "showing his heal cleats" to the catcher. Practicing these two approaches will help get him closed up.
Good luck.
I agree with BOF, and want to elaborate a bit further. I believe that pitching mechanics cannot be disected into different aspects of a motion because every body part leads to another. If one aspect of the motion is done improperly, then chances are the other aspects of the motion will be incorrect as well.
When I am teaching a lesson or when I notice a mechanical flaw on myself while throwing, I like to take things all the way back to the basics. I am a HUGE fan of "short boxes" as we call them. Short boxes are just flat ground bullpens, 45-50 feet away, at maybe 60% velocity. During these, the sole focus is mechanical work, repeating pitch consistency and honing in on issues that need to be dealt with. I throw short boxes every day I am not going to be pitching live off a mound, including days in which I long toss. I believe that these are crucial for mechanical development and overall success.
When discussing the front side glove action, I believe that you can't neglect the other aspects of throwing a pitch either. As I've stated, the way to generate the most velocity is to use all of the energy in your body and generate 100% of that towards home plate. Any excess motion in any other direction would be detrimental to the throwing process. For the sake of this thread, let's fast forward the mechanics to the balance point.
The above two pictures are at relatively the same time in the pitching motion. At this point, the body begins to transfer all of the energy. Note: It is a fallacy that the weight transfer occurs from the back leg to the front leg. The weight should always be generally in the middle of the body. I always tell kids "your weight should be in a straight line from the ground, up through your you-know-what, to your belly button, to the top of your head". The differential in weight transfer occurs by taking the middle of your torso...your hips...and beginning to move your entire body forward. The same concept applies to hitting. Some say "transfer the weight from the back foot to the front foot". But wouldn't hitters consider this lunging? I'm pretty sure Albert Pujols never hits a ball off his front knee. And I'm pretty sure Roy Halladay never throws a ball off his front knee.
The above picture is when the body exits the balance point position and begins to descend towards home plate. This is where BOF's mention of the "open door" swinging of the leg comes in. If the front foot flies out towards 3B (for righties) or 1B (for lefties), that is causing excess longititudinal movement. From the balance point, take your foot straight back down towards the ground, and then out towards home plate.
Another thing I'd like to point out is that the foot should not lead the body towards the plate. The hips are the strongest part of a pitcher's body and the most important aspect of generating torque, which results in velocity. So, therefore, the hips lead the motion. My pitching coach always says "throw your butt at the plate." He doesn't mean this in a literally sense, but the concept is to help keep your hips closed off and leading towards your destination.
Once your hips lead your body, then the glove arm becomes a factor. If you've accomplished the lower body aspect of the pitching motion, then the rest, in my opinion, is easier. The hips are what drives the torso towards home plate, and the glove arm is what helps the throwing arm follow in suit. The concept of pointing your glove at your target is a bit much, in my opinion, and rather old school. I have always been taught to keep your thumb down, and point your elbow at the target. Once your front foot is planted and you have followed suit with the lead elbow/thumb down concept, you should be just about ready to release the ball.
Note: Many instructors believe that an "inverted W" is the proper way to set your mechanics at this point. However, I believe that the immense torque created on the throwing elbow in this short amount of time causes many to be destined to injury (Ie: Mark Prior, Stephen Strasburg). In my opinion, your arms should form a shape that almost looks like half of a Nazi symbol, with the throwing arm at a 90 degree angle towards the sky, shoulders perpendicular, and the glove arm at a 90 degree angle towards the ground (with the thumb down still, of course).
The above picture is the point in the motion after the "half Nazi symbol" has been formed, and I am now reaching into the actual act of throwing the ball. Notice that the thumb is starting to rotate, like BOF said.
The above photo is just before release. Notice that the glove, which was once thumb-down facing the ground, is now driven into the chest. The torque in which you can open up your hips, combined with the torque that you can use your elbow to drive your lead arm back into this area, will generate velocity. The counter-acting motion of the hips moving forward and the front arm moving backwards is what many people refer to as "getting over the front side." When I teach lessons, I use this analogy: Pretend a person is riding a bike, and they come to a 3 foot high wall. They don't see the wall, and crash into it. What happens? Well, the wall stops their movement, causing the bike to stop. But they continue to move and will go flying over the wall. Relating this to pitching in a metaphorical sense, the wall is your front leg, the bike is your hips and the person falling off the bike is your upper body.
