Leg Kick - Pitching Mechanics Tips for Youth Pitchers

The leg kick is a key part of youth pitching mechanics in baseball, and in this video we'll clear up some big myths. Need more pitching help? grab a copy of my pitching manual (4.8 stars on Amazon) ✅ 👉 amzn.to/3EzMHBo
The rhythm in pitching is very important, and the way the leg kick and hands interact form a big piece of the foundation of good mechanics for beginners and advanced pitchers alike.
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[@BillBene67]

Good stuff. I threw in mid 90s back in the day in late 80s, early 90s (Ray gun not Jugs) and your recommendations are spot on. Like a hitter, it's all in the hips and the arm is just in it for the ride. At least that's how it should feel. Had the wonderful experience of having a bullpen session with legendary Sandy Koufax and he had some great ideas back then on staying back and then creating force to3ards home plate

[@benbbuxton]

Pretty cool feedback from a pro pitcher, you were very close to the majors Bill!

[@mattewrc]

This is great. I was really lost on how the landing part of the leg kick should be.

[@davidaglio8829]

Thanks Dan! This video helps me understand the timing of the back leg drive a little better. I watch guys like Noah Syndergaard and even some youth pitchers who almost seem to jump off the rubber. And I'm not sure if that's appropriate for my 11/12 yr olds.

[@rslwannabe9475]

6:11 In the background a car runs over ......

[@alexgrissinger7514]

Hey question since it’s going into the fall and I’m really starting to take pitching seriously how would you construct a program for over the winter so you can be ready in the spring to pitch your best I’m going into 14u by the way. Great video thanks

[@bdcory]

I have to teach some kids (and some dads) the windup. This video helps. Thanks!

[@DanBlewett]

my full windup video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX6bkGR9ibWgbJo

[@johnmackey3164]

Thanks!!

[@DanBlewett]

You bet!

[@andyfurman2018]

You earned my subscription

[@DanBlewett]

I wont let you down.

[@andyfurman2018]

Dan Blewett I learned so much from this first video . I throw 70 off the field , but when I get on the field I can only throw 55. It’s a mixture of nervousness and confidence

[@jyoutube9219]

Tks

[@DanBlewett]

If you need more pitching help, grab a copy of my pitching manual (4.8 stars on Amazon) ✅ 👉 amzn.to/2Kdon9G

[@rslwannabe9475]

4.6 stars now. Proves its a good book since it hasn't really gone down a whole lot in 2 years.

[@jamesoliver6625]

Raising your leg allows you to both easier and better, coil the "spring" of your torso. If that coil is released in proper sequence and timing the effect on velocity is discernible even without a gun. From the slide you can throw hard. But if you don't see the velocity difference, you might want to get some analysis done, This is how smaller guys can throw the same speed the larger bulkier do. Another aspect is how long you can actually delay uncoiling in the sequence and still keep the timing good which is a quick-twitch/slow-twitch muscle thing. And THAT you're born with.

[@wordragon]

I know this is a year ago, but it seems like guys with a high leg kick and upright starting position do make 100+ more often as opposed to guys who sink into a glide throwing 94-96 mph. Any thoughts?

[@raytown04]

That early separation is exactly what my son is currently doing...trying to fix it but he's stubborn.

[@SmokeAlexOut]

Idk why buy my pitches seem more accurate and faster when I lift my leg higher but definitely could be a placebo.

[@ryanroets243]

Hi Dan. Is there a preferred or most effective stride foot landing distance/angle for 12-15u players? I’ve always taught that the toe points midway between 3rd and home for righties when the foot lands and then as the hips/torso square up, everything should be driving to the plate but I wasn’t sure if there was a proven science in stride foot landing.

[@DanBlewett]

Stride length is generally 80-100% of height but it’s a product of the mechanics as a whole so it’s not advisable to just try to get a kid to stride longer; fix the things that might cause a short stride. Nor is it one size fits all. For angle of the toe I have a video on landings and generally I agree the toe should be pointed at home or slightly to third.

[@ryanroets243]

@@DanBlewett perfect! Thank you for your help! I enjoy your approach to teaching and your book, “pitching isn’t complicated”. Attempting to open my own baseball academy here in TN and align a lot with the lessons you teach on here. That’s how I have taught for years to my little leaguers and travel teams. Have a great one.

[@kenlukaszewski9618]

Hi Coach My son is 9 and just started playing. When picking up the leg, should he stay tight in the core or keep loose? It seems like him and other kids lose their balance at the spot with the leg up and come wild to the plate. Also, is the slide step used for when runners are on?

[@DanBlewett]

Don’t over think it. And yes - slide step for runners on.

[@MetsFanKai]

Hi Mr. Blewett. I am a 12 yr old pitcher. I am just wondering if it would be bad to use a half leg kick when I pitch. Does it lower my velocity or do something bad to my velocity or something. Thank you!

[@DanBlewett]

usually lowers velocity

[@cwj9202]

The height of the leg kick is probably a personal mental thing, because I cannot see a mechanical advantage gained from a higher leg kick.

[@DanBlewett]

agree. we'd have seen it by now if it was a think, and the slide step position would be a velocity killer, which it isn't.

[@dchaney801]

What about the kid crossing his leg over at the apex of the leg kick ? Is that a no no or does it matter ?

[@cwj9202]

@@dchaney801 - I would not say that it is a no no, but I would also add that it probably does not add much, if any, to arm delivery speed, because at stride foot plant, the lower torso's work is finished, allowing the upper torso kinetic chain contribution to kick in. But, then again, maybe that maneuver increases upper torso counter-rotation which could conceivably contribute something to arm speed. Dan's the pitching guru here. I would go with his determination.

[@DanBlewett]

Yeah I'd agree with what Chad said - a little crossover is fine, too much is too much.

[@michaelriggs6037]

What are your thoughts on a player who only pitches from the stretch? I would imagine that there is some advantage or benefit because all of the mechanics of the delivery stay the same no matter if there are runners on or not. But at the same time if it really was that much better then everyone would be pitching that way.

[@DanBlewett]

I think if a player doesn't have the coordination to throw strikes from the wind up, which is pretty darned simple, he doesn't have a chance at being a good pitcher, anyway

[@loudoo8582]

@@DanBlewett that was harsh dude lol. I think he might of been looking for an reason why people dont?

[@Norkeys]

@@loudoo8582 I don't know if his comment is entirely accurate anyway. Even Yu Darvish pitches exclusively from the stretch.

[@masonosbornesmttt16]

so does my leg kick have to go straight up or can i maybe have an inside leg kick if that makes sense? like it’s not too inside just i don’t really feel comfortable going straight up and i didn’t know if that was bad or not

[@DanBlewett]

I dont know what you mean

[@johnmackey3164]

He means his leg that is raising is coming back towards 2nd base while up.

[@danielrodrigues2041]

Maddux was a heal hook/leg sweeper.

[@DanBlewett]

and?

[@danielrodrigues2041]

@@DanBlewett And then the other guy fell down because he swept his leg and Maddux unleashed with "ground and pound".

[@DanBlewett]

you're 2 for 2 on comments that make no sense

[@danielrodrigues2041]

@@DanBlewett They don't make sense, but they do make dollar bills...

[@danielrodrigues2041]

@@DanBlewett And nothing...It was an observation. Did you expect something else??? I'm sorry I noticed something that you are already aware of.

[@CruceEntertainment]

Whatever it takes to get your body moving from a stand still!! That is what matters. Do whatever works.

[@DanBlewett]

no, not really. there is definitely good technique vs bad. "whatever it takes" is a stupid way to coach players.