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Full-body harness training should be done only with pitchers who have the physical integrity to withstand the forces imparted on the body. I do not recommend harnesses for young or inexperienced pitchers. The harness fits around the waist or midsection of the pitcher. The holder should stand in front of the pitcher and slightly off to the glove side, as shown in figure 5.16. (Note: the holder should try to stay close to the middle without getting into the path of the ball, and the pitcher should use a flexible practice ball rather than a regulation hard softball, in case the holder gets hit). The purpose of the harness is to create momentum and eventually create muscle memory of that momentum. Essentially, the harness makes the stride more aggressive, in turn making the arm more aggressive and quicker. The full harness can also be used from behind to strengthen the body overall within the pitching motion itself.
Figure 5.16 Using a full-body harness. A fence or net can be substituted for a catcher.
