#24: Progression

Progression is a term used to describe mound presence, specifically in the stretch position. It is a pitcher’s ability to handle oneself on the mound, and is equally as important to the pitcher position as the mechanics of the motion itself. Proper mound presence (Progression work) allows a pitcher’s mechanics to shine. Conversely, the inability to hold a runner, handle situational pressure, or execute a pick-off movement, can negatively outweigh even the most flawless pitching motion.

A natural progression of steps define how an athlete is allowed to take the mound in the stretch position. As coaches, first drill athletes through the basic steps of taking the mound and delivering a pitch from the stretch. Next move to the art of holding runners, which is covered in Chapter 5, Pick-Offs.

REASONS FOR THE STRETCH POSITION
Quickly defined, the stretch position has the shoulders lined up between home plate and second base. To deliver the baseball, an athlete must only lift their leg, separate and throw. The stretch position is used with runners on base, most specifically in position to steal. Quicker than the full windup, the stretch delivery is intended to provide less time for a runner to advance or get a jump.

Examples of stretch position situations include:

• Runner on 1st base - This is a traditional “steal situation,” and therefore the stretch is used to limit a baserunner’s jump towards second.

• Runner on 3rd base - While these situations rarely see a stolen base, there is the threat of a squeeze bunt. The stretch position limits the 3rd base runner’s ability to get a jump.

PROGRESSION
Baseball rules specify a set of rules that must be followed in the stretch position. A violation of these rules is defined as a balk, and a runner will be awarded an extra base. Coaching Progression begins here, drilling athletes through the series of movements that lead into the stretch position. To achieve a level of comfort with the progression steps, do these exercises forward, backwards, and in between. Remember, terrific mechanics will do nothing if a pitcher cannot handle himself on the mound.

As defined by Baseball Rules, a pitcher takes the mound as follows:

#1 Straddle - The straddle position has the right foot parallel to and just behind the pitching rubber. The left foot is extended well in front (towards home plate) of the rubber. The hands are apart, with the baseball in the throwing hand. By keeping the baseball in the throwing hand, a pitcher has the option to pick-off at any time during the progression sequence.

#2 Step On - Stepping on to the rubber means that the right foot moves from behind the pitching rubber to just in front of the rubber. The left foot moves slightly forward to maintain a distance of slightly greater than shoulder width apart. The hands remain on either side of the body, and the eyes move towards the catcher.

#3 Look in to the Target - Here, athletes are to pick up the catcher to receive a sign. Note: A pitcher must be on the rubber to take a sign. It is a balk to take a sign while in the straddle position. After agreeing on a sign, the pitcher now comes set.

#4 Come Set - Move from “Step On” to the “Set Position.” Both the hands and feet move together. The throwing hand moves inside the glove, high and comfortably placed in front of the chest. The feet move closer together to roughly shoulder width apart. The eyes are on the target, with enough peripheral vision to pick up the runner at first base. Note: A pitcher should adjust his grip only after the hands have come set. Any grip adjustment outside of the glove may tip the batter as to what pitch is to be thrown.

#5 Execute – At this point (Set Position), the pitcher has three options. These are:

• Pitch Home
• Step Off
• Pick Off (Chapter 5)