When I am teaching a lesson or when I notice a mechanical flaw on myself while throwing, I like to take things all the way back to the basics. I am a HUGE fan of "short boxes" as we call them. Short boxes are just flat ground bullpens, 45-50 feet away, at maybe 60% velocity. During these, the sole focus is mechanical work, repeating pitch consistency and honing in on issues that need to be dealt with. I throw short boxes every day I am not going to be pitching live off a mound, including days in which I long toss. I believe that these are crucial for mechanical development and overall success.
When discussing the front side glove action, I believe that you can't neglect the other aspects of throwing a pitch either. As I've stated, the way to generate the most velocity is to use all of the energy in your body and generate 100% of that towards home plate. Any excess motion in any other direction would be detrimental to the throwing process. For the sake of this thread, let's fast forward the mechanics to the balance point.
The above two pictures are at relatively the same time in the pitching motion. At this point, the body begins to transfer all of the energy. Note: It is a fallacy that the weight transfer occurs from the back leg to the front leg. The weight should always be generally in the middle of the body. I always tell kids "your weight should be in a straight line from the ground, up through your you-know-what, to your belly button, to the top of your head". The differential in weight transfer occurs by taking the middle of your torso...your hips...and beginning to move your entire body forward. The same concept applies to hitting. Some say "transfer the weight from the back foot to the front foot". But wouldn't hitters consider this lunging? I'm pretty sure Albert Pujols never hits a ball off his front knee. And I'm pretty sure Roy Halladay never throws a ball off his front knee.
The above picture is when the body exits the balance point position and begins to descend towards home plate. This is where BOF's mention of the "open door" swinging of the leg comes in. If the front foot flies out towards 3B (for righties) or 1B (for lefties), that is causing excess longititudinal movement. From the balance point, take your foot straight back down towards the ground, and then out towards home plate.
Another thing I'd like to point out is that the foot should not lead the body towards the plate. The hips are the strongest part of a pitcher's body and the most important aspect of generating torque, which results in velocity. So, therefore, the hips lead the motion. My pitching coach always says "throw your butt at the plate." He doesn't mean this in a literally sense, but the concept is to help keep your hips closed off and leading towards your destination.
Once your hips lead your body, then the glove arm becomes a factor. If you've accomplished the lower body aspect of the pitching motion, then the rest, in my opinion, is easier. The hips are what drives the torso towards home plate, and the glove arm is what helps the throwing arm follow in suit. The concept of pointing your glove at your target is a bit much, in my opinion, and rather old school. I have always been taught to keep your thumb down, and point your elbow at the target. Once your front foot is planted and you have followed suit with the lead elbow/thumb down concept, you should be just about ready to release the ball.
Note: Many instructors believe that an "inverted W" is the proper way to set your mechanics at this point. However, I believe that the immense torque created on the throwing elbow in this short amount of time causes many to be destined to injury (Ie: Mark Prior, Stephen Strasburg). In my opinion, your arms should form a shape that almost looks like half of a Nazi symbol, with the throwing arm at a 90 degree angle towards the sky, shoulders perpendicular, and the glove arm at a 90 degree angle towards the ground (with the thumb down still, of course).
The above picture is the point in the motion after the "half Nazi symbol" has been formed, and I am now reaching into the actual act of throwing the ball. Notice that the thumb is starting to rotate, like BOF said.
The above photo is just before release. Notice that the glove, which was once thumb-down facing the ground, is now driven into the chest. The torque in which you can open up your hips, combined with the torque that you can use your elbow to drive your lead arm back into this area, will generate velocity. The counter-acting motion of the hips moving forward and the front arm moving backwards is what many people refer to as "getting over the front side." When I teach lessons, I use this analogy: Pretend a person is riding a bike, and they come to a 3 foot high wall. They don't see the wall, and crash into it. What happens? Well, the wall stops their movement, causing the bike to stop. But they continue to move and will go flying over the wall. Relating this to pitching in a metaphorical sense, the wall is your front leg, the bike is your hips and the person falling off the bike is your upper body.
jh: 
Nice stuff!
Nice stuff!
quote:Some say "transfer the weight from the back foot to the front foot". But wouldn't hitters consider this lunging? I'm pretty sure Albert Pujols never hits a ball off his front knee.
hmmm... MLB hitters transfer all the weight to their front foot/leg. The tip of their back toe is all that's usually touching at contact. Here's Albert.
J H,
I enjoyed your mechanics breakdown, very nice. It's been said in the past that you have the makings to be a fine writer, and I agree. But you'd probably be a pretty darn good coach/teacher if you choose to go that path.
