The Dancer, Figure Skater, and Swimmer

Recently a pitcher wanted to know if it was a good idea to continue competitive swimming when she had free time. She was concerned that it might have negative effects on her pitching. Simply put, the very nature of swimming compliments a good pitching motion. Think of the similarities.

Both require smooth, rhythmic motions. Each side of the body must work together to achieve the desired results. Tightness destroys efficiencies in both sports.
Some of our best students are former gymnasts, dancers, figure skaters, or swimmers. A pitcher is far more likely to be successful if she is loose and free so, obviously, females should always look for fluid and comfortable approaches in their athletic movement patterns.
Here is the catch. Many people suggest swimming for softball pitchers, but the casual swimmer will not get enough benefit. It takes a lot of strokes on a regular basis. The competitive swimmer receives great benefit because of the conditioning, the discipline of training, the muscle balance it promotes, and the way she learns to best use her body to deliver speed. Simply lying around the pool and doing a few laps a couple of times per week won’t help much.
One of our competitive swimmers recently signed to pitch on the D1 level. Whereas we often have to suggest specialized training to strengthen the core, enhance flexibility, or help with muscle balance, we never had to do that with competitive swimmers. In addition, something very important in swimming is the term “extension”. It is critical to have everything as long and loose as possible.
This can greatly benefit pitching, but only if her pitching coach is teaching the same philosophy. If they are starting with rigid wrist snaps or locked-elbow T drills, you are in for a tough road. Too many kids were taught tight, jerky motions. The glove is flying out of line, slapping the leg, and they are squaring up to the catcher at finish. For these kids, “tight is right” so gaining benefit from sports that promote free and fast movements will be challenging and confusing.
If a kid brings the instincts of a dancer, figure skater, or swimmer to our lessons, it only takes moments to correct the improper movements and design approaches that help her to feel the power radiating from the core. She “gets it”. Those kids are accustomed to having the body in sync, further enhancing our objectives.
Then, again, we could say that about many sports. The poetry of a jumpshot in basketball, the symmetry of a diver, the grace of a sprinter, and the efficiency of a dominant batter are great examples. In every sport we know that fluid and free movements are fast and easy on the body. The only place there is resistance is in some parts of the softball pitching community.
What kind of backgrounds do we like? Swimming, gymnastics, batting, sprinting, dancing, karate, working on the farm, running hurdles, cheerleading, and the list goes on. In other words, anything that helps a kid use her body smoothly and efficiently is encouraged. Those kids will usually have good muscle balance, flexibility, and body awareness. They are already well on their way to becoming great pitchers with just a little help from us.
***Note: If you are a former college pitcher who would like to learn about our Certification process, contact us. You will be surprised about all of the ways we can help you become successful. How much does it cost to train with us? Nothing. We believe pitching can be much better in America and are looking for people who have a passion for helping kids succeed.