Five ways to improve pitching control

If you're a baseball coach, then you'll probably agree with me that there's nothing worse than when a pitcher can't throw strikes, when his pitching control is poor. Pitchers in the big leagues generally throw about 65% to 68% strikes. That's something your pitching staff should aim for every time a pitcher takes the mound.

Here are some common causes of pitching-control problems – and how to fix them so your pitchers can be more accurate.

1. Lack of concentration: The pitcher should pick up their target before winding up and not break that concentration during the delivery. Remind them of this during practices.
2. Throwing across the body: Draw an imaginary line from the push-off foot to the center of home plate. The striding foot should land four to six inches to the first base side of that line (third base side for left-handers).
3. Poor follow-through: Check the weight transfer, and see that the throwing hand finishes in the proper position. This may be exaggerated by having the pitcher touch their shoelace to ensure that they finish low.
4. Aiming the ball: The pitcher must not let up to get the ball over the plate. They should concentrate, reach back and throw hard. Control is only effective with good speed on the ball.
5. Rushing the delivery: Pushing off the rubber without achieving the balance position will usually result in the arm not coming through in time, and loss of rhythm. Be sure the throwing arm is extended back before the weight starts forward. Control will come with good mechanics and practice, and confidence will come as a result of using that control successfully.

[Baseball Canada]