The mechanics of pitching

Abstract

The mechanical aspects of delivering a baseball pitch are presented. To organize the sequence of events involved in pitching, the kinematics are.explained by the phases the pitcher passes through during the delivery. There are four categories of delivering a pitch. Each type of delivery has its own peculiar trunk actions and results in a definite and distinct axis of motion about which the moment arm rotates to provide torque to the pitched ball. Understanding the factors involved in formation of the moment arm and its relationship to the method of delivery enhances the therapist's ability to deal effectively with the total player when treating injuries from pitching or throwing a ball. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1987;9(2):56-69.