NPA Biomechanical Efficiency Model

The NPA Pitching Model

The pitching motion is a complex movement that requires the body to coordinate and time the energy transfer through the body and onto the baseball. The pitching delivery is comprised of a set of events that happen in a set sequence with the right timing. To maximize the efficiency of the delivery, each of these events must be executed in the correct sequence at the right time.

The NPA model describes the pitching motion in a series of events and timing that are described by the following seven phases:

Balance and Posture

Stride and Momentum

Equal and Opposite

Separation and Delayed Shoulder Rotation

Stack and Track

Swivel and Stabilize

Release Point

Each phase occurs over time and has specific events that take place inside the phase. Take a moment to review the figure below. 

It is important to notice several things about the NPA pitching model.

The whole motion takes about 2 seconds

There are 10 separate events that must take place within that 2 seconds

These 10 events must occur in the exact sequence shown above

The duration of each of the NPA phases will be different for different genetics and body types.

This is alot for the body to understand and execute properly in just 2 seconds! This is exactly why the NPA and Tom House have partitioned the delivery into the seven phases listed above. With practice each phase can be effectively learned.

In order to aid in the effort to learn, drills appropriate to each phase must be performed with each workout to reinforce the movement for the brain and the body. For instance, this week's drill in The Pitch is the Lean and Lift Drill. The Lean and Lift drill has been designed to help a pitcher understand the feeling of how to start to move the body in an effort to create efficient momentum during the Stride and Momentum phase.

Tom House

www.nationalpitching.com