Teaching 10-year-olds to pitch can be a challenging task. Many players are still learning the basics of the game and pitching can be complicated and overwhelming to some young people. However, some youngsters will attack pitching with enthusiasm. It's important to teach them the proper technique, balance, grip and how to think when pitching. Young pitchers don't have to attempt to get inside the head of each batter like older pitchers, but if they can learn what makes a pitch difficult to hit, they will be ahead of the game.
Step 1
Build up arm strength every day before the start of practice. The best way to do this is to throw the ball for 10 to 15 minutes every day. Throw from a distance of 50 feet and gradually increase it to 100 feet by the end of the exercise. This will build strength in the four rotator cuff muscles that support shoulder movement.
Step 2
Pitch from the stretch position. Pitchers throw from a windup or the stretch. To keep confusion to a minimum, pitch from the stretch only. This is the position from which all pitchers must throw when runners are on base. If you are a right-handed pitcher, your right foot will be on the rubber and your left foot will be closer to home plate. Pick your front foot up high and get your weight on your back leg. Drive forward toward the plate and deliver the baseball to home shortly after your front foot hits the ground.
Step 3
Grip the baseball with your fingers across the seams. This is the prime position for throwing the fastball. Have equal pressure on both fingertips as you grip the ball. Do not choke the baseball when you grip it. Grip it firmly, perhaps at a "6" on a scale of 1 to 10.
Step 4
Follow through completely after you release the ball. To help facilitate this, imagine there is a $10 bill on the ground in front of your left foot if you are a right-handed pitcher or your right foot if you are a left-handed pitcher. Continue to go forward with your pitching arm until you can pick up the imaginary bill. This will give you velocity and balance.
References
- "Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way"; Cal Ripken Jr. and Bill Ripken; 2006
- QC Baseball: Pitching Accuracy - 40 Pitches
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