Tim Lincecum Pitching Articles

Tim Lincecum has made a major impact on pitching mechanics with his explosive and efficient delivery. His father worked with Tim at a very young age using his engineering background to breakdown the pitching delivery of great pitchers to discover the secrets to their movements.
Here are some pitching articles on this important pitching velocity topic. This topic is currently open for discussion. You can either comment on the articles below or start a thread in the pitching forums.
Studies Confirm 9 Components To Increase Pitching Velocity – Baseball America

by Brent Pourciau · February 21, 2013
Finally I got a spread in Baseball America! Seriously, my contacts at Baseball America where nice enough to post the article below for their readers and I wanted to share it with you. If you haven’t bought the March edition I would recommend that you run out and get it because it is AWESOME! Especially page 25
Baseball is America’s past time and because of this it is plagued by conventional wisdom. The movie, Moneyball is the perfect example of how this conventional wisdom has created an environment, in the recruiting process of a Major League organization, where the lower budget teams ability to compete against the big money teams is almost impossible. Until the likes of Billy Beane challenged the system, with an out of the box low budget approach, these big money teams always had an unfair advantage. Read more
Top 10 Requirements To Throwing A Fastball 90 MPH

by Brent Pourciau · June 14, 2012
Everyone wants to throw a fastball 90 mph but only a rare few can do it. Some who can do it also want the ability to do it every pitch. The problem is most pitchers have very little understanding of the requirements to throwing a fastball 90 mph. This article will cover the top 10 requirements to throwing a fastball 90 mph.
This information is based on my own experience accomplishing this feat in my career after rotator cuff surgery when Doctors said I would never play again, coaching many pitchers to reach the 90 mph mark, case study after case study proving the science behind the 90 mph fastball and countless hours of studying high velocity pitchers in slow motion video analysis. The Pitching Articles on this site reference these resources. Read more
Study Proves Long Strides Increase Pitching Speeds

by Brent Pourciau · March 27, 2012
The mechanics of a power pitcher like with Aroldis Chapman, Trevor Bauer, Jason Motte or Tim Lincecum are very similar to the mechanics of Olympic Sprinters like Jeremy Wariner or Usain Bolt. You can learn more about this pitching speed theory in the article, The Phenomenon of Speed Mechanics.
The article talks about the importance of accelerating speed through the pitching delivery to increase pitching velocity. If speed is accelerated through the kinetic chain first as momentum and then converted into rotational forces, there is a strong possibility that a pitcher has reached his top velocity. The article talks about the theory of Speed Mechanics as extremely effective when used with the mechanics of 3X Pitching. Read more
Arm Path And Pitching Velocity

by Brent Pourciau · August 24, 2011
There is one “Arm Path” to pitching velocity that all high velocity pitchers take. This “Arm Path” begins not where conventional wisdom would believe, which is after hand break, but in the cocked position at front foot strike. The funky delivery here of Zach Outman is a great example of how the “Arm Path” of the high velocity pitcher works. What makes his pitching delivery so different is because he starts his delivery with his arms above his head instead of the conventional way, which is in the glove below the head. This out of the box approach makes it easier for him to get his throwing arm into the prefect cocked position at front foot strike, so he can generate his top velocity. Read more
The John Madden Of Pitching Instruction

by Brent Pourciau · July 11, 2011
The more and more I read the information coming from another online pitching coach, who I will refer to as DM to avoid naming names, the more he reminds me of John Madden. You know when John Madden makes those quotes during Monday night football that make you wonder if he is totally aware of what he just said? I get this feeling with DM a lot.
For example, I just read his last email because I am on his subscriber list which means I get an email a day. The email was titled, “Does strength training really increase velocity? This study provides the proof.” He goes on to fumble around and say,”Velocity comes mainly from the forces produced that allow the trunk to rotate and flex forward fast and powerfully…..Weight training will mostly waste valuable time.” I would like to ask DM, but he doesn’t allow commenting on his website, so you are saying that using weight training to increase your bodies ability to produce force or power, is a waste of time? What? DM, are you actually reading what you are writing? He continues on in the email to make a serious bogus claim. Read more
The Tim Lincecum Trap

