I am wondering what your top 3 pitching drills are?? Thanks for your help!!!
Coach W
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The towel drill is great.
What is the specific purpose of the towel drill?
towel drill?
Karl Kuhn, UVA. I agree will this guy......I wouldn't take credit for this drill either.
According to Kuhn, the only purpose of this drill is to increase the appearance/perception of velocity.
So is this it or is there a better published explanation of the "towel drill."
FYI...........a I am no longer moderating this or any other forum, UNLESS I see a blatant attempt to render THSBBWEB useless. I've never seen this, but ya never know...
According to Kuhn, the only purpose of this drill is to increase the appearance/perception of velocity.
So is this it or is there a better published explanation of the "towel drill."
FYI...........a I am no longer moderating this or any other forum, UNLESS I see a blatant attempt to render THSBBWEB useless. I've never seen this, but ya never know...
Just an opinion here in regards to the towel drill since it is our high school coaches favorite drill. If you are working on extension, why not skip the towell and throw a baseball? I see kids using towels and their arm circle w/towell is not the same as their arm circle without the towell. Also, I see kids doing them on the side on flat ground and landing repeatedly on their heal. Not good. There is such a thing as "overstriding" too. I've seen that one also done on towell drills.
I like extension but use a baseball.
I like extension but use a baseball.
The towel drill is about much more than extension. In fact that's usually the last issue a kid has. More likely, it benefits pitchers that do the following...
1. a pitcher that steps to a closed position and can't rotate his hips enough (if it's properly positioned) can't reach the towel.
2. a pitcher that strides off the 'center line' or straight line to the plate cannot reach the towel.
3. a pitcher who opens his front side too early can't reach the towel.
4. a pitcher that does not control his glove hand (to his pec area generally speaking), cannot reach the towel.
The towel drill can be used as an aid to teaching kids to work out of any of these bad habits.
1. a pitcher that steps to a closed position and can't rotate his hips enough (if it's properly positioned) can't reach the towel.
2. a pitcher that strides off the 'center line' or straight line to the plate cannot reach the towel.
3. a pitcher who opens his front side too early can't reach the towel.
4. a pitcher that does not control his glove hand (to his pec area generally speaking), cannot reach the towel.
The towel drill can be used as an aid to teaching kids to work out of any of these bad habits.
1. Long Toss
2. Long Toss
3. Long Toss
2. Long Toss
3. Long Toss
Bum,
So what're numbers 4 & 5?
So what're numbers 4 & 5?
1 The towel drill (I learned it as "the sock drill", with a tube sock, myself) is excellent with all pitchers but especially youth players. It's amazing how many kids release a baseball like a football -- they throw a cutter all the time. The towel drill teaches the proper release, especially at the hand/fingertips.
To me, developing your fastball (velocity and location) is the essential first step to developing as a pitcher. Until you do that, you have no future as a pitcher. And because "rust never sleeps", doing the drill remains of value even to the experienced, successful pitcher, to keep him on top of his game.
2. Warming up with proper mechanics EVERY TIME is also key. About a year ago I posted a lengthy note about the drills to warm up with; if anyone cares they can search for it.
3. Long toss is great as a strength builder and to help work on hip turn for power.
4. Finally, I think a balance drill is important because if you are not under control, neither is the ball. I see all sorts of kids with great arms whose bodies are flying every which way, and they have no idea where the ball will go when they let it fly. Spot control starts from the ground up.
To me, developing your fastball (velocity and location) is the essential first step to developing as a pitcher. Until you do that, you have no future as a pitcher. And because "rust never sleeps", doing the drill remains of value even to the experienced, successful pitcher, to keep him on top of his game.
2. Warming up with proper mechanics EVERY TIME is also key. About a year ago I posted a lengthy note about the drills to warm up with; if anyone cares they can search for it.