I enjoyed your mechanics breakdown, very nice. It's been said in the past that you have the makings to be a fine writer, and I agree. But you'd probably be a pretty darn good coach/teacher if you choose to go that path.
SultanofSwat- So you are saying that his weight isn't in the middle of his body here, but it's out in front of his front foot?
Or this guy...
I might be nitpicking, but I believe the weight distribution in a swing lies in the core of the hitter's body and not through the outer extremities. The farther away you get from the middle of the body, the less strength a person has. That's probably why people can squat more than they can curl in the gym.
I was referring more to something like this...
To get back to the pitching mechanics aspect of things, just to reiterate the point, I called a few friends and had me send pictures of themselves to me. Here's a friend of mine at the point that I referred to as half a Nazi symbol...
Here's the same friend helping demonstrate how the front side of the lower body properly correlates with the front side of the upper body to generate full 100% energy torque towards home plate...
This next friend has the strongest front side I've ever seen. It's incredible to me the amount of torque he can produce and remain balanced and generate the amount of velocity and control he can during the game. Here, he is demonstrating the bike-over-the-wall example very well, with his body from the hips down stopping and the upper body forcefully continuing over the top upon release.
Now, if only Google Images didn't exist and I actually called these guys friends, I might have something going
This next clip is actually something I've had saved on my computer for quite some time. For those of you who don't know bbscout, he used to post on these boards for quite some time. Unfortunately, bbscout passed away a few years ago, but not before he could share his immense wealth of information with us here in the HSBBWeb world. He was very instrumental in the development, scouting, and eventual signing of an undersized RHP from Las Vegas. The following clip is a pitch that this young man threw during a bullpen session in 1981.
Obviously bbscout was onto something because the following summer Greg Maddux signed with the Cubs and went on to win 355 games in the Majors
Or this guy...
I might be nitpicking, but I believe the weight distribution in a swing lies in the core of the hitter's body and not through the outer extremities. The farther away you get from the middle of the body, the less strength a person has. That's probably why people can squat more than they can curl in the gym.
I was referring more to something like this...
To get back to the pitching mechanics aspect of things, just to reiterate the point, I called a few friends and had me send pictures of themselves to me. Here's a friend of mine at the point that I referred to as half a Nazi symbol...
Here's the same friend helping demonstrate how the front side of the lower body properly correlates with the front side of the upper body to generate full 100% energy torque towards home plate...
This next friend has the strongest front side I've ever seen. It's incredible to me the amount of torque he can produce and remain balanced and generate the amount of velocity and control he can during the game. Here, he is demonstrating the bike-over-the-wall example very well, with his body from the hips down stopping and the upper body forcefully continuing over the top upon release.
Now, if only Google Images didn't exist and I actually called these guys friends, I might have something going
This next clip is actually something I've had saved on my computer for quite some time. For those of you who don't know bbscout, he used to post on these boards for quite some time. Unfortunately, bbscout passed away a few years ago, but not before he could share his immense wealth of information with us here in the HSBBWeb world. He was very instrumental in the development, scouting, and eventual signing of an undersized RHP from Las Vegas. The following clip is a pitch that this young man threw during a bullpen session in 1981.
Obviously bbscout was onto something because the following summer Greg Maddux signed with the Cubs and went on to win 355 games in the Majors
Thanks J H and BOF.
quote:Originally posted by J H:
SultanofSwat- So you are saying that his weight isn't in the middle of his body here, but it's out in front of his front foot?
I'm pretty sure you know exactly what I said. Good luck.
JH,
Thanks for great images and info. A few follow questions...
At release, spine angle of Lee and Lincicum are tilted toward glove side where as you and Maddux are almost facing straight toward home with little sideways tilt. What are your thoughts on any pros or cons? Son tilts more than I'd like but not sure if an adjustment is the right direction.
Lincicum lands on (or posts against) a firm, straight front leg while you and Maddux land on a soft bent front. What are your thoughts of pros & cons there?
Thanks for great images and info. A few follow questions...
At release, spine angle of Lee and Lincicum are tilted toward glove side where as you and Maddux are almost facing straight toward home with little sideways tilt. What are your thoughts on any pros or cons? Son tilts more than I'd like but not sure if an adjustment is the right direction.
Lincicum lands on (or posts against) a firm, straight front leg while you and Maddux land on a soft bent front. What are your thoughts of pros & cons there?
quote:I have been pondering this... Why do we think the foot should be in the center (front leg is bent at a weird angle, and the ball exits 3 feet to the right)? Why not land with the axis in the center (less throwing across the body)? Or even land with the throwing arm in the center (the ball exits on line but the hips are more open)?
