NEWS • NOTES • PRACTICE • EVENTS • NEXT GAME

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<This makes a HUGE difference.

Pitchers need to work on establishing and controlling their fast ball and be able to change speeds on it simply by changing the grip on the ball. Good fundamentals and smooth mechanics are the goals. 

Pitching requires the entire body, not just the arm. Warm up and in practice throw, two-seam fastballs, four seam fastballs and change-ups to creates familiarity and get the right feel on the ball. Then move on to throwing some curves, sliders, knucklers, or other pitches such as splitters, fork ball, etc after you are warmed up.

Good pitching mechanics

A pitchers mechanics should be fluid and become natural to the throwing motion. Each delivery should appear exactly the same to the hitters regardless of what pitch is thrown or if it's from the stretch or the wind up.

Pitching forms

Wind-up or no wind-up

The correct arm angle must first be determined. Pitcher's need to find the best angle for all their pitches Next practice throwing all pitches from this angle (except on over hand curve)

Throw a few pitches of each to practice location.

Side-arm Delivery

Strike zone is harder to hit with a side arm delivery. Over hand and 3/4 strike zone is the easiest to throw, and less stressful to the arm in general.

The Wind-up : (Situation will decide)

Pitchers need to learn to use their entire body to throw. This loosens up pitchers body and relieves arm tension by using the entire body to throw with. One fluid motion is the best wind up delivery. The wind-up can also confuse the batter with added movement. It also helps pitchers hide the ball from the hitter longer during the delivery. The goal is to develop a smooth, consistent rhythm for consistency of every pitch.

Correct throwing mechanics can reduce injury and increase longevity.

Wind up problems:

Coordination may not be good or not smooth. Is not properly hiding ball in wind-up or has a herky-jerky motion instead of smooth, one motion delivery. Hiding ball during wind-up behind leg or keeping the baseball in the glove as far back as possible are the best options here.

No wind-up process.

Step, come to a complete stop, then use the exact same mechanics as in the

wind up. Push down from the top of the rubber, (sit), keeping the baseball in

the glove’s web, wrist hidden in the glove, deliver one smooth motion to the plate.

Avoid Tipping pitches:

1. By changing arm angles.

2. Using different pump movements.

3 Reaching back further on certain pitches.

4. Using higher or lower leg action.

5. Turning wrist on curve (shows white)

6. Holding ball in glove differently.

7. Fingering ball prematurely or not hiding it properly.

8. Shaking off to the same pitch.

Set positions - From the wind-up, take signs on rubber, ball inside glove. From the stretch, pause at least one second after coming set, then throw. No exaggerated leg kick delivering ball with runners on base. Vary time intervals on pitches to the plate to keep hitter and base runners off balance.

Wind-up and Stretch

Techniques should be almost the same in the stretch as in the wind-up except cutting down leg kick and speeding up delivery slightly from time to time

Causes of Poor Control

Poor control can be caused by several factors or just one that is out of line.

      The following are the most common poor control issues:

• Poor mechanics or grip techniques.

• Taking eyes off target or too early.

• Improperly landing on the heal.

• Throwing across the body or locking the hips or knees on delivery

• Erratic, varying arm angle at release point, inconsistent mechanics.

• Moving around on rubber too much. Try to stay in one spot, right side for right hand hitters - left side for lefties. Each pitcher should find whatever works best on a given day. Don't be afraid to adjust.

• Over and under striding can also lead to injury and control problems.

• Poor physical conditioning shows up late in the game.

• Pitchers must run everyday.

• Excessive body movement or herky-jerky motion causes ball to move