Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

The upper half of a pitcher can seem like there is a lot going on in a short amount of time. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. However, it is not as difficult as a lot of people want to make it out to be. In this blog, I will cover how to correctly teach and learn the basics, and a couple of the disconnections we want to avoid. 

Below this text is four pictures. All four pitchers initiate their throw in much different ways. Their release points, their "mechanics," their finishes, their hand positions, etc. In fact, every one of them is throwing a different pitch from the other. (Johnson 2 seam/sinker, Scherzer slider, Martinez changeup)

However, they have one very critical thing in common. Look at their elbow positions.

Their elbow is below their shoulder.

Think of a winding staircase (Image above.) See how the pole in the middle starts out on the ground, and eventually ends at the top, without moving an inch? Well, let's think of that as your elbow.

See how the stairs move around it, while going up as well? Well, let's think of that as your hand.

Now, in this video of Max Scherzer (above), you can see his elbow right as his foot is about to land and lands. It brings his hand from nearly down at his knees all the way up to at his head, all while his elbow does not move up or down an inch. it is simply following his hand. He does not "push" the ball by having his elbow intrude on his force transfer, and he is getting a good scap-load right as he is beginning his rotation as well.

Every single one of these pitchers has thrown in the upper 90's in their careers, some hitting 100+ mph. There is no secret to pitching and how to throw hard. Each of these pitchers get to these same points in their motions, but go about it different ways. Sometimes it looks pretty, sometimes it looks wonky, but do not try to make your body be a 1 for 1 clone of someone that is a professional. Professionals are JUST THAT. PROFESSIONALS. They made it to that position in the first place by being more mobile than average, stronger than average, and sometimes just built differently. They didn't throw exactly like they do now when they were 16. Take bits and pieces, ABSOLUTELY. But do not try and emulate exactly what a pro does if you are under 17 with not great strength or mobility. It is a step by step process!

Elevated Distal Humerus (elbow)                                 Inverted W

Having your elbow come up too early leads to an elevated distal humerus, or an inverted W, which will eventually lead to arm injury. You can still throw hard by doing this, and getting into this position. If you throw hard, and your arm consistently is in pain after, it is possible that an elevated distal humerus or inverted W is hindering you!

Now, there is much more that goes into pitching than this. This is strictly the introduction into your top half to help you understand how to have controlled velocity. To learn more, or to ask questions, email me at

michael@minnesotabaseballacademy.com