I'll explain using RHP mechanics.
If the right/post foot is centered on the rubber and the left foot lands on the imaginary line to the back point of home plate, then the axis (which I take it you mean to be the imaginary line or "pole" running through the middle of the head and down through the trunk behind the sternum and the belly button) will be on that same direct line to home plate -- not off to the side. That pole will be moving forward, but it should be on line to the plate.
Once the foot lands and you get the full hip turn, with the upper trunk turn immediately following (NOT simultaneous as some mistakenly instruct) and the shoulder turn immediately following that (again NOT simultaneous as some mistakenly instruct), the axis stays on the center line as you develop the rotational whipping action running from the lower body up to the shoulder and out the arm to the ball.
If the left foot lands to the first base side at all, then your line is directed into the left-hand batter's box, and you could expect the ball to head that way. Of course, as soon as that happens, typically you'd see counter-adjustments like arm dragging to get the ball back on line, but that's a "two wrongs (don't) make a right" approach. The ball may be on line, but some of the pitcher's energy is being misdirected to the left, other energy to the right. The overall impact on MPH is greater if all energy is channeling directly on path.
Also, it's hard to maintain consistent control when you're trying to balance two opposing forces from pitch to pitch, as opposed to just staying on line all the time. Pitchers who do not stay on line tend to lose the strike zone sooner than those who do. That's why pitching coaches learn that once a guy starts walking people, you'd best get him out of there because it isn't going to suddenly correct itself. (As opposed to the philosophy of many HS coaches, which is often expressed as, "He's my best guy, let's hope he can work through it," usually followed by a late inning fiasco.)
cabbagedad- Ideally, a direct line towards home plate is desireable. But when it's all said and done, I believe it is nearly impossible to actually accomplish this. Pictures and clips can be deceiving on a site like this because they are hand picked and do not display EVERY aspect of a motion.
Here are some pictures of pitchers who are considered to be some of the best of all time that have some sort of tilt upon release point:
And one of me...
One pitching concept that causes this phenomenon to be quite contradictory is the concept that pitchers must throw with their elbow in line with or above their shoulder. This makes it literally impossible to keep your upper torso completely symmetrical when going towards home plate. It is taught more of a concept when going through a mechanical breakdown, and less of a truthfulness.
cabbagedad- I don't know how much tilt your son has but in my opinion it has a lot to do with his motion getting him to that point of release, and the mechanics of his follow through afterwards. Hope all this helped.
It is very flattering, BTW, that you included my name in the same sentence as Maddux, Lincecum and Lee.
Here are some pictures of pitchers who are considered to be some of the best of all time that have some sort of tilt upon release point:
And one of me...
One pitching concept that causes this phenomenon to be quite contradictory is the concept that pitchers must throw with their elbow in line with or above their shoulder. This makes it literally impossible to keep your upper torso completely symmetrical when going towards home plate. It is taught more of a concept when going through a mechanical breakdown, and less of a truthfulness.
cabbagedad- I don't know how much tilt your son has but in my opinion it has a lot to do with his motion getting him to that point of release, and the mechanics of his follow through afterwards. Hope all this helped.
It is very flattering, BTW, that you included my name in the same sentence as Maddux, Lincecum and Lee.
quote:Originally posted by cabbagedad:
JH,
Thanks for great images and info. A few follow questions...
At release, spine angle of Lee and Lincicum are tilted toward glove side where as you and Maddux are almost facing straight toward home with little sideways tilt. What are your thoughts on any pros or cons? Son tilts more than I'd like but not sure if an adjustment is the right direction.
Lincicum lands on (or posts against) a firm, straight front leg while you and Maddux land on a soft bent front. What are your thoughts of pros & cons there?
Here is what I know on the matter-
Spine tilt, or angle of the torso should always be at a 90 angle of the arm slot at the moment of release. Draw a line from the arm outstretched to the axis of the torso- a 90 degree angle is what is wanted. Arm slot is determined by tilt of the torso.-
http://www.facebook.com/photo....2&id=100000546456303
Thanks JH and Gingerbread.
JH, I'd like to send a few pics but still can't figure out how on this site.
Also, I'd still like to hear your thoughts on the firm front leg vs. soft bent.
JH, I'd like to send a few pics but still can't figure out how on this site.
Also, I'd still like to hear your thoughts on the firm front leg vs. soft bent.
