The Secret to a Proper Leg Left

One of the best things you can do to create proper pitching mechanics on the mound is to begin with creating torque in your leg lift.  Before I explain how to accomplish this, it's important to understand what I mean by creating torque on the mound.  

Torque is using your lower body in such a manner that it propels and whips your upper body and arm towards home plate.  Many pitchers are unfortunately unaware of this and consequently don't work on the pitching mechanics to accomplish torque.  Let me illustrate the concept of torque.  Most of us have spent time on a tire swing on the playground at some point in our lives.  You know the routine.  A kid sits in the hole of a tire suspended by a rope or chain from a beam above.  His buddies spin him around until the chain has coiled tightly.  Then, they stand back and watch the student unwind for a half dozen turns before he begins to slow down.  This is torque.  A force that is bound up and released at the precise time to create energy.

To create this type of energy as a pitcher it begins with a proper leg lift.  As the leg lifts to a level position (never swinging) it's vital for a pitcher to "close off" the leg to the hitter.  This is done by turning the hips slightly inward.  Be careful that the shoulders don't follow suit or you may be too closed and cause problem later on in your delivery.  The picture to the right illustrated how the leg is closed off and the shoulders are squared up to the hitter. 

Once your pitching mechanics at this stage are correct, you can then lead with your front hip while the angle of your leg stays intact.  Avoid leading your movement towards home plate with your foot.  This will undue any torque you've created.  You can find this step and more in The Pitching Academy's Pitching Mechanics DVD. 

Additional Pitching Links


Pitching Mechanics

Pitching Grips

Pitching Tips

Baseball Drills

Pitching Drills

Baseball Pitching Grips

Baseball Pitching

Pitching Instruction

Pitching Techniques

Pitching Workouts

Baseball Pitches

Pitching Velocity

Pitching

Pitching Lessons

Baseball Pitching Workouts

How to Pitch

How to Throw a Baseball