3 Building Blocks Of Successful Pitching That You Should Master This Season

The tools of a successful baseball pitcher include location, movement, change of speeds, velocity, and mental toughness. In 2009, you should try to improve in each of the above mentioned areas. But let's drill down a little ... Here are 3 that you can and should start working on in the early parts of the season. I like to view these as building blocks that will allow you to be successful on the pitcher's mound.

1. Throw Strikes

I expect pitchers to spot the ball and force batters to hit the ball to certain parts of the field. Consider the example of an opposing team that has a runner on second-base and a right-handed batter at the plate intending to hit "behind" the runner into right field. In this situation, pitchers should be able to jam the batter low and inside so he'll ground out to the left side and prohibit the runner from advancing.

2. Command Of A Change-up

A good change-up will disrupt a hitter's timing and make him more tentative about taking a strong cut at any pitch. A pitcher with a decent fastball can excel if he has a straight change that is 8-12 mph slower than his fastball - but it must be thrown for strikes.    

3. Strong Pick-Off Moves

I encourage players who run fast and aggressively try to steal bases. Of all the defenders, the pitcher has the primary responsibility for shutting down the running game. Conversely, the pitcher should be able to shorten the leads of base runners and stop walking leads with an effective pick-off move to all three bases.