The way I uploaded pictures was to make a Photobucket account and then copy the Image URL into my post.
In terms of the front leg, I don't really have a particular preference. From my experience, everyone has a tense front leg upon release. I don't know how much the extent of the knee bend really matters, but I can say that I don't believe there is anyone that actually throws a ball upon release and has their front knee completely locked. That would prohibit the rotation of the arm coming through the zone of release from getting to it's maximized velocity. My knee does lock once I have released the ball and have started my follow through, but not until after the ball is out of my hand. I don't have too much knowledge on this, and I am heading to campus now for my practice. But I'd be glad to ask around to some of my teammates while I'm there and do some research on my own after practice is done and try to help you out. And if anyone else here has a better gauge of the differences, I'd encourage them to chime in as well. As I stated, I am no expert, just a college pitcher who is somewhat of a perfectionist.
In terms of the front leg, I don't really have a particular preference. From my experience, everyone has a tense front leg upon release. I don't know how much the extent of the knee bend really matters, but I can say that I don't believe there is anyone that actually throws a ball upon release and has their front knee completely locked. That would prohibit the rotation of the arm coming through the zone of release from getting to it's maximized velocity. My knee does lock once I have released the ball and have started my follow through, but not until after the ball is out of my hand. I don't have too much knowledge on this, and I am heading to campus now for my practice. But I'd be glad to ask around to some of my teammates while I'm there and do some research on my own after practice is done and try to help you out. And if anyone else here has a better gauge of the differences, I'd encourage them to chime in as well. As I stated, I am no expert, just a college pitcher who is somewhat of a perfectionist.
JH: i like the bike into the wall analogy. My guys are going to hear that one a few times. thx
quote:
Originally posted by J H:
I am no expert, just a college pitcher who is somewhat of a perfectionist.
JH, you young man are a credit to your age. A wordsmith that not only plays baseball, happens to play the ONE position that Ive always thought were head cases (my son is one also), and can explain HOW to pitch mechanically sound like no other Ive ever read.
Your description earlier was well said and your follow-up with pictures was spot on.
Good job once again young man.
YGD
cabbagedad- I watched some of our guys throw bullpens today and I've looked up some stuff on the front leg analysis you were looking for. I haven't found a definite answer from any of the Internet sources I read, but I have kind of come to my own conclusion on this topic.
The two pitchers you've mentioned, Lincecum and Lee, have very firm front sides as you said. However, their legs are not completely locked. From what I can tell, it is not possible to throw a baseball and properly stay balanced during release with a completely locked front leg. If your front leg is locked, you are relying on the tendons, ligaments and tissue inside of your knee to balance the force of your body coming forward. The locking of a joint disables any muscular extension whatsoever. For example, my strength and conditioning coaches always tell us to never lock up when we are squatting or deadlifting, because it relieves the muscles of the pressure of the weight. Not only do we want the muscles doing the work because they are stronger than the ligaments, tendons and tissue around your joints, but the force of a person's entire body coming forward would probably be too much for the knee to handle and I would assume would cause injury.
After release, I believe everyone locks their knee because that helps the body come to a stop. Throwing a baseball is a violent and unnatural movement that is very stressful on many parts of the body. If you said to scientist who has never had any experience with the game "you need to generate enough force to consistently throw a baseball 90 mph+ and then suddenly stopping your body on a dime", they'd probably say that is nearly physically impossible. That's part of the reason why there's so few that can do it, and quite simply, they are athletic freaks of nature.
I've highlighted this in the following two pictures:
Lincecum and Lee's front sides are both very firm and stiff, as you noted, but are not completely locked off. I don't really see too much of a difference in terms of the angle at which they are bent in any of the examples, with the exception of the clip and picture of Maddux. Koufax, Gibson, Lee, Lincecum and myself (thrown in the sentence just because the examples have been shown, by no means am I comparing myself to the noted pitchers) don't really have too much difference in the angle at which our legs are bent. Am I saying Maddux is mechanically wrong? No, absolutely not. What works for some may not work for others...and it most certainly works for him. Pitchers are not robots, and they need to know their bodies and what makes them successful. But in conclusion to what I've seen thus far in researching this issue, the front side's bend is a necessity in generating velocity and helping to avoid injury. The correct angle could be another topic for conversation.
YGD- Thanks for the praise. I have never been the type of pitcher to go out there and blow people away with heat, so I've learned how to be successful with what I have. During the process, I've become somewhat of a student of the game. I think anyone can delve into mechanics if they gave it a shot, I have just found examples that work for me and I am able to share that information as best I can.
