Michael Kopech's Fastball Dominance: A Breakdown

TLDRIn this video, we analyze Michael Kopech's fastball dominance in two straight games. We discuss his command, mechanics, and pitch execution, highlighting key moments and adjustments.

Key insights

When Kopech overthrows, his front shoulder opens up too quickly, causing his arm to lag behind and the pitch to soar up and away.

⚡️Kopech's best performances are characterized by staying true to his mechanics and delivering consistent fastballs with better results.

🔄After a less-than-ideal start, Kopech adjusts his mechanics and pitch execution to improve his performance.

🔥Executing pitches outside the zone, like changeups and sliders, can surprise batters and lead to favorable outcomes.

👀Kopech's arm angle affects the movement and ride of his fastball, with a lower arm angle resulting in more horizontal movement.

Q&A

What is the key to Kopech's fastball dominance?

The key to Kopech's fastball dominance lies in his ability to stay true to his mechanics and execute consistent pitches with good results.

How does Kopech adjust his performance after a less-than-ideal start?

Kopech makes in-game adjustments to overcorrect his mechanics and deliver better pitches, improving his performance as the game progresses.

What pitches can Kopech use to surprise batters?

Kopech can use changeups and sliders outside the zone to catch batters off guard and achieve favorable outcomes.

How does Kopech's arm angle affect his fastball?

Kopech's lower arm angle results in more horizontal movement and ride for his fastball, making it more challenging for batters to hit.

What are some challenges Kopech faces with his fastball?

Kopech tends to overthrow, which can lead to his front shoulder opening too quickly and his arm lagging behind, causing control and accuracy issues.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to Michael Kopech's fastball dominance in two straight games.

00:12Analysis of Kopech's mechanics and the impact of overthrowing on his pitch execution.

04:38Evaluation of Kopech's pitch selection and the effectiveness of changeups and sliders outside the zone.

08:25Discussion on how Kopech's arm angle affects the movement and ride of his fastball.

11:59Observation of Kopech's adjustments and improvements in pitch execution as the game progresses.