In the recent backswing thread the subject of hiding the grip came up. I usually don't address this until I start teaching spins, or sometimes the changeup. I will frequently spend some time catching for my pitchers (in full gear if necessary). I want to see how the ball spins and get a look from the batter's perspective. If I see the pitcher showing the grip to the point where it tips the pitch I will make some suggestions.
I want the pitcher to see what the hitter sees so that they understand the problem and hopefully find a solution they are comfortable with. I first started using this method at a facility that had an office with big picture window, now I suggest that it be done at home. During the daytime a sliding glass door or large window can serve as a mirror if you stand outside. At night, indoors with the lights on, just about any window can can serve as a mirror. I ask them to stand in the position they take on the mound, with a ball, facing a large door or window and look at their reflection so they can see what the hitter sees. At this point I suggest they try; ball in glove, hide the ball with glove or turn the hand/fingers so the different grips aren't detectable. Then start and go through their motion to see if they can come up with a method of keeping the hitters from seeing their different grips. When they get an idea of something that might fix the problem we work on it at the next lesson.
One little tip, after a near miss at the office window I now give them a Jugs Lite Flite foam ball to use instead of the real thing.
I want the pitcher to see what the hitter sees so that they understand the problem and hopefully find a solution they are comfortable with. I first started using this method at a facility that had an office with big picture window, now I suggest that it be done at home. During the daytime a sliding glass door or large window can serve as a mirror if you stand outside. At night, indoors with the lights on, just about any window can can serve as a mirror. I ask them to stand in the position they take on the mound, with a ball, facing a large door or window and look at their reflection so they can see what the hitter sees. At this point I suggest they try; ball in glove, hide the ball with glove or turn the hand/fingers so the different grips aren't detectable. Then start and go through their motion to see if they can come up with a method of keeping the hitters from seeing their different grips. When they get an idea of something that might fix the problem we work on it at the next lesson.
One little tip, after a near miss at the office window I now give them a Jugs Lite Flite foam ball to use instead of the real thing.
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