I think it is equally important as an instructor/coach/student of the game to realize that your opinion or your view is not always 100% right. There are constant ways to readjust your approach to the game and I truly believe that you can NEVER stop learning. A lot of what I have learned has been through observation. I enjoy sitting down at a game and watching how hitters react to pitches, seeing how pitchers approach at bats, trying to read tendencies hitters might tip off. I love having conversations with scouts and coaches and finding out what they think. I love seeing how a shortstop reacts to a groundball, or the jump a right fielder can get on a pop up. Many times, learning the game is about being invisible... and taking everything in...rather than being in the forefront of the action. The game isn't always glamorous, but I truly believe that it is always beautiful.
The two pitchers you've mentioned, Lincecum and Lee, have very firm front sides as you said. However, their legs are not completely locked. From what I can tell, it is not possible to throw a baseball and properly stay balanced during release with a completely locked front leg. If your front leg is locked, you are relying on the tendons, ligaments and tissue inside of your knee to balance the force of your body coming forward. The locking of a joint disables any muscular extension whatsoever. For example, my strength and conditioning coaches always tell us to never lock up when we are squatting or deadlifting, because it relieves the muscles of the pressure of the weight. Not only do we want the muscles doing the work because they are stronger than the ligaments, tendons and tissue around your joints, but the force of a person's entire body coming forward would probably be too much for the knee to handle and I would assume would cause injury.
After release, I believe everyone locks their knee because that helps the body come to a stop. Throwing a baseball is a violent and unnatural movement that is very stressful on many parts of the body. If you said to scientist who has never had any experience with the game "you need to generate enough force to consistently throw a baseball 90 mph+ and then suddenly stopping your body on a dime", they'd probably say that is nearly physically impossible. That's part of the reason why there's so few that can do it, and quite simply, they are athletic freaks of nature.
I've highlighted this in the following two pictures:
Lincecum and Lee's front sides are both very firm and stiff, as you noted, but are not completely locked off. I don't really see too much of a difference in terms of the angle at which they are bent in any of the examples, with the exception of the clip and picture of Maddux. Koufax, Gibson, Lee, Lincecum and myself (thrown in the sentence just because the examples have been shown, by no means am I comparing myself to the noted pitchers) don't really have too much difference in the angle at which our legs are bent. Am I saying Maddux is mechanically wrong? No, absolutely not. What works for some may not work for others...and it most certainly works for him. Pitchers are not robots, and they need to know their bodies and what makes them successful. But in conclusion to what I've seen thus far in researching this issue, the front side's bend is a necessity in generating velocity and helping to avoid injury. The correct angle could be another topic for conversation.
YGD- Thanks for the praise. I have never been the type of pitcher to go out there and blow people away with heat, so I've learned how to be successful with what I have. During the process, I've become somewhat of a student of the game. I think anyone can delve into mechanics if they gave it a shot, I have just found examples that work for me and I am able to share that information as best I can.
I think it is equally important as an instructor/coach/student of the game to realize that your opinion or your view is not always 100% right. There are constant ways to readjust your approach to the game and I truly believe that you can NEVER stop learning. A lot of what I have learned has been through observation. I enjoy sitting down at a game and watching how hitters react to pitches, seeing how pitchers approach at bats, trying to read tendencies hitters might tip off. I love having conversations with scouts and coaches and finding out what they think. I love seeing how a shortstop reacts to a groundball, or the jump a right fielder can get on a pop up. Many times, learning the game is about being invisible... and taking everything in...rather than being in the forefront of the action. The game isn't always glamorous, but I truly believe that it is always beautiful.
JH,
I really appreciate the time and thought you put into this. Very helpful. My son is a LHP and I think has some similarities in stlye except the aforementioned tilt. I think you speak to things in a way he will understand and relate to and the visuals will be very helpful to him.
I'll try to get some pics up later if you don't mind taking a look.
Bama92,
Apologies for sort of hijacking your thread.. hopefully you are benefiting from this additional info as well.
I really appreciate the time and thought you put into this. Very helpful. My son is a LHP and I think has some similarities in stlye except the aforementioned tilt. I think you speak to things in a way he will understand and relate to and the visuals will be very helpful to him.
I'll try to get some pics up later if you don't mind taking a look.
