Pitching is a fascinating science: to do it successfully at the MLB level, the person needs to have lower-body strength, a good arm, solid mechanics, balance, stamina, and have a repeatable delivery.
It’s certainly harder than it looks.
MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman, who recently signed with the Chicago Cubs, may be controversial for some, but he sure knows how to pitch,
He was one of the best pitchers in the National League last season, with a 3.02 ERA in almost 180 frames with the New York Mets.
He sure knows what he is doing.
Since he is also an active Twitter user, a person asked him a question on behalf of his son.
“(Speaking for my non-Twitter using 15 yr old pitcher) Do you ever get stuck thinking about mechanics during every pitch? He says he is constantly thinking about his mechanics every pitch and it’s frustrating him and affecting command. Any advice?,” the user tweeted, mentioning Stroman.
It was a really good question, and the current Cub acknowledged it.
Things Have To Flow Naturally On The Mound
The answer was even better.
“I truly never think about mechanics when I’m on the mound in the game. In between starts though…I focus a ton in the weight room/on the mound to dial in my mechanics. When it’s time to perform, everything should flow without thought!,” he said.
Great question. I truly never think about mechanics when I’m on the mound in the game. In between starts though…I focus a ton in the weight room/on the mound to dial in my mechanics. When it’s time to perform, everything should flow without thought! https://t.co/xfkm9MWpdw
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) February 23, 2022
It’s a very good piece of advice for young pitchers: don’t worry about mechanics during game day, because things need to flow naturally there.
The real practice and training time is between starts, because the idea is making those mechanics repeatable and natural.
Again, it’s often harder than it looks and seems.
That should be a very good philosophy for young pitchers trying to learn and perfect their craft.
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