4 Ways To Get Optimum Pitching Velocity, Movement And Control

There's a nice post here on the High School Baseball Web regarding the development of optimum pitching velocity, pitching movement and pitching control. One member nailed it with his response: the 4 things that will help any pitcher with getting optimum velocity, movement and control with his fastball are as follows.

1. Try to stick with 2-finger grip. The closer together his fingers stay (without losing control) the more force he'll transfer to the ball, and the better the movement.

2. Make sure your thumb and middle finger cut the ball in half. A small difference on the ball can lead to a big difference in hitting locations at the plate.

3. Check your hand in the glove before he starts to throw. Make sure your hand is directly behind the baseball. This set-up can help keep the hand behind the ball throughout delivery; helping with velocity and control.

4. "Aim small." Rather than aiming to hit the "glove" focus in on a spot in the glove about the size of a dime, and throw the ball through the spot (not to the spot).

Of course, other factors that affect pitching velocity are the development of functional strength, and the develop efficient, repeatable mechanics -- this will go a long way to help as well.