Bama92,
Apologies for sort of hijacking your thread.. hopefully you are benefiting from this additional info as well.
cabbagedad- No problem. I get frustrated with all the scientific and medical stuff that a lot of the "experts" throw out there. I'm not sure if they think I'll understand it or if they are just doing it to make them sound smart. I don't like people trying to teach me things and then me having to go look up what they're talking about. I like relating things that make sense to me, and being that I'm 20 years old, most of the things that apply to my life are things like bike rides, like I talked about. Wait til I get into discussing the mental aspect of pitching...a lot of those comparisons have to do with partying and girls (probably drives my parents and my girlfriend crazy)...but it makes sense to me.
PM me if you'd like to keep it private, or feel free to post stuff here.
PM me if you'd like to keep it private, or feel free to post stuff here.
jmp,
You have been given some very sound advice. As I watch your son, I love his tempo and body control. He repeats his delivery very well. Yes, he will benefit from keeping the front shoulder closed and traveling to the glove rather than pulling the glove in. Someone else asked for a good way to achieve this goal. I have found that by having my pitchers keep their elbow pointing to their target as long as possible they are able to achieve this. I tell them to try to point it until they can't any more. If they focus on the pitching hand getting to the target and keeping the shoulder closed, they usually get it. I also noticed that his step back is very large and to the side. This causes his balance to shift toward first base, then to third, then to the plate. He maintains his balance well, but could run into trouble as he tires in a game.
You have been given some very sound advice. As I watch your son, I love his tempo and body control. He repeats his delivery very well. Yes, he will benefit from keeping the front shoulder closed and traveling to the glove rather than pulling the glove in. Someone else asked for a good way to achieve this goal. I have found that by having my pitchers keep their elbow pointing to their target as long as possible they are able to achieve this. I tell them to try to point it until they can't any more. If they focus on the pitching hand getting to the target and keeping the shoulder closed, they usually get it. I also noticed that his step back is very large and to the side. This causes his balance to shift toward first base, then to third, then to the plate. He maintains his balance well, but could run into trouble as he tires in a game.
JH please let us know when you write your first book! In the meantime, you have the makings of a very good college paper right in this thread.
OK, JH,
Here's a few shots of Cabbage... two similar shots show varying degrees of tilt at release.
Any feedback is welcome.
Let me know if you can't view images. I'm learning
cabbage
Here's a few shots of Cabbage... two similar shots show varying degrees of tilt at release.
Any feedback is welcome.
Let me know if you can't view images. I'm learning
cabbage
cabbagedad- For future reference, if you scroll over the picture on your Photobucket account and copy the "IMG code" into your post here, it will display the picture as is, like I did previously.
It is tough for me to delve into the mechanics of a pitcher I have never seen before without any video, and it is especially difficult to touch on the issue of tilt when relating to pictures that aren't at the point of release. But I will try to assist in any way I can and hopefully it will make sense.
From what I can tell from the pictures, your son's first issue is here:
It is difficult for me to completely tell due to the angle (more desireable would be from 1B) but from the looks of it, it seems that your son's foot is leading his body towards home plate. This is an extremely common occurence with pitchers and one that I feel is a fairly easy fix. Ideally, a pitcher should lead with the strongest part of his body towards the plate, with that being his core. As I stated, what works for me is my pitching coach saying "throw your butt at the plate". If your hips can lead your body towards the plate, then everything will fall into place in unison afterwards. By the foot leading to the plate, it causes the rest of the body to be left behind and therefore have to compensate.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but your son has probably had instruction in the past to stride as far as possible when he pitches. A lengthy stride is certainly not a bad thing, but it is certainly not the most important aspect of generating a healthy delivery with good velocity. It seems as if your son's foot lead is probably a direct result of his attempt to get his front leg out with some length, like he has been taught in the past. If this is the case, it has been somewhat detrimental to some of the rest of his pitching process (not knocking any instructors specifically, but I know first hand that some can be very one-dimensional in their ways).
As a drill, try to have him shorten his stride length to maybe 60% of what he is comfortable doing. While doing this drill, have him abnormally extend outwards with his hips, to the point where it feels like he is going to fall over. First start this out on flat ground (to make sure he doesn't actually tip over and fall flat on his face), and then work your way up to the mound. This should help place his mechanics into a more sound place. This drill is NOT a throwing drill, and does not require a ball. It is strictly dry and mechanical, and is purposely exaggerated in hopes to try to hone in on some sort of muscle memory.
