DD's current warm up....
1) dynamic stretch and run
2) overhand throw
3) underhand throw and eventually walk throughs (pretty much the only 'drill' she ever does)
4) pitch. She throws 10 - 15 fastballs, then moves to other pitches. All she throws is a change, a rise, and a drop/drop curve. She throws enough of each just to get the feel. This may take 3-5 pitches. It may take 10-12. She rarely throws more than 30 pitches total during her warm up. Once she touches a ball, she can be completely ready in 10 to 15 minutes.
DD has 8 years of experience, and she has been using this routine for the last 3 or 4. Prior to that she did take longer. She has reduced it as she has gained experience.
Have a specific and consistent routine.
After a full dynamic stretch, run, and overhand throw.
1. Lock it in drill (focus on release point ''brush" and full body resistance)
2. K drills (full body resistance with a smooth whip) Also use this time to work on spins and change ups
3. full circle (full body resistance with a violent whip)
4. walk in
5. jump starts
6. 2 steps
7. progressive tong toss (work out, then back in)
8. mound up. (figure out what pitches she really feels good about today)
Have a game plan on what you'll call based on her warm up and the batters tells. Go get the W
Get a batter to stand in the entire time they throw full motion. Helps get the focus level up and hitting spots
So tourney starts at 9 and you are playing 3 games or 4 games, you have 3 pitchers.
Do all 3 do the whole routine before the 1st game or before the game you know they are going to start?
So tourney starts at 9 and you are playing 3 games or 4 games, you have 3 pitchers.
Do all 3 do the whole routine before the 1st game or before the game you know they are going to start?
The best pitching performances start with long toss. It seems to be a constant with the best pitchers.
My kids are a bit older and are used to my process. All pitchers go through long toss and a basic warmup. Then based on several factors I let them know who is starting the first game, and who is on "fire watch". Those two need to get full game ready, one to start and another to come in on extremely short notice, like immediately. If I have all my players the one on fire watch sits on the bench with a catcher. Their job is to be ready as a pair to go into the game immediately. If I rotate pitchers another comes in and gets ready. And so it goes for the rest of the day. I rarely throw a pitcher for a 3rd look, so they know that unless they are lights out they will not throw the whole game. My 4 pitchers function as unit with each working off the other. They are to the point now that based on the pitcher before them and the game situation they know which pitches I will be calling and where. Rarely if ever do we get out pitched.