How to Learn the Art of Pitching

Learn How to Become a More Experienced Pitcher

In this blog, you will learn the steps to becoming a better pitcher. Pitching is often thought of as a simple task in which someone stands on a mound and throws the ball as hard as he can. This,

however, is mistaken. Pitching is one of the most mentally tough, intricate, and important positions on the baseball field. In order to become a better pitcher, you must properly prep, practice, and learn from the games.

Where is the Pitcher located and What is His Purpose?

The pitcher is located in the middle of the infield on a dirt mound. The pitchers purpose is not only to throw the ball to the batter and get him out, but the pitcher also controls the pace of the game.

Embrace the Prep Work

An important step on your journey to become a better pitcher is prep work. If you prep poorly, you will perform poorly. Prep work includes weightlifting, band work, and form practice.

Weightlifting

I always make sure I get in a good weight lift because this is what will increase your strength and endurance the most as a pitcher. Make sure you focus primarily on the shoulders, core (abdomen area), and the thighs.

I recommend doing front and side weight raises for your shoulders. Planks, sit-ups, and russian twists are three exercises that are excellent for you core. For the thighs, I recommend squatting and deadlifting. You should do one exercise for your thighs and all exercises for your shoulders and core daily.

Band Work

Band work is a great way to stretch your arm out and to build muscle. You will need two arm bands and a fence. Hook the bands to the fence and push/pull the bands, against the resistance of the bands, with both arms at once and separately. You should always do band work before and after throwing, as well as before lifting.

Form Exercise

Form exercise is an essential process that allows you to obtain the right form for you in order to maximize your balance, and the accuracy and speed of your pitch. My form practice steps are as follows:

1. Balance drill (consisting of going through the pitching motion slowly, pausing during the leg kick, while maintaining balance for as long as possible)

2. Towel slap drill (get a towel and a chair, hold the towel in your throwing hand, space the chair an arms length from the end of your stride, and go through your pitching motion, giving the chair a good slap with the towel on your follow through) which tests stride length, velocity (pitch speed), and balance

3. Hop drill (stand on the mound in the stretch, the way in which you would pitch with runners on base, hop three times, and throw the ball to the catcher) which tests balance, control, and accuracy

Practice

The most crucial step in your success as a pitcher is practice. This involves a lot of throwing and mental practice. Practice includes bullpens and situational drills.

Bullpens

Bullpens are an incredibly effective way to practice your form, control, and velocity of your pitches. You must throw a bullpen at least twice a week (preferably once on your own and once with a pitching coach). It is best to throw off of a mound to a catcher. Bullpens are typically between thirty to sixty quality pitches. Remember to obtain control before speed of the pitch.

Situational Drills

Situational drills refer to the mental side of the game. The three most important situational drills include bunt defense, situational pitches, and holding runners.

Bunt defense refers to your job on a bunt. Most of the time, your job is to receive the ball, unless another player can. Situational pitches depend largely on what your pitches are. You should have a pitching instructor work with you on how to effectively manage whatever your pitches may be. When you get a runner on base, you have many different options in which to hold him on base. A pickoff move (stepping off the rubber and quickly throwing to whatever base the runner is on) is usually the most effective, but you can also vary your looks (looking from the batter to the runner) and your pitching pace.

Play the Game - Learn From It

This is the time you put all of your skills to the test. While you are showcasing your skills, you should look for areas to improve. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself after a performance:

● Did I have good pitching form?

● Did I have good control and velocity of my pitches?

● Did I have command (the art of picking the right pitch to fool batters) of my

pitches?

● Did I hold runners on base properly?

● Am I pleased with my performance?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you should either rethink your routine, or practice your current routine more effectively.

Practice Makes Perfect - Enjoy!

Pitching is very difficult, but you can enjoy it and be great. Pitching has always been my most favorite position, and, the more I work at it, the more I enjoy it. Remember that your success as a pitcher depends largely on how effectively you practice your routine. If you properly prep, practice, and learn from the games, you will become a much better pitcher.