by Brent Pourciau · June 4, 2011
The Tim Lincecum Trap is out and I am hearing some buzz about his career going around online. I am hearing some of his critiques are making claims that Lincecum is doomed. In his defense, I would have to say that if his career is doomed then he still probably is a candidate for the Hall of Fame. He has 2 Cy Young Awards and a World Series Ring. Nolan Ryan doesn’t even have that!
Who cares if his career is doomed, I mean don’t get me wrong, I don’t see it but who really cares. He has made a major impact on this game. How many young pitchers out there were inspired by this little Giant? How many young pitchers copied his delivery and benefited from the results? How many young pitchers, who wanted to give up because they thought they couldn’t do it because of their size, pushed even harder when they saw Lincecum dominating in the MLB? Tim Lincecum has changed the game and it has been for the better! Read more
3X Force Production Is The Driving Force Behind Velocity

by Brent Pourciau · March 30, 2011
If you have not purchased the 3X Pitching Velocity Program, then let me tell you what you are missing out on. High velocity pitchers generate more force production through triple extension during the stride phase of the delivery. Pitchers like Tim Lincecum and Aroldis Chapman have stride lengths around 7.5 feet and stride speeds of around .6 seconds. Chapman is considered the hardest thrower in the league because of out of 25 pitches in a 2010 game, he threw everyone over 100 MPH.
To understand how to implement these velocity components into your pitching delivery we must first define these terms. Read more
Pitching Velocity Quick Tip #2

by Brent Pourciau · October 3, 2010
This is the second velocity quick tip of the velocity quick tip series.
This quick tip covers the “Tilt” and how it is a key component to pitchers like Tim Lincecum’s total body mechanics. This tip will help support good hip to shoulder separation. It uses gravity to build more core torque at front foot strike. It is important though that you maintain balance when implementing the “Tilt” into your delivery.
Here is the article I wrote on Tim Lincecum and the Tilt to learn more about the effects of this key component of velocity.
These tips all are covered in depth in the Ace Pitcher Handbook and the 3X Velocity Camp Instruction Videos. If you are looking for velocity drills to help you become more total body in your pitching mechanics then you must consider purchasing this information.
If you have any questions please post your comments below.
Top Velocities Ever Recorded

by Brent Pourciau · July 15, 2010
This information is taken from efastball.com. To read the entire article visit efastball.com
The question of which pitcher throws the hardest has been one of the most hotly debated questions in all of sports. For the first time, we now have the missing data required to allow us finally reveal the fastest pitchers ever recorded. Read more
The Phenomenon Of Speed Mechanics!

by Brent Pourciau · January 9, 2010
We have all heard about the importance of momentum in pitching but do we really know what it means and how it works? Pitching velocity is a product of momentum and rotational torque. I believe that top velocity is achieved when both momentum and rotational torque meet. The problem is we all understand rotational forces when throwing but momentum seems to be a lot harder to truly understand and implement into our deliveries. To truly understand momentum, I have coined a new term, along with its description. Read more
Pitching Velocity Mechanics Aka Speed Mechanics

by Brent Pourciau · January 5, 2010
The definition of velocity from the University of Princeton’s website is, “speed: distance travelled per unit time.”
To a scientist this is a “Duh” moment, but to most pitching coaches this is a “What?” moment.
There are not many pitching coaches who would agree with you if you switched the word velocity with speed when talking about pitching mechanics. Read more
The Pitching Key To Torque Is In The “Tilt”

by Brent Pourciau · November 18, 2009
One of the main reasons a pitcher the size of Tim Lincecum, can generate as much pitching velocity as a pitcher as tall as Randy Johnson, is because of core torque. The key to Tim Lincecum’s ability to create optimal torque is in his release point.
Tim has an “Over the top” release point and Randy has a “Sidearm” release point. I am not saying that every pitcher should throw the ball with a higher release point the shorter they are because there are benefits with all arm angles. What I am saying is a higher release point, using total body mechanics, will generate more core torque and in return increase pitching velocity if done correctly. Read more
Pulling Down Is Slowing Down The Pitcher

by Brent Pourciau · October 26, 2009
Many Extreme Long Toss programs use what some call the “Pull down phase.” This is because after throwing the ball 300 feet in an “Air it out” program, they then want you to pull down your delivery so you do not continue to launch the ball high as you move closer to 60 feet. The problem is this goes against the science of pitching velocity.
Pitching velocity is the product of momentum and torque down a mound. You can read countless articles on this site about Momentum and Torque. Pulling the ball down during release prevents early internal rotation which is a key component to pitching velocity as stated in the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) case study called Comparison of High Velocity and Low Velocity Pitch Deliveries. Read more
Take This Pill And Throw 90mph!

