Step 3

Stride

Start with the feet next to each other with the tips of the shoe on each foot just touching the power line. Note that the left foot is slightly ahead of the right in order to get the toes of both feet on the power line. Move the left foot along the power line until you reach the starting point to step 2, including having the left heel off the ground and continue on to complete step 2.



This seemingly simple step has some things that are very important. After the left foot has gone forward the pitcher needs to be in exactly the starting position for step 2. Most of her weight is centered above the back leg. When the stride is taking place, the head does not move forward any farther than the right knee moves forward, which is just a small amount. The position of the thigh is straight up and down both at the beginning of this step and when she reaches the starting point for step 2. The head will move downward as the right knee flexes.

If the pitcher is having trouble with this part, stop and practice getting from the starting position of step to the starting position of step 2. She should be able to stop at that position and lift up her left foot. You can hold your hand in front of her forehead to make sure the head is not moving forward too much. If you stop at this point to check things, DO NOT continue. Go back and repeat step 3 in its entirety. It is important to get the rhythm of the step, not to treat it as two separate actions. In general that should be how each of the steps is executed, one fluid motion from start to finish. If it is necessary to stop at an intermediate point, that’s fine, but do not continue with the step. Start over.

A very good practice aide for the pitchers for this and many of the steps is a large mirror when she is working at home. Place a horizontal and a vertical strip of making tape on the mirror. For this step the mirror should be in the direction of 3rd base so that she can see a side angle of herself. Other steps are best done facing the mirror. She should look at the level shoulders as well as the head movement.

Go To Step 4