Pitching Mechanics: Game Adjustments With The Fastball

Problem - Caused By - Adjustment

A. Wild high - rushing, over striding, low cocked position - Keep weight back, shorten stride, flex more at waist

B. Wild inside - stride too closed, lack of trunk rotation, low cocked position, improper grip, early pronation of hand - stride straight to plate, forward and inward drive of the back knee, get hand up during backswing, balance ball with grip, keep fingers behind ball.

C. Wild Low - stride too short, upper body dives in, arm circle too small - push off rubber earlier, lead with front hip, not front shoulder; use a down, back and up arm path.

D. Wild Outside - Body tilts too much to side, fingers on the side of the ball, lands on a stiff front leg - lead with front hip and shoulder towards plate, keep fingers directly behind the ball, land flexed, then brace up leg. 

E. Lack of Movement - Thumb on side of ball, wrist and forearm muscles too tense - Keep thumb under fingers, use a grim grip, but loose wrist and forearm; flex ring finger, use only to stabilize ball, 2 seam grip for movement

F. Lack of Normal Velocity - Ball gripped too tight or too deep, rushing, lack of hip rotation, aiming the ball - Firm grip, loose wrist, space between thumb and first finger, close up, keep weight back, relax and throw the ball.

Mental Side of Pitching: Setting Up Hitters

1. Pitching in on hitters
A. Many pitchers are reluctant to pitch inside to a hitter because they might hit them, but if a pitcher can pitch inside, he’ll be much more effective. 
B. Learn to concentrate on an inside target at the knee or hip area. There is a big open area at those spots. When a pitcher throws up and in, the pitcher sees elbows and arms, so there is a tendency to get the ball out over the plate too much.
C. A pitcher can not worry about hitting a batter. The batter has to watch out for himself. 
D. It is more effective for a hard thrower to pitch inside than a pitcher with an average fastball. 

2. General rules for pitching inside or outside:
A. When ahead in the count pitch inside, since the batter is more protective and probably will wait longer with an inside-out swing. 
B. When behind in the count, pitch on the outside 1/3. The hitter will usually try to muscle up and pull the ball more. 
C. On an 0-2 count to a good hitter, pitch him on the low-outside corner. 
D. IF you can’t throw hard, don’t pitch inside often for strikes. 

3. Location of pitches: Be able to pitch up and down, in or out. Move the ball around the hitter. 

A. After throwing a strike, don’t repeat the same pitch in the same location. The hitter has just seen that one. 
B. After a ball, it’s OK to repeat the same general location for a strike. 
C. Try to make sure your pitches change plans-
-Curve and slider break down as well as out
-Fast ball tails or sinks
-Change up sinks and fades away
-Split drops as well as changes speed. 

4. The mental process for control.
A. Verbalize the pitch to an exact location.
B. Visualize the ball to that spot.
C. Visualize yourself doing it perfectly and watch the ball to that spot. 
D. Concentrate on the task at hand - program your thoughts - program your pitches.

5. Change of Speeds:
A. Change speeds on your various pitches
B. Change speeds on the best hitters - big swingers
C. Don’t change up on weak hitters, do them no favors!
D. Except for the big swingers, don’t change up with 2 strikes on a hitter.
E. One of the real secrets of being a successful pitcher is to destroy a hitter’s timing. 

6. A good pitcher can throw the fast ball to spots; the curve ball for strikes; and change speeds to disrupt timing.

7. Don’t fear failure - you won’t be able to accept the challenge - concentrate on positive thoughts - be aggressive 

8. Be relaxed between pitches, but keep your game concentration. Think only about pitching. 

9. Stay ahead of hitters

10. Know the game situation and the importance of each runner on base. 

11. Know the best pitch and use it when you’re in trouble. Your most effective pitch may change game from game, even during the same game.

Pitching Grips: Split-Finger Fastball

The Split-Finger Fastball


In professional baseball, the split finger fastball was the pitch of the late 80’s and early 90’s. It has also become popular and more common in college baseball. If a pitcher can make the ball tumble and control it in the strike zone, it is a very effective pitch because it breaks so late and the pitch is a little slower off the same fast ball arm action. 

Truthfully, I am not a strong advocate of the split for high school and college pitchers for a number of reasons: 1) at this age, pitchers should be throwing the fastballs more to develop arm strength and stamina, 2) it’s a difficult pitch to control and to develop a consistent break, and 3) thrown improperly, and maybe even correctly, it may cause added stress on the shoulder. 

