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WINDMILL PITCHING DRILLS
Bill Dryden
Wrist Snaps
Standing along the power line, snap the ball forward using only the wrist. Make sure the upper arm or lower arm are not used, and that the ball is released by the leg. Feel the ball snap off the finger tips. Do 25 of these.
"T" Drill Position
Standing along the power line with the glove hand pointed at the target and the ball hand in line with the glove hand(the body should look like a T), spin the ball around and as it comes down bring the glove hand down at the same time and snap the ball.
TIP: bend legs so weight is over back leg; as the ball and glove are pulled down make sure the throwing elbow is loose so the elbow leads through the motion and the hand follows until the upper arm reaches the body and then the lower arm whips through. during follow through. Do 25 of these.
Arm Whip from 12:00 Position
Follow same procedure as above, except start with ball hand directly overhead with a bent elbow so the wrist cocks overhead. Drive the arm down. This is good with cannon ball.
Do 25 of these.
Full Motion from Power Position
Using same foot positioning as other drills ,do a full motion pitch(arms only). Both hands rise together until pointed at target. As ball hand continues around, glove hand snaps down.
Do 25 of these.
Windmill Pitch
Beginning with both feet in pitching rubber position, do the full speed pitch, stepping toward the target. Remember to keep the thumb on top of the ball at release to get a downward spin. Do not stop arm at release. Let it follow loosely.
Do 25 of these.
Summary
In order to become effective at windmill pitching, correct mechanics must be achieved. This only comes through many hours of practice, and the practice is not of much help if you don’t use the correct procedures. Positive results will come with these methods, but they will not come overnight. It is a long process, but for those who have the desire and push themselves, and always say I can do this, no matter how it looks at times, success will come, and with it the confidence to know you can do anything you need to do on the mound. Practice well and you pitch well. Good Luck!!