A pitcher is considered to be in the windup position when he puts his pivot foot on the pitching rubber and has both shoulders facing the batter to some degree. When starting his delivery from the windup position, a pitcher has the option to take a step back or to the side with his free foot.

What's the difference between windup and stretch?

As you know, the windup is the longer, slower delivery generally used with the bases empty. The stretch is the quicker delivery used when a pitcher has to worry about controlling the running game. By default, most pitchers learn to have two throwing motions.

Why do pitchers use windup?

Pitching - Windup. In higher levels of baseball the windup is used when there are no runners on base or when there are no runners with a potiential to steal a base (bases loaded for example). ... Simply put pitching in this manner is more stressful and can be a difficult mindset to get out of even with no runners on base.