Gain Velocity: Importance and use of the lower half
The lower half during the throwing motion is a very important component in the effort to create maximum velocity for any kind of overhead throwing athlete. Simply put, you need to use your lower half properly to throw heat, bullets, gas or whatever term we use in the throwing industry. If you do not see the importance of the lower half during a throwing motion than go try to sit on a bucket or a chair and try to reach to your top velocity. It will obviously be near impossible.
The first question that gets ask a lot is “coach how far should my stride be”? Well if you are a pitcher you would ideally want your stride length to at least be about 85% of your body height. A lot of MLB higher ups have been on record as saying on average MLB pitchers stride length is 87% of their body height; some have said the average range is more around 85% to 95% of their body height. For quarterbacks, catchers, infielders, and outfielders you will have to have a much shorter stride because you have to get the ball out quickly. Quarterbacks have to have a much shorter stride because they have to remain tall in the pocket. Just because your stride has to be shorter does not devalue the importance of the lower half.
As for position players in baseball and softball, or quarterbacks, you won't have to have the same stride length on every throw you make. Those positions throughout a game have to make a variety of different throws in different situations, but this article was meant to explain the lower half use during those times in a game when you need maximum velocity on a throw.
The main value of the stride is to build momentum forward towards your target. Then once the throwers foot of the stride leg hits the ground it has to immediately stop and transfer all of the forward momentum up into the torso in which the force will finally make its way into the arm, hand and then ball. The front leg (landing leg) is crucial in creating maximum velocity. If the front leg (landing leg) can’t stop all that forward force and transfer it up into the torso you have what we call an energy leak. To keep it simple, you want that front leg (stride leg) once it hits the ground, to not go forward to the point where you have your knee cap over top of your toes. A lot of throwers that throw very hard their front leg (landing leg) actually goes into extension, and you can watch the video below to get a better understanding of what we mean by extension.
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