Forward momentum/cocked position

Next, the body begins to fall forward. The first movement is to thrust the hip slightly towards the batter, allowing weight to remain on the back leg as the front leg begins to fall forward in a controlled fashion to the ground. The stride should be about 90-percent of body height, and the stride foot should land and point straight at home plate or closed by no more than 10-15 degrees (as lined up from the heel of the back leg).

At the moment the stride foot lands, it is important to be in the following position:

1. The front elbow raised up to shoulder level and pointing at the target with the forearm vertical to the ground.
2. The throwing elbow shoulder height (but no higher) with the palm facing straight back, between the ball and the head, and the ball farther back than the elbow.

To get the proper arm path, the throwing arm remains flexed when the front leg starts downward, and the hand pushes the ball in a smooth circle straight back and up, bringing the elbow up to the cocked position. It is essential that the arm remain bent and flexed throughout this movement, and it must be done in a controlled fashion. Also, the chest should bow out to retain balance. It is important to note that the pointing of the front elbow works in a corollary action with bringing up the throwing hand to a cocked position. If the front elbow is brought up too high, the throwing hand will be too low, and vice versa. Also, if the front elbow is not directly pointing at the target, the throwing hand will be off-line as well.

When this point is reached, notice that the lower body is opened, while the upper body remains closed. This is key to enact the whip action that ensues.