Young pitchers stop worrying about your velocity and start working on your on your command and change up, the Pitching Foundation.  Velocity is the result of building a solid foundation,  a fluid athletic throwing motion and fundamental conditioning to enhance strength, power, balance and agility.  “Build this and it will come.”

A 2-0 count 85-90 mph fastball makes a .250 hitter a .350 hitter.

• Command controls the count and keeps the hitter guessing
• Change of Speed/Change Up keeps the hitter off balance.

The 2 keys to pitching:

1. Keep the hitter guessing.
2. Disrupt the hitter’s timing

How to develop Command: Fundamental Steps

1. Develop a fluid athletic throwing motion.

• A motion which maximizes the use  of the lower body to create a relaxed  arm path to reduce stress on the arm
• An athletic motion which relies on lower body energy ( ground up) rather than upper body energy (waist up) thereby allowing for a more fluid, efficient and repeatable motion.
• An athletic motion which thereby enables the pitcher to create a more consistent arm slot and release

2. Playing catch

• Working on throwing different pitches
• Throwing to different targets to train the eye

3. Efficient bullpen sessions which

• Focus on developing fastball command
• Middle, in/out, high/low

Develop Change Up

1. Start by playing catch

• Getting familiar with grip and throwing with fastball motion
• Alternate fastball /change up
• Begin throwing change up to spots

2. Bullpen

• Start by throwing 5- 10 change ups at a time
• Begin to alternate with fastballs
• Work on change up location ahead and behind in the count
• Incorporate into pitch selection when throwing to a batter to simulate game situation

Note:
A change up is the most effective change of speed pitch, same release and spin as fastball. A curve ball has the ability to effect a hitters timing (off front foot) and eye level but does not have the same impact as a change up regarding deception as it relates to fastball velocity. The 2nd pitch in a young pitcher’s tool box should and needs to be a change up.

The Athletic Pitcher: Improving Arm Health, Improving Performance
“A Complete Guide to Pitching, all for the cost of a half hour pitching lesson.”

For more information and to view the benefits of developing an Athletic Throwing motion and training program visit athleticpitcherseries.com