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

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

From The Human Kinetics Podcast by Human Kinetics

May 29, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 102

About this episode

This episode explores the differences in pitching biomechanics and performance between the windup and stretch positions in baseball, based on a research study.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Aaron Patterson

Topics covered

  • pitching biomechanics
  • baseball performance
  • windup vs stretch delivery
  • exercise technique
  • sport performance

Keywords

  • pitching biomechanics
  • baseball
  • windup
  • stretch
  • performance
  • exercise
  • sport psychology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Human Kinetics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, National Strength and Conditioning Association

More episodes of The Human Kinetics Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Human Kinetics Podcast podcast page.