The lead leg block

Photo: Thomas Schönenborn | The third part of the series dealt with the rotation phase, which is partly responsible for a good lead leg block. This is the subject of the fourth and final part of the series.

The main task of the lead leg block is to stabilize the knee, transfer the reaction forces from the ground upwards and create a good rotational base for the hips. Again, absolute force is not as important as efficiently used force, especially along the x-axis (the axis from rubber to home plate).

If the stride is longer and the knee is behind the front foot, it is easier to develop forces along the x-axis than if the foot is directly under the knee and closer to the hip. In addition, a longer stride (with the correct "stacked" position, in which the upper body is shot up to footplant and the head is above the navel) puts the hips in a better position to rotate and tilt optimally.

In contrast to the forces transmitted via the rear leg, the forces transmitted via the front leg correlate significantly with the throwing speed(https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/2015/12/efficient-front-leg-mechanics-that-lead-to-high-velocity/).

You can recognize a good lead leg block by the fact that the knee does not bend further from foot contact, but stretches. The knee is already stable to the left and right at footplant. The angle does not have to change significantly (often hardly recognizable with the naked eye), but quickly. The faster the knee stabilizes, the more efficiently forces can be transferred. Some pitchers perform a clearly visible extension of the knee (even before footplant), while others primarily prevent further bending of the leg and an extension is barely noticeable. Both are possible. The decisive factors are the speed of extension and the timing.

Abbildung 3 Streck-Geschwindigkeit des vorderen Beins zu verschiednen Zeitpunkten. Rot: >88mph; Schwarz: <76mph; Blaue Linie: Footplant; Quelle: drivelinebaseball.com

If the hip is still closed when the foot makes contact, the lead-leg block can only take place after a delay and forces are not optimally transferred.

Experience has shown that junior players often find the lead leg block particularly difficult until they have sufficient strength and coordination.

Exercises that can improve the lead leg block are roll-ins, rocker-throws and walking wind-ups with the focus on keeping the hips behind the knee for as long as possible.