Pitching is one of the most important skills in baseball. It requires skill and precision to be successful, and it also involves a lot of technique. One of the most common techniques used by pitchers is to put their face in their glove. This is a very important part of the pitching process and can help a pitcher improve their performance on the mound. But why do pitchers put their face in their glove? Let’s take a look at why this is done.
The Purpose of Putting the Face in the Glove
The primary reason why pitchers put their face in their glove is to help them focus on their pitching mechanics. By putting their face in the glove, the pitcher can keep their eyes on the target, as well as their body and arm in the correct position. This allows them to stay focused on the task at hand and ensure that their delivery is consistent.
In addition to helping with mechanics, having the face in the glove can also help a pitcher to stay calm and relaxed under pressure. By having the face in the glove, the pitcher is able to block out any distractions and focus solely on their delivery. This can help them stay calm and composed even in the most stressful situations.
The Benefits of Putting the Face in the Glove
There are many benefits to putting the face in the glove when pitching. The most obvious benefit is that it helps the pitcher focus on their mechanics and stay in the right position to make a successful pitch.
Another benefit is that it can help the pitcher stay calm and composed. As mentioned earlier, having the face in the glove can help the pitcher block out any distractions and stay focused on their delivery. This can be especially useful in high-pressure situations, such as in a playoff game.
Finally, having the face in the glove can help the pitcher stay in the same delivery every time. This is important for consistency, as it can help the pitcher develop a consistent release point for their pitches. This can be especially helpful for pitchers who are trying to develop a consistent breaking ball or off-speed pitch.
The Drawbacks of Putting the Face in the Glove
Although there are many benefits to putting the face in the glove, there are also some potential drawbacks. The first potential drawback is that the pitcher can become overly reliant on the glove. If the pitcher is too reliant on the glove, they may become too comfortable and lose focus on the task at hand. This can lead to poor performance on the mound.
Another potential drawback is that the pitcher can become too robotic in their delivery. If the pitcher is too focused on keeping their face in the glove, they may forget to focus on their mechanics and be too robotic in their delivery. This can lead to a lack of velocity and control on their pitches.
Finally, having the face in the glove can be uncomfortable, especially in the summer months when the glove is hot and humid. This can lead to the pitcher becoming distracted, which can affect their performance on the mound.
Conclusion
Putting the face in the glove is an important part of the pitching process that can help a pitcher improve their performance. It can help the pitcher stay focused on their mechanics and stay calm and composed under pressure. It can also help the pitcher stay consistent with their delivery and develop a consistent release point for their pitches. However, it is important to remember that there are some potential drawbacks, such as becoming too reliant on the glove or becoming too robotic in their delivery. It is important for pitchers to be aware of these potential drawbacks and adjust their technique accordingly.