How To Teach Pitching

Over the years, I have been exposed to many different pitching philosophies both as a former Chicago Cubs pitching pro and as a college coach. Having attended various clinics, camps and being blessed with the opportunity of learning from some of the finest coaches in the game today, I have come to the realization that the best pitching philosophy is one that is usually the simplest.

As a pitching coach, your goal should be to to guide your pitchers at every level to a greater understanding of correct techniques and strategies involved with being a successful pitcher.

Every program will have its own personality -- its own philosophies. As a coach you must believe in and have 100% confidence in what you are teaching. Then and only then will your players have faith in your program.

The following are some key concepts I share with the pitchers I work with:

1. Throwing strikes (within the 1st two pitches of the count and locating our FB with as much movement as possible)       

2. Changing speeds (having the ability to throw a second pitch for a strike)       

3. Being aggressive (the ability to pitch inside)

4. Setting a tempo (staying in the present tense -- executing pitch by pitch in an efficient manner)

Good luck with your program, keep it simple and believe!