House on Fire

Hillhouse attacks "mafia"

Billy Hillhouse, one of the world's most respected pitching instructors brings his travelling road show to Richmond BC on February 22-24.

Local coaches will definitely be interested in hearing this instructor's "take" on some of the most popular theories being taught by the majority of pitching coaches "out there" today.

"College softball has gone beserk" says Hillhouse. "They're teaching things that are absolutely wrong and it's actually hampering the development of their pitchers and the game."

Hillhouse has a term for these instructors who have endorsed or adopted misguided techniques. He calls them the "coaching mafia". Following his seminars, attendees sometimes introduce themselves to Billy as a member of the mafia, sparking many good natured debates!

Billy's philosophies and articles can all be found on his website but here's a brief summary of his most controversial topics:

On pitching:

1. Different mechanics for men and women: Local hitting instructors Dave Patkaeu and Fred Sabatine have been saying this for years and now Hillhouse is echoing the same sentiments as it relates to pitching.

"There's a lot of coaches out there who are saying that correct mechanics for female pitchers is completely different than men's. Certainly styles will vary from pitcher to pitcher but as long as a person has 2 arms and 2 legs, the "absolutes of pitching" remain the same" claims Hillhouse.

The ISC's head instructor, Doug Gillis, has defined the "absolutes of pitching" on his website.

2. Follow through: This issue is probably the most hotly contested and debated difference between the way pitching is taught by ISC instructors like Gillis and Hillhouse vs many others. The ISC instructors want the pitching hand to follow through across the body and then up - as opposed to vertically straight up to the pitching shoulder as widely believed by many. "It's not necessary to pull up as if you're starting a lawnmower" claims Hillhouse. More power can be generated by allowing the hand to follow it's natural course, which is across the body.

3. Hip rotation: Many US coaches teach "slam the door", which is technique that promotes the hips to fully rotate with the release. "The hips don't rotate, they transfer and remain partially open during the release" claims Hillhouse." Photographs of elite pitchers tend to support Bill's case.

4. Hitting yourself: Hillhouse literally hates one of the latest crazes these days that instructs young pitchers to hit or slap themsleves with their glove on release. He claims it to be a waste of energy that aside from hurting yourself might actually help the hitter by giving away a timing read.

5. Different strides for different pitches: Billy will have several opponents on this issue. Jim Ullock, among others, claims the stride on the "down" pitch should be shortened in comparison to the "rise". Hillhouse claims all deliveries should be identical, not only to perfect rythym but also to minimize hitter's ability to pick pitches.

On the game:

1. Coaches calling games: "I don't understand why so many coaches feel the need to call a game for the pitcher/catcher. How can players get a feel for the game and develop instincts if they aren't taught to think for themselves?"

2. Balls and bats: Billy asks "How can people worry about illigal pitches when the balls and bats we use today are beyond crazy?"

TIC would like to know what readers think of Bill Hillhouse's philosophies and teachings. Please vote in the poll on the left.