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Foot Placement During the Windup

     Regardless of the windup that you choose to use, whether it is the overhead (Figure 56) or the chest-high (Figure 58), the position of the feet is still the same.  The posting (pivot) foot (right side for right-handed pitchers) stays off to the end of the rubber as seen in Figure 56 with your body weight on the ball of the foot.  Place your “rocker” foot to the side and end of the rubber (a diagonal step out in that direction), with the front of your shoe in line with the back of the rubber (Figure 57).

Rocker Step 

     Next, literally draw a line in the ground with your finger, directly behind the back of your shoe (Figure 58).  Every time you take your step back on the windup your foot should never cross beyond this line.  In other words, the rocker step should be a short diagonal step back.  If your weight goes beyond that back-line you increase the risk of error, such as transferring your weight to the heel instead of the ball of your foot (out of balance), getting out of rhythm, rushing the delivery and/or swinging, instead of lifting the stride (front) leg into the balance position.  All of these mistakes are negative dynamics and greatly reduce your effectiveness and growth as a big game pitcher!  The “rocker” step is an important element in the overall framework of dynamic structure in pitching and should be treated as such, just as all other dynamics (mechanics) within that framework have consequence.  Please note that the front cleats of the pivot foot are in front of the pitching rubber (Figure 57).

Rocker Step Figure 56		Diagonal Rocker Step Figure 57		Rocker Step Figure 58

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Order The Pitching Master Now