Good pitching is an essential part of a baseball team at any level. It is wise to allow all of the players on a youth team to have a go at pitching if they would like, to see which ones have natural ability. Often, the bigger kids on the team make good choices, as they will likely throw harder than other players. Nurturing a pitcher from when he is young will help him develop proper arm strength and mechanics. Performing pitching drills for youth players is a good way to create a complete pitcher.
Throwing Fastballs
The basic drill of learning the proper fastball grip, then throwing it regularly will help strengthen the pitcher's arm muscles, says Barton's Youth Baseball. A four-seam fastball grip places the middle and index fingers across the seams at the horseshoe part of the ball, with the thumb underneath. The four-seam fastball tends to be more accurate and can be thrown with more velocity.
One-Knee Drill
The one-knee drill helps a pitcher develop the proper arm action. Two pitchers should move about 45 to 55 feet away from each other and kneel on one knee. Right-handers will kneel on the right knee and left-handers on the left. Then they play catch, rotating their shoulders toward their partners and using a circular arm motion with a follow-through where the throwing elbow is across the opposite leg.
Five Steps
A good drill for pitchers to learn and practice is the five steps of the wind-up. The movement begins with the pitcher standing on the rubber, both feet facing forward. Then, the pitcher takes a 4- to 6-inch rocker step back, a pivot to turn his body sideways, balance on the pivot leg and push off to stride toward the plate and throw the pitch. The last move is the follow-through, finishing low. Practice the wind-up sequence over and over, with or without a baseball.
Pause and Balance
Balance is a key when pitching to maintain control of your pitches. To teach a younger pitcher control, have him stand on the rubber without a ball. Start the wind-up, then stop at the balance point when the foot has pivoted and one leg is in the air. The pitcher pauses at that point and turns his head toward second base. The coach hands him a ball after three to five seconds, and he turns his head and delivers the pitch.
Fielding Drill
A pitcher who can field the position well is like having an extra infielder. To practice getting in the proper position, have your pitcher deliver real or mock pitches from the mound, then hit or throw balls back at him as if hit by a batter. This will force him to get his body square to the plate and in good position to make a fielding play.
Member Comments