Pitching at the Little League level can be an overwhelming task for many youngsters. Once a youngster learns to hold the ball correctly and put his momentum behind the throw, he can be taught the basics of pitching. Little League pitchers may not understand all the nuances of arm angle, weight shift and finger pressure on the ball, but with a few choice tips they can improve their skills substantially.
Point Your Foot
Young pitchers often grow frustrated when they throw a series of pitches that are nowhere near the plate. One of the primary reasons for this is that when they step with their lead leg, they are not stepping toward the plate. Instead, they are stepping to the left or the right. More often than not, the pitch travels in the direction that the pitcher steps. Once young people understand this, they will be more likely to step directly at the catcher and deliver a strike.
Pitch From the Stretch
In baseball, you can pitch with a windup or the stretch. Both of these pitches are necessary as the pitcher gets older, but they require two sets of mechanics. Pitchers throw from the stretch position—rib cage facing home plate and right-handed pitcher is looking at third base—when there are runners on base. They throw from the windup—directly facing home plate—when nobody is on base. Since pitchers in Little League have base runners on much of the time, use the stretch for all the pitches. It is easier to learn and execute for the young pitcher.
Pitch Inside to Good Hitters
Under most circumstances, coaches ask their pitchers to get the ball over the plate. Pitchers with decent velocity may be able to overpower many hitters as long as they get the ball over the plate. However, good hitters can pound a baseball that is thrown over the middle of the plate. It is much harder to make a full swing on a baseball that is thrown over the inner half. A hitter has to get through the batting zone very quickly to make solid contact with an inside pitch. If the young pitcher has any control, teach him to throw inside to the better hitters he faces.
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