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Here are some pitching points to remember to help you be the best you can be.
Note: This Checklist is for a right-handed pitcher – reverse for a left-handed pitcher.
1) Pre-Game Warm-up
Elevate body temperature by jogging and stretching.
Soft toss overhand, then soft toss underhand to build tempo and timing.
Work down the middle of the plate before concentrating on corners.
Establish your primary pitch first.
Work outside the strike zone as well as in, and on the corners.
Practice a few pitch-outs
Concentrate on proper spin for breaking pitches, before throwing at top speed.
Warm-up in the same direction as you will pitch in the game. Use a new or game ball, if possible.
Work on visualizing path of pitch, and successful pitches. Warm-up mentally as well as physically.
Develop concentration: focus on targets and areas.
Don’t struggle with a pitch which is not working–go back to the basics, or use as a waste pitch. Adjust–always adjust!
Rehearse your game plan.
Pace your warm-up to coincide with the start of the game.
Develop a calm, alert, focused, and positive state of mind.
Wear a jacket after warm-ups
Coaches Note: Playing pepper is a great way to loosen up for both pitching and fielding activities.
2) Delivery Mechanics
Stance: Should be balanced and relaxed
First Move: Not rushed–weight shift from left to right leg–pitching arm extends
Top of Arm Swing: Bicep muscle close to ear–shoulder and hips open
Stride: Straight line towards plate–arm coming close to side of body–shoulder and hips open.
Release: Wrist close to side at release (test brushing forearm at release) –snap wrist fast–pitch against firm left side–right toe drags forward as shoulder and hips close.
Coaches Note: Strive for a “loose” elbow which will produce more velocity than a locked elbow. Look for full range of motion in a tension-free delivery.
3) Rise Ball
Wrist cocked-back coming into release area.
Forearm very close or brushes side during release stage. Elbow close to right side.
Wrist is snapped forward at release–hand and fingers cut under ball, imparting backspin.
Right shoulder slightly lower than left at release.
Coaches Note: Insure ball comes off side or bottom of fingers, instead of off ends of fingers.
4) Curve Ball
Same mechanics as Rise Ball, except:
Ball is snapped around the hip at release.
Shoulders level–wrist follow-through towards 1st base.
Right hip is driving more with right toe drag.
Coaches Note: Insure line of pitch is toward outside corner (RH Batter.)
5) Drop Ball:
Peeling Method: Ball rolls off ends of fingers, with palm of hand facing plate. At point of release, wrist is pulled up imparting downward ball rotation.
Snap-over Method: Hand snaps over top of ball at release. Insure arm is close to side to promote consistency and to avoid shoulder problems.
Coaches Note: Insure ball is released on a downward angle towards plate for greater consistency and sharper break.
6) Change-of-pace
There are many grips and release techniques for the change-of-pace pitch. Here are a few general points to test:
Maintain the same motion as your fast pitches–purpose of pitch is to deceive the batter and upset her timing.
Choking the ball back in your hand will take force out of the ball, and slow it up.
Test “popping” ball off hip.
Test releasing ball with side or back of hand facing plate at release.
Coaches Note: Include a change pitch as one of the between inning warm-up pitches. This will help to build confidence in this pitch.
7) Pitching Grips
There is no one correct grip for any pitch. The “right” grip is the one you have confidence in.
Test out many grips–selecting the ones which are comfortable, produce the greatest spin and velocity.
Strive for a firm (not tight) grip and a loose wrist. Excessive thumb pressure reduces velocity, ball spin, and will produce muscle fatigue.
Experiment with different finger pressures on ball for all pitches–observe spin, velocity and control results.
Regardless of the type grip, four seams should be rotating towards plate.
Coaches Note: Include soft-toss spin drills in practices, and in warm-up programs, to achieve correct feel of ball leaving fingers.
8) Velocity
Pitching speed can be increased by:
Swinging the arm, instead of moving it, will create centrifugal force in the body.
Strive for a fast, strong wrist snap, pitching the ball against a firm left leg.
Insure there is resistance of the fingers against ball at release–feel ball “burning” off fingers.
Grip on ball should not be tight–insure against locking wrist and tightening muscles in arm.
Maintain rhythm and timing in your pitch for maximum velocity.
Coaches Note: Trying too hard can reduce velocity-promote controlled relaxation in the delivery. Let the arm swing and the wrist snap.
9) Control
Control can be maximized by:
Proper warm-up program.
Maintain consistent release point, and finger pressure.
Develop a pre-pitch routine.
Visualize path of pitch–see ball hitting target.
Maintain positive mental attitude.
Develop rhythm in your delivery–maintain consistent tempo and timing in your mechanics.
Always pitch to a target.
Coaches Note: Loss of control is sometimes a result of pitching too fine, and aiming the ball.
10) Mental Aspects
Winning pitchers are mentally tough, as well as physically. Strengthening your mental skills will help you to consistently pitch at peak performance levels. A few thoughts:
Be committed to excellence.
Maintain self-control and be confident and cool under pressure.
Be self-motivated and control your temper.
Accept criticism, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Develop a never-give-up attitude.
Learn from losses-never dwell on them.
Be organized-have short and long term goals.
Don’t worry about what is not in your control.
Be a concentrated focused athlete.
Block out distractions.
Think positive thoughts, “I’m prepared and in control”, “I’m relaxed and ready”, “I believe in myself”, etc.-always be optimistic.
Be energetic, determined and ready for the competition.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Look and act like a winner–be a leader!
Be the best you can be, each pitch, each inning, this game, this season.