I’ll admit we do teach it to some of our pitchers - usually to those pitchers who: 
1) Are not pro prospects
2) Don’t have a real effective breaking pitch
3) Don’t have real good velocity
4) Can throw it with a natural fast ball arm action and release

A) The Grip - 2 grips we teach
1) Hold the ball with the narrow seams up between the fingers, and the thumb right under the ball, right under the split of the fingers.
2) The pressure points of the index and middle fingers are along the inside of the first outer finger joint. The 3rd finger should rest up against the outside of the ball to stabilize it. The ball rests on the inside bony surface of the thumb. Looking at the ball as a clock (RHP), the index finger will be at 10, middle finger at 2, ring finger 2nd joint at 4, and the thumb at 6. 

The other grip that many pitchers use is they place the thumb up on the side of the ball at 8 o’clock. It is more difficult to throw the ball with great velocity this way, but it is an effective change-up and it will tumble and drop. 

B. Arm Action.
1) The arm action should be just like the normal fastball. Think fastball - do not aim the ball.
2) It is very important to use a long natural arc of deceleration during the follow-through. 

C. Release of the pitch
1) The wrist is positioned as on a fastball
2) On release, the wrist is flexed forward to the neutral position and may be pronated early to allow the ball to slip out. Finger pressure may vary from pitcher to pitcher. 
3) The pitcher should feel like he is pulling down through the ball with the fingers, pushing up through with the thumb. 
4) Maintain the same arm action and hand speed as on the fastball.
5) Make sure the ball is released at the normal fastball release point. Work for full extension to plate after release. 
6) During acceleration phase, the hand maybe closer to the head than on a fastball. 

D. Teaching Progression with the Split-Finger
1) Throw fastballs, but keeping widening the fingers down the side of the ball until it feels comfortable and starts to decrease the rotation of the ball. 
2) Work at 1/2 or 3/4 speed at short distances until the pitcher has the feel for the pitch.
3) Throw for the center of the plate and below the hitter’s crotch area. 
4) Experiment with the position of the thumb
A) under the ball as in throwing the fastball
B) On the side near the bottom of the ball
C) On the side near the index finger
5) Experiment with rolling the ball back deeper in the hand
6) Loosen the inside finger pressure of the index and middle fingers. Try to let the ball slip out which will slow the back spin. 

E. Common problems with the split finger fastball.
1) Learning to control the pitch and keeping it low in the strike zone. 
2) Hiding the grip from batters and coaches. Some pitchers start each preliminary motion with a split-finger grip, then change to the pitch they are actually going to throw. 
3) Having to stiff-wrist the release to make the pitch tumble causes added stress on the elbow and shoulder joint muscles. Do not stiff wrist the pitch. 
4) Difficult to grip and control in cold weather. 
5) Snapping the arm with a recoil action or hyper extending the elbow. 
6) Not getting the fingers on top of the ball.
7) Too much pressure applied by the thumb on the ball.
8) Trying to make the pitch “work” rather than throwing and releasing it with a normal fastball motion. 

Again, the splitter can be a very effective pitch, but I do not recommend teaching it to good high school and college pitchers who have the potential to be real hard throwers. I really believe those men should be working to develop more velocity, movement, and control of their fastball and that over-use of the split may hinder the development of good velocity.

Pitching Tips: The Change Up

I believe the most effective change up is off the fastball because the hitter reads fastball rotation and arm action and must prepare and commit himself to the pitcher’s best velocity. The pitcher is trying to destroy the hitter’s timing and take away his aggressiveness. Of course, if a pitcher is a real hard thrower, the change is more effective because the hitter has to gear up for the good fastball. 

If a pitcher throws an 85-87 m.p.h fastball, he will have an effective change at 72-78 m.p.h (10-15% off fastball velocity). A pitcher should not think the change up is only effective when it is missed. It really is not a strike out pitch, but a pitch that is miss timed causing weak contact. Even change ups out of the strike zone can be effective because it effects a hitter’s confidence that he can sit on the fastball. 

The best times to change speeds are: 
1. To big swingers
2. When the batter is ahead in count - 1-0, 2-1, or 2-0
3. When a hitter is trying to pull or is out in front of the pitches

A. Grip
1. The ball is gripped deep in the hand, balanced and held loosely. The ball should rest up against the top ridge of the palm or at the base of the fingers.
2. We prefer the 3 finger grip because we find it easier to control. For a RHP looking at the back of his hand, and the ball as a clock, place the thumb at 7 o’clock, the little finger at 5 o’clock and the first 3 fingers on top of the ball at 11, 12, 1 o’clock.

3. The finger tips and pads are raised slightly and the finger pressure is between the first and second finger joints
4. Don’t set the grip until the ball is hidden in the glove just before the hand break.

