Which Side of the Mound to Pitch From?

So, there are many things about pitching that are extremely complicated. Something as simple as 'what side of the mound to pitch from' can be analyzed and generate multiple approaches and theories. I am here to set the record straight. The concept is relatively simple. The hand that you throw with should determine what side of the mound you throw from. So obviously, a left handed pitcher will throw from the first base side of the rubber and a right hander from the third base side. Why is this? To create an angle that will make it difficult for the hitter to pick up the baseball out of the pitcher's hand. For a righty, throwing from right side to a right handed hitter, the ball will appear to come from behind the batter. Contrasty, if the righty is throwing to a lefty, the ball will appear to be coming across the plate instead of straight toward the hitter. This change in geometry can really give hitters a tough time squaring up the baseball. This, obviously, translates even further into change-ups and breaking balls.

Of course, as with everything is the game of baseball, this theory is only true 90% of the time. There are certain scenarios where it will benefit for a pitcher to throw from the other side of the mound. For example, a pitcher who steps across his body when he pitches could benefit from throwing from the other side of the mound. By doing this, a "cross-stepper" will end up in the middle of the mound and it will allow him to locate his pitches in the zone with more consistently.

Secondly, sinker ball pitchers also benefit from throwing from the opposite side of the mound. By doing this, the sinker (which moves downward and arm side) has more of the plate to move in and still within the strike zone. Effectively, a pitcher can start with his throwing arm in the of the rubber (by standing on the glove side of the rubber) and, with good mechanics, work his sinker to both side of the plate with more effortless adjustments.

Aside from these two scenarios, the rule of thumb is to throw from your the arm side half of the rubber. The adjustment is very easy to make and will return immediate dividends. Good luck applying this in your next outing and let me know how it goes.

Until Next Time!