Pitching Techniques: Modified Slide Step

Because the true slide step often negatively affects control and causes early arm fatigue, we prefer the modified slide step. This technique does take slightly longer to unload the pitch than with the true slide step, but it is much quicker than a normal leg lift. 

With the modified slide step, the pitcher rocks back quickly as he breaks the lead knee back quickly before slide stepping outward. This action helps to keep his weight back and not rush. Also on first movement, the pitcher breaks his hands downward quickly. These two adjustments allow the pitcher to use his normal arm action which should help his control. 

Most left hand pitchers don’t develop the slide step, but I’ve come to believe it is a very effective technique on occasion for lefties. With a runner on first, the modified slide step presents another read for the runner. It’s almost like a quick pitch. It’s also effective against runners who like to gamble steal on first movement. But the most effective use of the slide step for the lefty, is with a runner on 2nd base. This technique allows the left hand pitcher to unload the ball quickly and vary his motion. 

The left hander should also develop a pick off move off the modified slide step . Just break the hands quickly, slide step within the 45 degree angle towards first base without using the normal lift of the lead leg and foot. This in conjunction with a good step back move makes it real difficult for the runner to get a consistent read on the left hand pitcher.

Pitching Tips: Pitch Counts

Keeping a pitch count limit for young pitchers is a crucial part of keeping their arms healthy. Allowing a youth pitcher throw too many pitches in too short of time increases the risk of them having arm problems and burnout. 

Many Little Leagues and Pony leagues around the country are enforcing pitch count limits for young pitchers. These rules state that a pitcher of a certain age can’t throw a certain amount of pitches in a certain number of days. Following these rules can help keep a pitcher’s arm healthy and rested.

Every league has different pitching limits, but there is a common theme to them. As the pitchers get older, they are allowed to throw more pitches per game. The more pitches a pitcher throws, the more days rest they are required to have before they are allowed to pitch again. These rules have been proven to protect young players arms.

Pitching Mechanics: The Leg Lift (RHP)

Having good leg lift mechanics is important to the success of any pitcher. The RHP must quicken up and reduce the height of his lead leg lift. A good technique to use is to bring the lead knee back to the pivot leg thigh area which transfers the body weight over the pivot leg. A little leg lift is necessary to allow time for the pitching arm to make its normal arm swing to the cocked position, and to transfer some body weight and momentum back before starting the body forward. 
The hands should break down along the mid-line of the body between the letters and the belt. The actin of the pitching arm should be down back and up, exactly the same as in the wind up. The RHP may want to break the hands on the first downward movement. 

The LHP may use a lot more preliminary hand action of up and down to hold and deceive the runner (runner on first only), but the RHP must break quickly to get the hand up into a good cocked position and unload the ball quickly. 

After the hand break, the pitcher’s motion and arm action should be the same as from the wind-up.

Pitching Advice: Knowing Your Limits

The number of pitches a pitcher should be allowed to throw depends on physical development, age, prior rest and recovery time, pitcher experience and the pitchers’s arm stamina. I believe pitch count as a measure is more effective and reliable than the number of innings pitched. 

In a competitive situation, often a pitcher will not admit that he is fatigued, overly sore, or has a minor arm injury. It is very important that a coach is able to recognize changes in a pitcher’s normal motion. Besides a loss in some velocity, and usually control, a pitcher will often change his mechanics to compensate for the loss of arm strength or to protect his arm from further pain.

Mental Side of Pitching: Knowing the Situation

Being aware of the situation in which you are pitching is key to being successful. If you go out there and just throw, you will not be focusing on the smaller aspects of the game: pickoffs, pitch calling, backing up bases, etc. When you are pitching, make sure you are always keeping in mind the current sitaution.

Some things to remember:

1) Know the score!

2) Know who is hitting and their tendencies.

3) Know your responsibilities on bunts and backing up bases.

4) Know where your fielders are positioned.

5) Know you are the BEST!

If you keep these 5 things in mind, you will find success on the mound!

Pitching Mechanics: Keep The Elbow Up

A common mistake that young pitchers make with their mechanics is dropping their elbow as they deliver their pitch. This typically will lead to them missing high in the strike zone. To correct this, they should perform drills where they break down their motion step by step, and concentrate on making sure their elbow remains high throughout the motion. Work on it!

Pitching Workouts: Forearm, Wrist, & Biceps Exercises

Stabilization exercises for the forearm, wrist, and biceps. (use a bat or tennis can.) Stabilize the forearm on a flexed leg in a kneeling or sitting position 
1. Pronation to supination
2. Anterior wrist curls
3. Curve ball anterior wrist curl.
4. Figure 8 motion
5. Front wrist curls (20 lb. Bar)
6. Reverse wrist curls
7. Front biceps curl - use your full range of motion by flexing and extending the wrists at each end of the curl
8. Reverse triceps - full range of motion with wrist flexion and extension.

These exercises can be done in the players room. It is not necessary to go to a weight room.