B. Arm Action
1. The arm action is just like the fast ball until the pitcher comes into the acceleration phase, then:
A. Bring the hand in closer to the head which causes the elbow to lead longer
B. Start an early pronation of the wrist

C. Release
1. Upon release, the fingers are lifted off the ball, the ball rolls up the fingers.
2. The wrist and hand are pronated a little early which stops the wrist from popping forward. This takes velocity off the ball and creates movement. 
3. On the follow through, collapse the body slightly. Don’t try to get too much backside drive and hip rotation into the pitch.
4. Work for full arm extension to the plate on the follow through just like on the fastball. 

D. Common mistakes when throwing the change. 
1. Slowing down the arm and body motion
2. Over emphasizing the fastball motion
3. Releasing the ball too much from the side caused by turning the hand over too much.
4. Dropping the hand and elbow and short arming across the body
5. Not working on and using the pitch enough to master it

E. Summary
If the pitcher can develop a good change up, his fastball will appear faster and the hitters will be less aggressive. The change up is more effective in college and pro baseball because the hitters are stronger, more aggressive and can handle a good fastball.

Pitching Drills: Teaching The Slider

A. Advantages of the slider versus the curve ball
1. Easier to control - doesn’t have a big break. 
2. Easier to teach and learn - Some pitchers can not throw an effective curve due to lack of wrist flexion or finger length. 
3. Has more velocity than a curve ball. 
4. Has a sharper and later break.
5. It is more difficult for a batter to recognize the rotation and break. 

B. Disadvantages of the slider versus the curve ball
1. If thrown improperly, it may cause more stress and increase chance of injury to elbow or shoulder. 
2. Attempting to throw the slider and curveball often confuses a young pitcher and neither pitch is very effective. 
3. A poor breaking slider thrown in the wrong location is a great pitch to hit because it’s less than the speed of a fastball and has very little break. 

C. Recommendations to high school and college pitchers. Master 3 pitchers before trying to throw other pitches. Use and gain consistency and control of the: 
1. Fastball, curve ball, change up, or
2. Fastball, slider, change up

D. The Grip. 
This is up to an individual pitcher. It depends on hand size, strength and feel. The following is a basic grip which has been successful for pitchers I’ve worked with. 

1. Grip the ball across the wide seams like on a 4 seam fastball, but relating to a clock, place the first finger between 12 and 1 o’clock and the thumb at 7 o’clock. The first finger pad is across the wide seam with a firm pressure. 

2. The ball is slightly off-centered to the inside of the hand
3. The main pressure points are the first finger and thumb
4. The middle finger rests on the seam, and the ball is stabilized by resting up against a flexed third finger
5. The ball is held slightly deeper in the hand than on the fast ball, but not as deep as for the curve. The grip is slightly firmer than the fast ball. 

E. The Release
1. During the acceleration and release phase, the wrist should be cocked to a 1/4 turn open to the inside. 
2. The first finger must remain on top of the ball and cut down through the outside as the thumb comes up through the inside of the ball. This action creates the side spin. 
3. The wrist should flex forward with no inward turn
4. Upon release, many pitchers feel a burning sensation on their 1st finger. This is a good teaching check point showing the finger cuts down through the outside of the ball. 

F. The Arm Action
1. When throwing the slider, the pitcher should think fast ball. Use the normal range of motion - do not cock or curl the wrist. 
2. As the hand and wrist come into the acceleration phase, the wrist will turn slightly inward, but the 1st finger must stay on top of the ball. 
3. The hand and elbow should stay at the same height and release position as on the fast fall. 
4. The arm path and release point should be the same as the fast ball until the ball is released. Then comes a major change: after release, think of short arming the hand back outside the hip sooner than on the fastball. Do not try to get full extension of the arm to the plate. This technique will reduce the forces on the elbow. 

5. The action of the body will be the same as on he fastball.

Pitching Tips: Teaching The Curveball

As with the fastball, a pitcher should find and use a grip which feels comfortable and is effective for him, and one that gives him a good sharp breaking curve. If a pitcher already has a good curve, don’t try to change it on him. 

The curveball we teach is a true curve. We believe it is an effective breaking pitch and if thrown properly, should not cause too much stress on the elbow. 

A. The Grip
1. The curve ball grip may vary from pitcher to pitcher. Much depends on hand size, grip strength, finger length and feel. A pitcher with big hands and long fingers has an advantage because he can keep the fingers on top of the ball and the ball won’t slip out as often. 

