Stretch Delivery

Stretch Delivery

The stretch delivery allows the pitcher to get to the balance point quicker, reducing the overall length of the delivery. It is necessary to pitch from the stretch when runners are on base to keep them from stealing bases uncontested.

"The quicker the delivery from the time the hands come set until the ball is released, the less likely a runner is to steal a base."

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Step 1

Start with the outside of your pivot foot against the front of the rubber

Point your pitching shoulder toward second base

Bring your stride foot in to shoulder width

Rest your joined hands between your waist and chin

Keep the glove vertical and the ball high in it to hide your wrist

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Step 2

Pause for a moment

Lift your non-dominant knee between your waist and chest

Keep it on the inside half of the shoulder

Point your toe downward

Lower your hands to your chest

Keep a firm dominant leg

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Step 3

Break your hands at your chest

Take the ball down out of the glove

Move your leg down, then forward

Swing the ball down to your back thigh, then up behind your body

Raise elbow to shoulder height

Point the ball to 2nd base

Plant the ball of your front foot at a 45° angle

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Step 4

Turn your hips to face the plate

Push with your legs and rotate your shoulders

Bring your pitching arm forward

Keep your elbow at shoulder height

Release the ball with your upper body over and inside your front foot

Let your arm continue down outside the front knee

Step your back leg forward to a square position

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Skills Drills

Balance drill

Start a stretch windup, but pause at the balance point for 3 seconds. Continue and finish, focusing on pushing your body forward. Make sure you stay tall, working from ball of foot to ball of foot. This improves your balance point and stride.

Crow hop drill

Extend your warm-up distance by using the "crow hop" technique. This builds arm strength while improving your pitching mechanics. Standing in the stretch position, step forward with the stride foot. Bring the pivot foot behind the heel of the stride foot. Finish with a normal delivery, working top to bottom, ball of foot to ball of foot. Expand the distance until a "hump" in the throw occurs. Continue to increase by 10-foot increments.

Troubleshooting Tips

Timing

If you are allowing too many stolen bases from the stretch, try varying the amount of time you pause in the set position before resuming the delivery. Pausing similarly on each pitch lets the runner time your motion to get a good jump.

Balance Point

If base runners are still stealing on you easily, you may be taking too long getting to your balance point. Try something quicker, but not at the expense of any part of the delivery after the balance point.

Mechanics, Control and Velocity

Make sure that your stretch delivery is identical to your full delivery from the balance point to follow-through. If not, you could be risking bad mechanics, poor control and reduced velocity.

READ "Change-up basics"

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by
Jon Anderson
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