John Yandell: The Myth of the Pitch: Page 2

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A core difference: at contact Pete has uncoiled upward into the air,
while Jason has both feet planted in a wide stance.

Note how Pete makes contact in the air. This is the difference in the role of the legs. The uncoiling is driving his entire
body and his arm and racquet upward toward the ball.

Jason is shifting his weight forward and is firmly planted.

Obviously, the contact point for Pete is much higher than the pitching release of the ball. The result is the
differing trajectories of the ball described above.

Also note again the angle of the torso. Due to the tossing position and the “left launch,” (Click here),
Pete’s torso is leaving the court at a angle to his left. Jason is almost perfectly straight up and down from the waist.

Finally, there is the position of the head. Pete has perfect head position, looking up at the moment of contact,
even with his toss fairly far to the left. (Click here for Pete’s Toss). Jason, on the other hand, is looking forward, with his head toward the
target zone.

A key difference is in the rotational sequence in the two motions. Whereas the…