The Flying Front Shoulder

The Flying Front Shoulder

Flying the front shoulder open may seem to increase velocity at times. It may feel like you’re getting more rotation on your curveball.  But more damage is done mechanically when this occurs. Balance becomes a problem and then the strike zone really shrinks. Young pitchers should learn that everything needs to go towards the catcher. Even exaggerate it in practice to help it become a habit.

Separating the hands with the elbow up decreases the margin of error. With the elbow up the shoulder stays closed until the follow-through. Also, you may see some pitchers tuck their glove under their arm to prevent flying. Pitchers need to remember that good mechanics lead to good momentum and good momentum leads to more velocity. If you have to take something off your pitches to focus on mechanics, then do so. Once your mechanics are grooved, your velocity will pick up.