It's a release point, not a release line

Guest post by Ken Krause, Life in the Fastpitch Lane blog

At some point in time, we all have that math class where we learn about the differences between points and lines. While this is a bit of an over-simplification, essentially a line is made up of a long series of points.

So, why the math lesson? Because it helps pitchers visualize how to get more speed and more movement on their pitches. There is a reason it's called a release point, and not a release line. Yet many pitchers take way too long to get the ball out of their hands from the start of the release to the end.

Let's look at the basic fastball. A short, violent release is going to propel the ball out of the hand faster than a long, slower one. In fact, with a long release there is a danger of moving past the optimum release point, where the hand goes from being behind the elbow to in front of it. The longer the ball is in your hand after that, the more likely you are to push it toward the plate. Not only will that result in a slower pitch (because once you pass the optimal point your hand is starting to decelerate), it will also be  less accurate most of the time.

On a movement pitch the same principle applies. In order to maximize movement you first need to maximize spin. But the longer it takes to release the ball, start to finish, the less spin the ball will have.

All of that should make sense, both intellectually and from practical experience. Yet it can be difficult for pitchers, especially younger ones, to get the feel of "too long" versus short. Remember, they don't think the same way as adults. But they can understand the difference between a point and a line. (And if they can't, you can draw it for them.)

Explain that they're trying to get to the release point — a particular place — rather than the release line (which is a general area). It should help them sharpen up their attack, gaining speed and/or movement on their pitches.