Let's talk about the windup and the stretch today. Specifically, let’s talk about the true benefits associated with each, and the myths that surround them.
Benefits of the Windup:
Useful for pitchers who find comfort in the rhythm of their personal windup movement.
Can be easier to create momentum toward the plate than in the stretch.
Benefits of the Stretch:
Useful for pitchers who want to maximize efficiency by eliminating any wasted movement.
Fewer opportunities for inconsistent movements.
No major changes when a runner reaches base.
Myth: You throw harder from the windup.
Fact: There should be no discernible difference between your velocity in the stretch or windup. They should be the same.
Myth: The windup gives you more momentum toward the plate.
Fact: The windup and the stretch are the exact same thing once you begin leg lift. At the start of leg lift, the body begins to move forward toward the plate in a controlled fashion. The forward movement that we think we are getting from all the extra movement in the windup is just the start of that controlled movement toward the plate, and is a part of both the stretch and windup.
Myth: The windup is easier to teach.
Fact: While the windup is often the first thing taught to pitchers (more on that up next), the stretch has fewer components, and should therefore be easier to teach.
Myth: The windup should be taught before the stretch.
Fact: You can't pitch at any level with open bases without learning the stretch, and the stretch and windup should look the same at the start of leg lift. Therefore, we should start by teaching the stretch.
Pitching is complex, and sometimes simplifying things can be a double-edged sword. In the case of windup vs. stretch, however, simplification makes the most sense.Keep it simple and start by teaching the stretch.
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