Control problems often stem from an inconsistent release point, a common struggle for many pitchers. To address this, former SoftBank Hawks ace and 2012 Sawamura Award winner Tadashi Settsu advocates for the “line pitching” method—a focused drill designed to stabilize the arm path and improve command. By visualizing a straight line from the mound to home plate and maintaining that trajectory throughout the delivery, pitchers can reduce lateral deviations and achieve a more repeatable release. Settsu emphasizes that small mechanical adjustments, such as keeping the shoulders aligned and the front shoulder closed, help eliminate the “scattered” release that leads to wildness. This approach not only boosts accuracy but also builds muscle memory, making it an essential tool for any pitcher battling command issues.
