Do pitching biomechanics and performance differ between the windup and stretch? episode artwork

EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 9 MIN

Do pitching biomechanics and performance differ between the windup and stretch?

from The Human Kinetics Podcast · host Human Kinetics

In baseball, pitchers have two ways they can deliver the ball. They can either go out of the stretch position or the windup. Deciding which delivery to use may be personal preference, but it can also be dictated by game situations. The question becomes, are there benefits to using one method over the other? In this episode, we dive into the topic by way of a research study published in the Human Kinetics Journals and the Journal of Applied Biomechanics. Listen along and learn what the research says.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).   Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

In baseball, pitchers have two ways they can deliver the ball. They can either go out of the stretch position or the windup. Deciding which delivery to use may be personal preference, but it can also be dictated by game situations. The question becomes, are there benefits to using one method over the other? In this episode, we dive into the topic by way of a research study published in the Human Kinetics Journals and the Journal of Applied Biomechanics. Listen along and learn what the research says.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).   Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

NOW PLAYING

Do pitching biomechanics and performance differ between the windup and stretch?

0:00 9:33

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Human Kinetics Podcast?

This episode is 9 minutes long.

When was this The Human Kinetics Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on May 29, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In baseball, pitchers have two ways they can deliver the ball. They can either go out of the stretch position or the windup. Deciding which delivery to use may be personal preference, but it can also be dictated by game situations. The question...

Can I download this The Human Kinetics Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!