Thread: Why so much talk about pitching speed?

I see some good comments. Speed and control will come along together, if the proper mechanics are there as a base. But, it does mean throwing 10s of thousands of pitches to get to world class level. That is the only way that the strength, stamina and muscle memory will all come together. There is no easy way to become a world class fastball pitcher. Aside from that, anybody have comments on drills which try to build up the motion vs complete motion from day one? For instance, I see many pitchers who can do a drill just fine, but their full motion is totaly useless. My preference is full motion training.

The point about playing "pitch and catch" underhanded is the same as bigdaddy. It is a greatly overlooked skill.

I don't how many kids I've seen that are trying to learn how to pitch, but 90% can't play pitch and catch underhanded. Why?

In my experience, if you a pitcher can play "pitch and catch" for 20 or 30 minutes underhand, they are going to develop a smoother motion and better control.

Specifically, drills break down the pitching motion into pieces. At some point, you have to "reintegrate" the pieces into a smooth motion. Playing pitch and catch allows the pitcher to put all the parts together without being under pressure to pitch.

JRW

Magic,

There are several drills for "motion smoothing" or "incorporation of drills".

My favorites are:

(1) Playing pitch and catch underhanded (just like you playing pitch and catch overhanded, both people stand up, one person need not throw underhanded.)

(2) Rapid throwing. Basically, the catcher throws the ball to the pitcher, the pitcher immediately on catching the ball starts her pitching motion to deliver the ball. No feeling around for the rubber, no slapping the mitt, crouching down, jumping, whatever...they catch the ball, they immediately throw the ball. As soon as the catcher catches the ball, she *immediately* throws the ball back to the pitcher. So, this is rapid fire, one pitch after the other. Note that the pitcher will not always get a perfect throw from the catcher. So what? She still starts her pitching motion when the ball hits her mitt. Count each throw by the pitcher until she throws one away. Your goal is to get to a 100. Most beginning pitchers can't do 2.

JRW

Sluggers, I do a similar rapid fire drill but I have the catcher toss the ball aside and the pitcher just grabs another ball from me. I hold 5 or so balls.

Thanks. I will try that rapid fire tecnique to see if I can get them to improve.

In order to do the "rapid fire" drill, the pitcher has to keep her weight back, keep her arm in the groove, relax and breathe properly. It is quite a challenge.

It can be great fun, too. When they get above 10 throws, start teasing them and harassing them saying stuff like, "This is the one that goes over the catchers head" and "You're doing OK, but you couldn't break a wine glass with that pitch". Try to get them laughing. I don't know how many times the kids would crack up and stop throwing.

JRW