How to Lower your ERA | Mastering a Slidestep

Mastering the Slide Step: How to Hold Runners Without Losing Velocity

When it comes to pitching, controlling the running game is just as crucial as hitting your spots. As a former catcher, I know firsthand the frustration of pitchers who are slow to the plate—it's practically a green light for base stealers. Today, we’re diving into the art of the slide step, breaking down different techniques to help you maintain your velocity while keeping runners in check.

Why the Slide Step Matters

If you're slow to the plate, you give runners a significant advantage, almost guaranteeing a stolen base. The goal of the slide step is to shorten your time to home without sacrificing velocity, a common issue for pitchers. When done incorrectly, you might lose 2-3 mph off your fastball, making it harder to get hitters out.

So, how do you speed up your delivery without losing that valuable velocity? Let’s explore two approaches: the "knee-to-knee" technique and the traditional slide step.

The Knee-to-Knee Technique

As the name suggests, the knee-to-knee method involves bringing your front knee to your back knee as you begin your delivery. This technique is key to maintaining your power while being quick to the plate. The setup is simple: start with your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your back leg. Then, drive your front knee to your back knee before continuing with your normal delivery.

With the knee-to-knee, your goal is to deliver the ball to home plate in 1.3 to 1.5 seconds. This keeps runners honest and reduces stolen base attempts. Many coaches push the traditional slide step, which often sacrifices velocity, but the knee-to-knee approach keeps your back leg engaged, allowing you to maintain your velo and stay efficient.

The Traditional Slide Step

The traditional slide step, on the other hand, is a simpler approach where you minimize your leg lift and go directly to the plate. While effective for speeding up your delivery, it can lead to a drop in velocity if you're not careful. However, with proper mechanics—like staying strong in your back hip and throwing from a solid, balanced position—you can avoid this drop-off.

For instance, I like to set up with my feet closed, which helps me engage my hips more effectively. By focusing on how my back knee and hip move through the delivery, I can still generate power without the need for a high leg kick.

Customize for Comfort

Ultimately, finding the best slide step technique is all about personal comfort. Some pitchers prefer to start with a slightly bent back knee, while others are more comfortable standing tall and using a minimal leg lift. Experimenting with these techniques on flat ground is essential before trying them out in game situations. Play around with different setups, and find what allows you to maintain your velocity and control the running game.

Wrapping Up

Whether you go with the knee-to-knee approach or the traditional slide step, the key is finding what works best for you. Don’t feel locked into one method just because your coach recommends it. Try different techniques during practice and see which one feels natural and keeps your velo intact.

Remember, controlling the running game is just one aspect of being a complete pitcher. Master your slide step, and you’ll give yourself a better chance to succeed on the mound. Let us know how these techniques work for you, and be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more tips!