External Rotation to Internal Rotation | Questions | TopVelocity Baseball Forum

I should probably start off with a little background. I am formally “bred_man” on this forum. Cant remember my password or email that I used. I haven’t posted in a long time. Reason being, I can be self-conscious about my thoughts and generally keep them to myself. (Very Newton like). I like to think that I have some deep thoughts.

Anyways, I’ve had a career at the college level, was able to experience a level of Pro ball in the Frontier League for a short period of time, and now have been coaching for 5 years. Whether it is playing or coaching, I have always taken things that I do very serious; always wanting to do well. I still practice my delivery, and even my swing, just because I don’t want to lose the feel of things when I coach my players. I now teach high school math, which explains why I am such an analytical person. Hence the Newton reference earlier.

I say all that just to explain that I do have experience at several levels, have worked on mechanics, and to lead into what I am wanting to ask. This is something that has been on my mind for some time now, but finally building up the courage to talk about it. I am also asking the question because I have the utmost respect for the TopVelocity program. I have fully bought into the approach. I wanted to ask because I would love some insight from you all.

As a teacher, I am going back to the simple formula distance=rate x time. If I rework this formula, Distance/time=rate. Interpreting that as covering a longer distance in a small amount of time will result in a higher rate of speed. I then start thinking about rotational axis and how the shoulder works. This is where my main question comes into play. If the throwing arm goes into full external rotation, which is driven by forward trunk tilt, should the arm simply flip over(Pronate) on that rotational axis? Meaning, there isn’t a forced extension of the throwing arm, or pull-down phase as some other programs may state. I say this because the ball travels the required distance to release, but the amount of time that it takes to get into internal rotation is very short. I have worked with this feeling. I have developed it by putting resistance in my throwing arm; but, with the understanding that the lower half is what drives the full delivery. I have also worked with it while playing catch with my players, and it feels as if my throwing elbow pops up into the air, but really it is just the forearm rotating over the upper arm. I have also noticed that the ball really travels.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to hit the weight room as hard as it is required to maintain the demands of a high level pitcher, lesson planning and extra duties take up lots of that time, but I do what I can. I’m still very passionate about the mechanics of pitching. I constantly working to educate myself on the area, because I want to educate my players on what I now know. I’ve searched the website looking for articles, videos, anything on the topic, but have not come a crossed anything yet.

So I give the long story to basically see if it would lead into an educated discussion about what I’ve described. If it’s not a clear description, I could make a video and post it. Thank you for your time!