After getting into the wind-up position the pitcher begins the move out of the wind-up by breaking their hands and glove-side foot ‘down’. By breaking ‘down’ the pitcher maintains power by keeping the front shoulder and hip closed and also helps the pitcher hide the ball from the hitter.  Pitchers that break ‘out’ instead of ‘down’ lose power and accuracy because they open their front hip and shoulder too soon and create timing problems because the throwing arm gets into position before the glove-side foot lands.  

The pitcher begins the move out of the wind-up by slowly or softly breaking the glove-side foot (and knee) down and simultaneously breaking the hands down the center of the body. Breaking the hands down helps the pitcher use a circular motion to throw the ball.   As the hands break down the fingers of the throwing hand stay on top of the ball, the thumbs face each other and the wrists stay relaxed. The hand break stops at approximately belt level and the arms stay relaxed and flexed. The ball will slightly separate from the glove and stay hidden behind the pitcher’s body. The pitcher’s front shoulder and hip remain closed.  The pitcher’s weight remains over the post leg, the pitcher’s post leg slightly collapses and the pitcher’s head remains still and focused on the target.

After breaking down the pitcher accelerates to home plate and delivers the pitch.