The Four Fundamentals of the Pitching Motion

In the MLB segment, Joe asks a listener’s question about the relationship of overuse as a youth pitcher and the probability of an adult injury.

In the Teaching Moment, I break the pitching motion down into four fundamental skills and give you some tips on how to view your pitcher ‘s delivery in a simple way.

In the Pearls segment, the topic of returning to pitching after time off is discussed.

Email Angel at [email protected]

Excessive Lateral Trunk Tilt - Risk, Identification, and Correction

To kick off the show in MLB News and Trends, Angel and Joe discuss Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, whose command has been "unKimbrel-like" this season and who recently went on the injured list with an elbow inflammation. Angel explains the connection between an elbow injury and command issues, and what next steps should be for the injured pitcher.

In the Teaching Moment, Angel explains the danger of excessive lateral trunk tilt -- what it is, the risks, how to identify it, what to do about it.

Finally, in the "Pearls," Angel offers exercises to do in the gym that help prevent shoulder injuries.

Triceps Exercises To Help Prevent Shoulder Injuries

1. Decline Skull Crushers (On Decline Bench, with E-Z Curl Bar)
2. Overhead Dumbbell Extension (in Angel's Elbow book and First Pitch Strike Program)
3. Rope Pushdown (with cable)
4. Reverse-grip W-bar Pushdown
5. Reverse-grip single-arm pushdown (straight handle)

If you have any questions about these exercises email Angel at [email protected]

Matt Harvey:The Comeback

In the MLB segment, Joe and I couldn’t help but discuss Matt Harvey, one of our faves. I used Matt’s story to help coaches and teams understand the initial phases of investigation when faced with helping a great pitcher make a successful comeback after experiencing injury after injury. It’s not over until it’s over…and it’s never too late: two philosophies that are ever so important in the career of any pitcher, especially this one.

In the Teaching Moment, I discuss and educate on how the stride-foot contact phase of the pitching motion is defined for purposes of video analysis. With this phase having so many critical features, it is important that you know what to look for and how to see its components.

And in the Pearls segment, I discuss showcases and how to plan ahead and fit them into the fall and winter seasons.

This Week

In the Teaching Moment, I talk about how the stride is initiated, specifically the muscle used and one of the many benefits of using it correctly.

And in the final Pearls segment, I revisit the topic of flat ground throwing programs that are used for returning pitchers to play after injury. After seeing some problematic programs in the last few weeks, I couldn’t wait to address this issue. I call on coaches to intervene and make sure their pitchers’ programs make sense.

Josh Hader article

Click Here for Teaching Moment Video

This Week

In the MLB segment of this podcast, Joe asks if pitchers should ever pitch through pain. Citing Jake Arrieta’s elbow bone spur as an example, we discuss pitchers and their injuries.

In the Teaching Moment, using photos and a video, you will see two strength drills I designed to help pitchers feel the strength needed to offset the forces to the front leg that can cause instability if not understood and strengthened.

And in the Pearls Segment, citing Noah Syndergaard’s most recent release-point issue as an example, I talk about how the hand arrives at the release point and how mechanical flaws can contribute to location issues.

Click Here for Teaching Moment Video

Graph: http://bit.ly/2Sk58j7

http://bit.ly/2WDjxZ8 Code: ELBOW

http://bit.ly/2GG8c4X Code: ROTATION

This Week

The MLB has been experimenting with limiting innings, “deloading” with their Minor Leaguers, data-driven decisions and various other methods to limit injuries and protect our pitchers. And as we know, everything in the MLB has a trickle-down effect to our college, high school and youth pitchers.

In the MLB segment of this podcast, I talk about Jordan Hicks, one of the most gifted pitchers of today. He just had Tommy John last week, in spite of attempts to limit his exposure to injury. I share my perspective on what should happen next for Jordan.

In the Teaching Moment, Joe and I discuss the Texas Rangers’ “deloading” program for their Minor League pitchers and how it backfired (per their own words). I talk about an important take-home message from this experiment.

And in “The Pearl” segment, I unpack a few of the biggest mistakes I have witnessed during these beginning months of the spring/summer season for pitchers. It’s easy to overlook the smallest of details when it comes to the care of the pitcher and I use these mistakes to provide some food-for-thought for your future decisions.

Angel Borrelli Pitching on YouTube