The tilt of your son's shoulders I don't believe is too much of an issue, but I do believe that there is too much lateral separation between his lead elbow and his lead leg here:
As I stated before, the body seemingly has to compensate by attempting to rush into a throwing position because the front foot is already planted without the hips in place. At this point in his motion, I think his chest should be more out in front of his body and closer to the plate, similar to Maddux and Koufax in the pictures I posted previously. I do believe the causation of this occurence is directly related to his lower body timing, and as I said, could be an easy fix.
From what I can see in the few pictures you've posted, your son overall is sound with a few mechanical flaws. If he fixes these few issues, I think you could find him throwing a bit harder, a bit more consistent around the zone, having a bit more stamina and probably a little less likely to have arm injuries in the future. There are many things I believe he could make minor adjustments on from what I've seen also, such as the timing of his scapular loading (that's shoulders, a whole nother topic of conversation I'd be more than happy to get into). If you could provide more pictures that would be great, and a video would be absolutely ideal (the best way to shoot a video would be from the catcher's angle, from the angle of 2B and from the angle of 1B. This is what I did when I made a video back in high school to assist in recruiting).
If any of this didn't make sense to you or your son, please let me know. I'll try as best I can to find some more pictures and create more of a visually comparative description, or shoot a video myself if necessary.
It is tough for me to delve into the mechanics of a pitcher I have never seen before without any video, and it is especially difficult to touch on the issue of tilt when relating to pictures that aren't at the point of release. But I will try to assist in any way I can and hopefully it will make sense.
From what I can tell from the pictures, your son's first issue is here:
It is difficult for me to completely tell due to the angle (more desireable would be from 1B) but from the looks of it, it seems that your son's foot is leading his body towards home plate. This is an extremely common occurence with pitchers and one that I feel is a fairly easy fix. Ideally, a pitcher should lead with the strongest part of his body towards the plate, with that being his core. As I stated, what works for me is my pitching coach saying "throw your butt at the plate". If your hips can lead your body towards the plate, then everything will fall into place in unison afterwards. By the foot leading to the plate, it causes the rest of the body to be left behind and therefore have to compensate.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but your son has probably had instruction in the past to stride as far as possible when he pitches. A lengthy stride is certainly not a bad thing, but it is certainly not the most important aspect of generating a healthy delivery with good velocity. It seems as if your son's foot lead is probably a direct result of his attempt to get his front leg out with some length, like he has been taught in the past. If this is the case, it has been somewhat detrimental to some of the rest of his pitching process (not knocking any instructors specifically, but I know first hand that some can be very one-dimensional in their ways).
As a drill, try to have him shorten his stride length to maybe 60% of what he is comfortable doing. While doing this drill, have him abnormally extend outwards with his hips, to the point where it feels like he is going to fall over. First start this out on flat ground (to make sure he doesn't actually tip over and fall flat on his face), and then work your way up to the mound. This should help place his mechanics into a more sound place. This drill is NOT a throwing drill, and does not require a ball. It is strictly dry and mechanical, and is purposely exaggerated in hopes to try to hone in on some sort of muscle memory.
The tilt of your son's shoulders I don't believe is too much of an issue, but I do believe that there is too much lateral separation between his lead elbow and his lead leg here:
As I stated before, the body seemingly has to compensate by attempting to rush into a throwing position because the front foot is already planted without the hips in place. At this point in his motion, I think his chest should be more out in front of his body and closer to the plate, similar to Maddux and Koufax in the pictures I posted previously. I do believe the causation of this occurence is directly related to his lower body timing, and as I said, could be an easy fix.
From what I can see in the few pictures you've posted, your son overall is sound with a few mechanical flaws. If he fixes these few issues, I think you could find him throwing a bit harder, a bit more consistent around the zone, having a bit more stamina and probably a little less likely to have arm injuries in the future. There are many things I believe he could make minor adjustments on from what I've seen also, such as the timing of his scapular loading (that's shoulders, a whole nother topic of conversation I'd be more than happy to get into). If you could provide more pictures that would be great, and a video would be absolutely ideal (the best way to shoot a video would be from the catcher's angle, from the angle of 2B and from the angle of 1B. This is what I did when I made a video back in high school to assist in recruiting).
If any of this didn't make sense to you or your son, please let me know. I'll try as best I can to find some more pictures and create more of a visually comparative description, or shoot a video myself if necessary.
Seriously - I don't know which impresses me more.....the depth of your knowledge at such a young age or your ability to express those ideas in such an eloquate way.
JH you are truly an amazing young man and have two potential careers ahead of you - coaching or writing.
JH you are truly an amazing young man and have two potential careers ahead of you - coaching or writing.
