Transcript Slide 1

• Pitching is the most strenuous of motions in sports.
• Pitchers must be properly warmed up before taking the
mound in practice or in games.
• Location, Location, Location
• The most effective pitch is a well located fastball.
• The second most effective pitch is a change up.
• Don’t start kids throwing curveballs too early.
Pitcher’s will feel better when
properly warmed before
throwing on the mound.
• Younger Kids: make sure
that they warm up before
the game.
• If they can get some
throwing to a catcher on
the side, use that time to
loosen up more.
• 2 to 4 poles (sweaty before
throw off mound)
• Cal: loosen up back and
legs, stretch arm
• On Field: warm up catch with
catcher.
– Most work to 75’
– Slight Long Toss to ~120’
• Form throw in BP front
mound
• Throw from mound
– Should be ready to go when
leaving the bullpen
GS: Glove Side
TS: Throwing Side
• Feet about shoulder width
apart
• Begin with arms together and
hand on ball
• GS leg kicks up: Make sure
eyes on target
– Doesn’t have to be a “balance”
point
• At top of leg kick, TS foot
begins to push body towards
home plate
• When leg begins downward,
start to break the hands
• Keep pushing GS to plate
with front foot closed
• GS leg should come down
then towards the plate
• Throwing hand should loop
behind TS hip to prevent
batter from seeing the ball
• When getting close to
planting the GS foot, rotate
the foot to directly at the
target.
– This movement opens the hips
• Continuing down the mound,
arm stays hidden behind the
TS hip
• Plant GS foot and bring TS arm
above shoulder.
– Try to have players arm less than
90 deg.
– Show the ball to 3B (RH) or 1B
(LH)
• Rotate the hips before rotating
the shoulder
• Concentrate on keeping your
chest over your knee
• Don’t lock the front knee, but
keep it firm
GS: Glove Side
TS: Throwing Side
• Relaxed position with both feet
perpendicular to the rubber
• Short initial step with the GH foot.
• Rotate TH foot to parallel with rubber
• GH Leg rises and hands still together
• The rest of the motion is like the Stretch
• Leg Kick out of Stretch is Easy to Run On
• Vary a leg kick with a Slide Step
• Raise the foot only a couple inches and
continue with same motion to plate.
• Use both the Slide Step and the Leg Kick
• Also, make sure that pitchers do not use
the same timing every time they go to the
plate
Right Handers
• Step Off (C)
– Disengage Rubber
w/Right foot
• Slow Move (B)
– Step Off and Turn to
Throw to 1st Base
• Jump Turn (A)
– Jump Pivot to Snap
Ball to 1st Base
– Best Move
• 3rd/1st: Man on 1 & 3
Left Handers
• Step Back
– Disengage Rubber
and Quick Flip to 1st
• Balance then Read
– Leg lift and when at
Balance decide to step
to 1st or to home
• “Balk” move
– 45 deg. Line
– STEP TO 1st AFTER
THROWING
• Don’t Have to Throw the Ball
– Must Disengage from Rubber
• Inside Move:
– When at balance, bring GS leg across body towards
second base
• Spin:
– GS leads the turn to second
• Daylight:
– SS/2B flashes glove on the break, use SPIN
• Timing:
– Called before taking the sign
– When SET, pitcher and fielder count “One-onethousand” and then use a SPIN to throw to 2nd
– Fielder should be arriving JUST BEFORE the ball
• Cover First
– On any grounder to first basemen
– “To the line, up the line”
• Backing up Bases
– When a play is made to 3rd, back up third at
the FENCE
– When a play is made to Home, back up home
at the BACKSTOP
– Don’t Stand in Middle of Diamond