Read on Twitter
Thread: Will improving a pitcher’s mechanical/movement efficiency always improve performance?
Usually, but probably not ALWAYS.
Case in point: Clayton Kershaw
https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/923208243505172480?s=20
Usually, but probably not ALWAYS.
Case in point: Clayton Kershaw
https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/923208243505172480?s=20
While Kershaw has a bunch of elite pitches, his calling card is his HOF curveball. A traditional “12-6” CB, the pitch drops 66 in (w/ gravity) and tunnels perfectly with his 4S that rides up in the zone. https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1317092187671207937?s=20
These pitches would be really difficult to throw without his extreme over-the-top delivery.
However, his successes have also come with chronic back injuries— and decreasing FB velocity.
However, his successes have also come with chronic back injuries— and decreasing FB velocity.
Kershaw’s injuries + decreasing velo could definitely be attributed to his extremely high slot. Why? Because it’s not the way he naturally throws 
.
It also makes sense b/c lefties tend to naturally throw from a lower slot b/c of internal fluid dynamics, s/o @Ethan___Dyer
.
. It also makes sense b/c lefties tend to naturally throw from a lower slot b/c of internal fluid dynamics, s/o @Ethan___Dyer
.
Kershaw has flashed a lower slot occasionally, as seen below (at 94 and 96 mph 
).
Getting back to his natural slot allows him to be more efficient, which has led to increased velo, and over a longer period of time would presumably lead to increased durability.
). Getting back to his natural slot allows him to be more efficient, which has led to increased velo, and over a longer period of time would presumably lead to increased durability.
So, should Kershaw permanently drop his slot? 
Probably not.
Before making a change, we should think about the pros and cons. Dropping his slot may
a few mph on his FB and aches and pains, but it would also get him away from what has made him a future HOF pitcher.
Probably not.
Before making a change, we should think about the pros and cons. Dropping his slot may
a few mph on his FB and aches and pains, but it would also get him away from what has made him a future HOF pitcher.
Dropping down would most likely lead to less ride on his 4S and drop on his CB.
In this instance, it's probably better for him to continue doing what he’s done thats given him success, and do everything else to maintain both velo and health.
In this instance, it's probably better for him to continue doing what he’s done thats given him success, and do everything else to maintain both velo and health.
Examples like Kershaw show that Player Development cannot be done in silos. Before making changes, there should be communication between:
-Players
-Coaches
-Analysts
-S&C
-Medical
Having a staff that can bridge the gap between these departments is invaluable.
-Players
-Coaches
-Analysts
-S&C
-Medical
Having a staff that can bridge the gap between these departments is invaluable.
