Tim Lincecum teaches Top Velocity

May 5, 2009

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There are two forces that add velocity to a pitch:

Momentum

Rotational Torque.

For momentum to effectively transfer to the ball, the pitcher must use all rotational pivots in order from the bottom up.  The hips must rotate before the shoulders and the shoulders before the arm internally rotates. For this to happen effectively these pivots must be free to rotate completely. Notice the picture of Tim Lincecum (Tim Lincecum is a phenom because of his size and ability to reach his top velocity continuously.)  Notice in the picture his weight is slightly leaning to his left. This would be like tilting an open door backwards so the open door slams closed due to the gravitational pull. The gravitational pull is also aiding the rotation of Tim Lincecum’s hips and shoulders. If he or the door was tilted the opposite way then this would change the gravitational pull. Gravity would now fight against the hips and door when rotating. Using the force of gravity to aid the generation of velocity can have a significant effect on velocity. This is a big reason why Tim Lincecum can throw so hard for his size. Read more

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