by Brent Pourciau · June 17, 2009

Why waste your time and money on pitching coaches and strength and conditioning when you can get all the velocity you want in a pill?
Do you want to know what it is like to throw 90 plus mph?
Do you want to dominate every batter you face?
Do you want to get drafted in the top round and sign for millions?
Then you do not have to wait any longer? All your dreams will come true in this one pill. Velocity is the latest in medical advancements in the world of genetic therapy. This pill will genetically remodel your body to throw a baseball 90 plus miles per hour. Once you take this pill you will feel a burning sensation in your arm and after 33 seconds your next pitch will exceed 90 mph. Read more
Tim Lincecum Teaches Top Velocity

by Brent Pourciau · May 5, 2009
There are two forces that add velocity to a pitch:
- Momentum
- Rotational Torque
For momentum to effectively transfer to the ball, the pitcher must use all rotational pivots in order from the bottom up. The hips must rotate before the shoulders and the shoulders before the arm internally rotates. For this to happen effectively these pivots must be free to rotate completely. Notice the picture of Tim Lincecum at the bottom of the page (Tim Lincecum is a phenom because of his size and ability to reach his top velocity continuously.) Notice in the picture his weight is slightly leaning to his left. This would be like tilting an open door backwards so the open door slams closed due to gravitational forces. This gravitational pull is helping to create full range of motion in Tim Lincecum’s hips and shoulders at front foot strike. If he or the door was tilted the opposite way then these gravitational forces would work against his momentum by decreasing full range of motion in his rotational pivots. Using the force of gravity to increase the range of motion in your hips and shoulders will have a significant effect on your velocity. This is a big reason why Tim Lincecum can throw so hard for his size. He is working with the forces of nature to generate his power. Read more
Does Velocity Come From The Arm Or The Body?

by Brent Pourciau · April 16, 2009
This question can stir up a big argument but there is only one answer. The arm does not generate the velocity. It only guides the pitch. Therefore the arm must follow the body and does not come into play until the body has done its job. This was the conclusion of a study performed by the famous Dr. Jobe back in the 1980′s. Here is the actual result from the case study:
Pitching Torque And The 3 Pivots

by Brent Pourciau · December 16, 2008
The most important component of the pitching delivery is what is called, “Separation.” This is the separation of the hips and shoulders at front foot strike. This is what builds torque mainly in the core instead of the arm. This component will not only increase velocity but save a pitchers shoulder. Most high school and college pitchers have poor “Separation.” I have written about this component in just about every article on pitching velocity. I will once again define this into more detail.
The picture here of Felix Hernandez pretty much says it all. You can see the “Separation” from his hips to shoulders. It is like he is a towel being rung out to dry. Tim Lincecum calls this tightening his “Rubber Band.” The “Rubber Band” being his core. To understand why this is so effective in increasing velocity and preventing injury, we must first look at the bio-mechanics of pitching. Read more
Lift For Show, Load For Doe!

by Brent Pourciau · November 22, 2008
Ok, the leg lift isn’t only for “Show.” There is a lot of momentum that can be generated by the leg lift which transfers into velocity. The question is, “How come pitchers who have big leg lift’s in the wind up, when pitching in the stretch, have a lower leg lift but still throw the same velocity?” The answer is called the “Load.”
“Loading” is when the pitcher holds his weight back over his back leg, while his front side continues building momentum towards the target. This is why strong legs and core, produce powerful pitching. Look at Eric Gagne in this picture. He is squatting on his back leg, waiting for the perfect time to fire his hips and then his shoulders. Read more
Tim Lincecum Slow Mo

by Brent Pourciau · November 5, 2008
Tim Lincecum is the picture perfect little guy in the big leagues. View his delivery below and notice his amazing ability to generate momentum in his small frame. It looks like his body is taking a ride down the hill. Most importantly watch his ability to control and time the momentum he is generating. Not only is he explosive like a gymnast but he is as efficient as a machine.
Read more
“Salsa” And The Latin Pitcher

by Brent Pourciau · October 1, 2008
When I think of the Latin culture, I think of their food and their life style. When I say “Salsa,” I am not talking about food, I am talking about dance. I have had maybe two “Salsa” lessons in my life and it was my wife’s idea. When I think about it, I am so glad I had the experience because it has helped me as a pitcher.
Salsa definition:
A mixture of up tempo Latin styles of music. The salsa is not an actual style of Latin music; it is a style of dance. One that has become increasingly popular over time. Up beat Latin patterns and beats played together create a salsa style groove.
When you take a lesson or watch it on the hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” you will see that “Salsa” is all about the hips moving the body. Observe the video. Read more







