Rockers Windmill pitching Coach Joel Munson

Leaper L/R Side leap with glide Rockers Leaper L/R Side leap with glide Drive foot must remain in contact with ground or parallel to ground until ball release Leap will move you closer to batter 1 foot equals 3 mph Drawbacks include: front side lean and not opening all the way

stepper Quick step to open position Rockers stepper Quick step to open position Drive foot must remain in contact with ground or parallel to ground until ball release Step will open you quicker Drawbacks include: smaller “sight picture” and further away from batter

The power line Direct and straight path from drive foot to target Rockers The power line Direct and straight path from drive foot to target Approximately 6 shoe lengths Plant foot lands at a 45 degree angle to the line Arm rotation stays on line Finish on line

Rockers Grip Divide your fingers in thirds, hold the ball with the outer thirds. Four seams generally move more than two seams. Thumb should be opposite the middle finger if hand size permits.

Rockers Wrist snap The Wrist Snap is a firm yet relaxed “flick” of the wrist. The fingers push the ball toward your target. The key to the snap is explosive release. The wrist is relaxed at the beginning of the arm circle rotation, remains relaxed until entry of the release zone which is at the hip. The wrist snap is quick and explosive at this point.

Rockers Arm circle The arm is the lever used to generate speed through the wrist snap. The correct arm motion is a true circle that follows the path of the power line. Start by extending the arm out front and in line with the catcher. The arm swings up passing near the ear and down to the release point near the hip. The arm should be straight and relaxed, do not lock the elbow. When the pitcher extends her arms forward toward the catcher at the beginning of the motion, the ball hand should be either on top of or on the outside of the ball, this should feel natural. Cocking the wrist should not be stressed, because the hand will usually lag behind the arm and cock naturally on the downswing.

stride The stride creates speed and angle of attack. Rockers stride The stride creates speed and angle of attack. Your lead foot should land at a 45 degree angle in a direct line from drive foot to the catcher. Quick, strong, and long stride will generate additional speed and reduce arm fatigue. The stride should be aggressive but controlled along the power line. The arm will follow the legs, quick legs, equals quick arm.

Basic Rules Hands must be apart when taking the pitching plate Rockers Basic Rules Hands must be apart when taking the pitching plate Both feet must be in contact with plate at the start of the pitch You must take, or simulate taking a sign You must bring hands together for at least 1 second but not more than 10 seconds Once hands come together, you must deliver the ball or back off the plate Your hand cannot go directly from mouth to ball

Your feet must remain inside pitching lane Rockers Drive foot must remain in contact with ground or parallel to it until release Your feet must remain inside pitching lane

Rockers Questions?

Practice plan Rockers ODD DAYS Week one w/up 30 reps. wrist snaps w/up 15 reps. K position w/up 15 reps. 40% speed full motion Full 15 reps. Fastball mid Full 15 reps. change up mid Full 15 reps. Drop front Full 15 reps. Rise back 60 per day @ Full peed c/dn 15 reps. 50% speed full motion c/dn 10 overhand light toss

Practice plan II Rockers EVEN DAYS Week one w/up 30 reps. wrist snaps w/up 15 reps. K position w/up 15 reps. 40% speed full motion Knee 15 reps. Fastball mid Knee 15 reps. change up mid Knee 15 reps. Drop front Knee 15 reps. Rise back 60 per day @ knee c/dn 15 reps. 50% speed full motion c/dn 10 overhand light toss

Rockers Drills, drills, drills

The favorites L/R SIDE GLIDE “K” POSITION KNEE HOP,HOP, POP Rockers The favorites L/R SIDE GLIDE “K” POSITION KNEE HOP,HOP, POP LOAD AND EXPLOAD STORK BALANCE BEAM PITCHER TO PITCHER SPEED UNDER LEG SPINS DISTANCE THROWS TARGET CUPS CHINESE JUMP ROPE BATTER IN BOX HAPPY GILMORE EYES CLOSED CANNON BALL

3 critical phases THE DRIVE OFF THE PITCHING RUBBER… “EXPLODE” – Rockers 3 critical phases THE DRIVE OFF THE PITCHING RUBBER… “EXPLODE” – LARGE, TRUE ARM CIRCLE, REACH THROUGH THE BACK SIDE- FINISH TALL WITH GOOD PUSHBACK RESISTANCE –