2. I prefer teaching a four seam rotation curve because it allows for faster rotation and therefore the chance for a sharper break. 
3. The ball is gripped slightly deeper in the hand than the fastball, but do not choke the ball. Leave a space between the first finger and the thumb. 
4. The pressure points on the ball are:
A. The outside finger pad of the middle finger is up against the wide seam
B. The crook between the first and second joint of the ring finger stabilizes the ball. 
C. The pressure point of the thumb on the ball is along the inside bony surface of the first joint. 
D. The first finger should just lay on the ball and be close to the middle finger so the ball can roll over it quickly. A few pitchers will actually lift the first finger upon release.

5. We teach a very firm grip with the middle finger pad and thumb, but yet a pitcher must maintain a loose and flexible wrist. The forearm muscles should not be tense during the acceleration phase.

B. The arm action and release
1. At the start of the motion, the arm action should be just the same as on the fast ball. Use a full range of motion, don’t short arm the back swing or curl the wrist. 
2. The pitcher should attempt to get the hand up high in the cocked position with the elbow at least as high as the shoulder. This way the pitcher will be accelerating in a downward plane. 

3. As the shoulder starts to externally rotate, the palm of the hand will turn inward to partially face the head. The fingers will now be on top outside - not behind - the ball as on a fastball. 

4. During the acceleration phase, the elbow will lead slightly longer and the shoulder will internally rotate later. At this point the pitcher should think of great hand speed and wrist snap in a forward, inward plane. The hand speed must overtake the elbow to release the ball with a good overspin. 

5. The hand should be higher then and well outside the elbow at release point. Do not curl the wrist inside the forearm, this reduces ball velocity. 
6. The pitcher should bend at the waist getting the head and shoulders over the stride leg. Try to visualize reaching out in front of the body directly to the plate. 
7. Upon release of the ball, relax the hand, wrist and arm to allow the arm to pronate naturally. This will reduce some of the stress on the shoulder and elbow joints. 
8. On the curve ball, and slider, do not attempt to get full arm extension on the follow through. Short arm the follow through quickly downward and outside the lead hip. 

C. Body Action
1. One of the secrets to a good and consistent to curve is not to rush the motion. Make certain the head and shoulders get over the lead leg and the hand speed overtakes the elbow and pull downward. 

2. Do not drive the back knee forward as hard as on the fast ball. Many pitchers like to drag the pivot foot to allow them to flex earlier at the waist. 
3. It is important to use good leads arm action, driving down and back giving great velocity of the hips, then shoulders. Keep the front shoulder closed as long as possible. 
4. During the release and follow through, many pitchers create such a violent downward force that they lose sight of the ball on the way to the plate, but pick it up again well before it reaches the hitting zone. 

5. As on the fast ball, a pitcher may have to use a jump step to recover his balance to field his position. 

D. Common Faults Throwing the Curve Ball
1. Over throwing it.
2. Short arming the backswing and coming out of a low cocked position. 
3. Over extending the elbow by releasing the ball in a 12-6 vs a 1-7 rotation. 
4. Not short arming the follow through, over extending the elbow. 
5. Wrist hooking during the backswing or curling the wrist during acceleration
6. Choking the ball too deep in hand
7. Throwing across body
8. Hanging the curve - pitcher throws up hill, low elbow in the cocked position, or rushes motion ahead of arm

Difference between the true curve and the slurve. Instead of the pitcher flicking the thumb up through the ball upon release, the thumb is pulled down through the inside of the ball. Wrist still should flex inward as well as downward to avoid hyper-extending the elbow.

Pitching Tips: Two-Seam Fastball

A.Grip
1. One of the best grips for the sinker-ball is to hold the ball with two fingers close together inside the point where the seams narrow. 
2. The grip will have slightly firmer finger pressure, and the ball held a little deeper in the hand than a 4 seamer. 
3. The ball should be slightly unbalanced by off centering the ball toward the ring finger and applying more pressure to the first finger pad. 
4. Thumb position - two methods:
A. The thumb is under the ball resting on a seam on the inside bony surface of the 1st joint. Upon release, the thumb is slightly pulled under the ball, creating a side to over-spin. 

B. For pitchers with large hands and long fingers, some prefer to flex the thumb back under the ball more to get the ball down and over the thumb quicker. 
B. Release
1. As the arm and hand come to the release point, the wrist is slightly turned outward.
2. There is little more first finger pressure as the fingers come over and down through the inside of the ball. 
3. The thumb pulls outward slightly and under the ball. Remember the ball is already off centered a little to the ring finger. 
4. The wrist is flexed down and outward slightly. The wrist will not be as loose as on a normal fast ball.