The next two steps are more like drills than a natural progression of delivering the pitch, but they have a very important place in the sequence. Step 12

Whip and Follow Through

Have the pitcher hold a T-Ball bat in her right hand. Do step #6 while holding the bat. The bat should be in line with the power line. The bat will make a sound as it cuts through the air. As the bat goes faster, the sound gets louder. Listen for the loudest sound right as the bat is crossing over the toes.

The bat should stay on the power line. The weight of the bat will pull the arm through into a good follow through position.

There are a number of ways to think about getting the bat to have the maximum speed at the very bottom of its arc. One is to have the pitcher imagine that she is going to throw the bat down on the ground directly at her right foot. Another is to make sure that the elbow leads and the flex goes away after the upper arm is straight up and down.

One thing to watch closely for is if the pitcher seems to be pulling the bat through instead of whipping it through. Pulling would be the result of either (or both) straightening the arm too soon or closing the shoulders or hips too soon. The whip should be very fluid and fast and feel natural.

One cautionary note. You might have the pitcher wear a batting helmet.

Go To Step 13