Pitching Drills : 1 to 5

Pitching mechanics are extremely important if one is to become an accomplished pitcher. The following 1 to 5 progressions will greatly aid the pitcher in achieving this goal. They can be performed daily and can be done at very short distances thus saving the pitcher’s arm. Although they can be utilized by pitchers of all ages, they are especially helpful to the youth league coaches who are trying to develop young pitchers. Try them! They really work.




Progression 1
1. Show and Throw
2. Point and Dangle
3. Tuck and Pivot
4. Throw

A. THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
- ball in hand facing directly opposite the pitcher
- glove arm pointing toward target
- glove tucks to the side of the pitcher as he pivots. This gets the glove out of the way.
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Progression 2
1. Balance :ball in glove
2. Step and reach to show and throw position. Stop and check
3. Throw

B. THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
- lead leg lifts to about waist high with ball in glove
- lead leg foot points down to the ground
- ball taken out of the glove before the pitcher starts forward
- make sure he stops at the show and throw position
- all of “A” above

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Progression 3
1. Balance :ball in glove
2. Step and reach to show and throw position.
3. Throw

C. THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
- “A” above
- “B” above
- when the lead leg steps forward and reaches the ground, the throwing arm should be at the top of it’s arc. This is referred to as the power position. Reaching the power position will prevent the pitcher from rushing—a major factor in losing power and location

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Progression 4
1. Short step back
2. Step in hole
3. Balance Position
4. To Show and Throw
5. Stop


D. THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
- pitcher steps straight back with the lead foot keeping his target directly in front of him and not moving side to side
- pivot foot steps into the hole in front of the rubber and not on top , keeping his balance and also a push off area
- ball taken out of glove before he starts forward
- reaches power position

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Progression 5
1. Progression 4 without stopping
2. Follow through after releasing the ball
3. Square himself to be in a good fielding position

E. THINGS TO LOOK FOR
- “D”
-throwing arm travels along side the lead leg to complete the follow through.
-the pitcher actually faces sideward after a good follow through

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