One of the most iconic scenes in Twilight is the vampire baseball game, and no one makes it look more otherworldly than Alice Cullen. Her baseball pitch blends athletic power with a quirky sort of elegance, and it’s become a signature move that fans – me included! – love to recreate. Or, well, they’d like to – if they knew how to do it.
It’s worth noting, though, that this scene – arguably one of the most recognizable baseball moments in all of film – plays out very differently in the books. On the page, Alice’s pitch is described as so fast and still that she barely seems to move, her wrist flicking like a cobra’s strike. The balletic kick we now associate with her? That was a creative choice made for the film and developed by Ashley Greene – a great example of how movies sometimes deviate from their source material to create a more striking visual experience for the audience.
A quick caveat before we dive in: I’m not an especially athletic person. I’m just flexible. The good news? That means with a little practice, stretching, and patience, the average person should be able to replicate the Alice pitch with some degree of success. You don’t need to be a pro athlete – you just need to commit to the movement.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to try the Alice pitch yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replicate it – with images and video of my own pitch to show the process.
It’s time.
Step 1: The Warm-Up
Alice may not need to warm up – the perks of being a vampire – but for us mortals, stretching can make a huge difference in your ability to execute the pitch…and your ability to move the next day.
Here are a few sample exercises to help you nail the pitch safely.
- Hamstring stretches: Forward folds or seated stretches to loosen the back of the legs.
- Hip openers: Lunges or pigeon pose to prepare for the height of the kick.
- Dynamic swings: Practice gentle leg swings, front to back, to warm up before going for the full leg extension.
I’ll admit it – because I’m naturally flexible and have been doing this pitch for so long, I don’t warm-up before I do it. But if I’m filming content with a ton of repetition – like a TikTok trend requiring a ton of takes or trying to capture the perfect shot for an Instagram Reel – it can mean kicking, without warm-up, dozens of times. Unless you want your hips and hamstrings to scream at you the next day, don’t be like me.
Step 2: The Set Position
Start with your arms bent and hands placed lightly behind your head, the ball cradled between your fingers. This creates a poised, balanced stance before you release into your motion.
Your kicking leg should already be extended, toes pointed and lightly touching the ground, forming a graceful dancer’s line. Think of it as the calm before the storm – a moment of stillness before the crack of thunder.
Step 3: The Swing and Kick
From your set position, swing your arms down and forward, arcing above your head in one smooth motion. As your arms come downward, use that momentum to kick your leg upward.
If Ashley Greene’s pitch were mapped onto a clock, her leg would hit about 10 p.m. Depending on your flexibility, yours may land higher or lower – and that’s okay. Achieving height is part of the drama, but what matters more is keeping your leg straight throughout the kick.
Flexibility is your friend here, so again: please be sure to stretch your hamstrings and hips beforehand to prevent injury. Carlisle won’t be there to bandage you up if you get hurt!
Step 4: The Graceful Finish
At the apex of your kick, point your toes. This small detail is what transforms the move from a standard pitch into the ethereal motion we associate with Alice. Imagine channeling a ballerina mid-leap: powerful, yet light and graceful.
If you come from a modern dance or hip-hop background, you might be used to flexing your foot or letting it land flat. That works beautifully in those styles, but for Alice, keeping the leg long and the toes pointed creates that clean, balletic line that makes her pitch so distinct.
Step 5: The Follow-Through
This is where you transition from elegance and into execution. It’s tempting to throw the ball with both hands because you’re holding it with both as your arms comes down and your leg flies up. But at the full extension of your leg, you should already be preparing to transfer the ball into your dominant hand.
As your leg comes down, this is where Alice adds her signature flourish: she kicks from the left side, then twists her trunk forward into the pitch. Is there a mechanical reason for this? Maybe not – it’s more likely a stylistic choice. But I’m not a real baseball player, so I can’t tell you for sure!
From there, let your non-dominant hand fall away as the twist carries you through. The release should be a strong, one-handed pitch that flies straight without arcing too high. That detail is what makes the throw look like a dancer hitting the final beat of a performance.
Bonus Tip: Photographing the Alice Pitch
Capturing the pitch on camera is an art in and of itself. After years of practice, here’s how I’ve learned to pose to get the best shot:
- Angle matters: Instead of kicking straight toward the lens, angle your body to the side. This highlights the full extension of your leg and creates a beautiful line in the frame.
- Leg placement: For screen-accuracy, note that Ashley Greene kicks with her left leg and pitches with her right. Since I’m left-handed, I kick with my right – but if you want a perfect match to the movie, keep your left leg closest to the camera. This will, of course, depend mostly on what feels natural to you. I can’t get the same extension with my left leg as I do with my right!
- Stronger lines: Your back, jaw, and shoulders will naturally curl forward with your kicking motion, but resist the urge to fully collapse into yourself – and don’t tuck your chin. Keep your head lifted and proud, even in motion, for the best results. I can’t tell you how many unusable photos I have where my kick looks great, but the lower half of my face looks like melted wax because I accidentally tucked my chin.
- Timing: Snap the photo at the apex of your kick, when your toes are pointed and your arms are finishing their arc forward, for the most dramatic – and recognizable! – result.
The Alice pitch is about more than just mechanics – it’s about capturing movie-Alice’s playful, graceful essence. Whether you’re practicing for photos, recreating the baseball scene with your cosplay group, or just having fun, remember to embody that light, airy energy while still bringing power to your movements.
And don’t forget: stretch first. Forks Community Hospital is already overwhelmed with the recent surge of “animal attacks.”
xoxo,
Alice Cullen
Go Ask Alice Cullen 