1. Baseball Pitching Motion
A Biomechanical Analysis
By: Cole Stuerke & Tucker Epp

2. OBJECTIVE
The objective of pitching is to throw the ball within a virtual zone called the strike zone, and to prevent the batter from hitting the ball into the field of play and getting on base.

3. the 4 phases of pitching
Wind-up
Early & Late Cocking (Stride)
Acceleration
Deceleration (Follow Through)

4. wind-up Pitch selection and location are determined
Relatively low muscle activity
Frontal & Sagittal Planes
Common Errors:
Poor balance
Premature forward movement
Posterior COG

5. early & late cocking (stride)
Initiated at maximum lead knee height
COG lowered and accelerated toward home plate
Muscles used: gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, deltoid
Frontal & Transverse Planes
Common Errors:
Stride direction
Stride length

6. Early & Late cocking cont’d

7. Video

8. acceleration Initiated at maximum external rotation (MER)
Transverse & Sagittal Planes
Muscles: latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major
Elbow extension, shoulder internal rotation, wrist flexion & pronation, knee extension
Ends at ball release

9. deceleration (follow through)
Sagittal and Transverse Planes
Back foot off ground
Pitcher assumes fielding position
Bicep reaches peak eccentric muscular activity
Ends with maximal dominant shoulder internal rotation

10. Considerations Competition Level Types of Pitches
Professional vs. Amateur
Types of Pitches
Pitch velocity & movement
Slider, fastball, curveball, etc.

11. Summary Complex interaction of body segment movements
Includes many muscle groups
High injury risk due to repetitive nature
Four Phases:
Wind-up
Early & Late Cocking
Acceleration
Deceleration

12. references
Calabrese, G. J. (2013). Pitching mechanics, revisited. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 8(5), Retrieved from
Seroyer, S. T., Nho, S. J., & Romeo, A. A. (2010). The kinetic chain in overhand pitching. Sports Health, 2(2), Retrieved from
Whiteley, R. (2007). Baseball throwing mechanics as they relate to pathology and performance - a review. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 6(1), Retrieved from
Fortenbaugh, D., Fleisig, G. S., & Andrews, J. R. (2009). Baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to injury risk and performance. Sports Health, 1(4), Retrieved from