At the high school and college levels (and beyond, in pro ball), the ability of a pitcher to throw a quality off-speed pitch in a fastball count is critical.
Remember, if getting outs is the ultimate goal, a pitcher's ability to fool hitters, induce weak contact, or to miss bats entirely can not be underestimated!
It's been my experience with teaching and learning baseball pitching mechanics that the upper half is much harder to change than the lower half. In other words, once a kid has established his throwing motion, it can be VERY difficult to change those habits.
Therefore, when working with pitchers, focus on that lower half first. Good lower body movement often "self corrects" poor upper body movement!
Do you have any tips on teaching pitching mechanics?
When backing up third and home, get as far back behind the base as possible and then turn to see the play unfold in front of you. If there's a dugout, make sure you stop the ball whatever way you can from going out of play. If the ball goes out of play or gets by you, it's an automatic run and could mean the game!
Here are some common fielding situations that you may find yourself in as a baseball pitcher. Knowing what to do ahead of time can really make a difference.
1. Covering 1B - Run to line and run up line with glove up, receive throw and step on bag with right foot.
2. Fielding a come backer - Know who has bag, turn and throw to bag, on plays to first field ball and step and make a good sharp throw- no lobs or soft throws.
3. Covering home plate - If pitch is in the dirt charge home right away, do not wait to see if runner is going look at 3rd while charging, field throw and swipe the tag.
4. Backing up bases - Runner on 1B back up third on base hit, no runners on back up 2B on base hit to outfield.
One way to develop better control is to spot pitch every time you warm up. After you feel good and loose, begin the move around your pitches, as if you were pitching to a batter. Learn to use your catcher’s shoulders and knees as targets.
I'm talking about the change up.
Don't throw change ups to bad hitters who've got slow bats or long swings. That's the only pitch that they can hit. The change up is a pitch that you only want to throw to good aggressive hitters.
It's better for right handed pitchers to throw the change up to left handed hitters. And vice versa.
If you're going to throw the change up to right handed hitters, you've got to start it outside of the strike zone because it's going to back up into the hitter. That's a tough pitch to do!
"In 2010, I want to ____________________."
What baseball pitching goals would you write in the blank space? Take some time to think about it: What would you like to accomplish on the pitcher's mound this year?
Did you come up with a set of goals? Write them down on a piece of paper, and then tape it next to your bed, on your dresser, or on the bathroom mirror. Put your goals in a spot that you'll see them on a daily basis.
Visualizing your goals is a great way to accomplish them. Many successful pitchers do it. They set short-, mid-, and long-term goals every season. When they accomplish one, it gets crossed off the list. Then more are added.
Here are 7 simple tips to have a more productive baseball season.
1. Set a clear precise goal
Start with one thing that you want to achieve. Whatever the goal, make it specific and put it in writing. For example, "throw first pitch strikes to hitters," or "put hitters away when you have two strikes on them."
2. Set a realistic time frame
There are no unrealistic goals, just unrealistic time frames. For example, if you want to throw harder, it simply won't happen overnight. Instead, if you dedicate yourself to following a quality training routine, you can expect to see the results you desire.
3. Break down long-term goals into short-term goals
Arrange long term goals into short term goals: daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. What can you do today, right now, to start getting better at pitching?
4. Measure progress
Make corrections as needed. Note progress, and write it all down so you can reference it in the future. This way you can see what made you successful or unsuccessful and can make adjustments accordingly.
5. Create motivation
"Desire" what it will mean for you to accomplish the goal.
6. Mental picturing
See yourself attaining the goal using all senses: touch, sight, hear, taste, and smell. Bring the visualized experience to life!
For example, picture yourself making the perfect pitch in the last inning of a close game with runners on base, threatening to score. Hear the crowd roar, smell the hot dog stand, see nothing but your catcher's glove, etc.
7. Believe in yourself
Maintain a positive attitude and never, ever give up!
OK, now let's go back to that question I asked at the beginning of this chapter. Fill in the blank: "This year, I want to ____________________ ... and because I've set goals, written them down, established realistic time frames to accomplish them, and prepared to the best of my ability, I will accomplish them." That's how winners are made, and that's how to become a great baseball pitcher.
Happy New Year!
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