3. Long toss is great as a strength builder and to help work on hip turn for power.
4. Finally, I think a balance drill is important because if you are not under control, neither is the ball. I see all sorts of kids with great arms whose bodies are flying every which way, and they have no idea where the ball will go when they let it fly. Spot control starts from the ground up.
quote:Originally posted by YHF:
The towel drill is about much more than extension. In fact that's usually the last issue a kid has. More likely, it benefits pitchers that do the following...
1. a pitcher that steps to a closed position and can't rotate his hips enough (if it's properly positioned) can't reach the towel.
2. a pitcher that strides off the 'center line' or straight line to the plate cannot reach the towel.
3. a pitcher who opens his front side too early can't reach the towel.
4. a pitcher that does not control his glove hand (to his pec area generally speaking), cannot reach the towel.
The towel drill can be used as an aid to teaching kids to work out of any of these bad habits.
I think that you did a good job explaining the purpose of the towel can be used for other things.
MD is correct, it's a great drill for younger picthers.
I saw one of our pitchers doingit last yea trin teh bullpen, he had recently lost his weekend start, trying to throw the ball harder messed up his mechanics, and I was told he needed to practice those drills to get back on track. I guess the pitching coach is in favr of the drill.
Not sure if I consider long toss a drill. Agility and balance drills are very helpful.
I take it there are two towel drills......one throwing with a towel hooked in the middle finger, the other where the thrower must reach the towel???
I think what Bum means is that you don't need the "towel drill" if you long toss. If that's what he means then I would agree.
The way I've seen the towel drill used (throwing at a glove held up in front of you) is a great way to teach a kid how to push the ball.
Not a good drill for the most part IMO.
The way I've seen the towel drill used (throwing at a glove held up in front of you) is a great way to teach a kid how to push the ball.
Not a good drill for the most part IMO.
capn,
Goodpoint, do they use the towel to reach a towel? I have only seen the towel reach the glove.
But i have seen it used where it reaches nothing.
Goodpoint, do they use the towel to reach a towel? I have only seen the towel reach the glove.
But i have seen it used where it reaches nothing.
quote:Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
4. Finally, I think a balance drill is important because if you are not under control, neither is the ball. I see all sorts of kids with great arms whose bodies are flying every which way, and they have no idea where the ball will go when they let it fly. Spot control starts from the ground up.
Do you have any examples?
i dont quite understand the discussion about towel drill. It is about mechanics and is used by many pro ball players. I(t is a towel held in the throwing hand as described and it is done to reacha glove that is held at a distance by another player. Have been doing this for years. There are obviously people doing it wrong. The UV guy describes how to do it. The only thing that I have seen different is the glove in set just above the kneeling players knee at a distance to get a good stride. It is about all the mechanical issues like stride, alingment and extension. This is no brain teaser. It has little to do with arm strength.
There is no pushing in the towel drill. If someone taught you that, they taught you wrong.
We used the towel or sock with a folding chair set at the proper distance. Hit the seat of the chair. No partner needed. Do it on your own at home, etc.
As for balance drills, a typical drill is freezing in mid-kick to make sure you can hold the spot. There are also specific exercises a personal trainer can give you (with and without weights) to work on hip/glutes strength to help you do better.
We used the towel or sock with a folding chair set at the proper distance. Hit the seat of the chair. No partner needed. Do it on your own at home, etc.
As for balance drills, a typical drill is freezing in mid-kick to make sure you can hold the spot. There are also specific exercises a personal trainer can give you (with and without weights) to work on hip/glutes strength to help you do better.
Midlo you use a partner to watch your mechanics so that you do it properly. It doesn't take a guy to hold a glove. He is watching what you do.
Whos said anything about pushing ? It is your normal throwing motion. A towel is better since it has some resistance. It was shown to me by the head pitching scout from the Jays when my son was 15.
The problem with doing it by yourself is that you will keep on screwing up if your mechanics are off.
Not sure what you call balance but I was taught it was at the top of your leg lift not in the middle of leg kick.
Whos said anything about pushing ? It is your normal throwing motion. A towel is better since it has some resistance. It was shown to me by the head pitching scout from the Jays when my son was 15.
The problem with doing it by yourself is that you will keep on screwing up if your mechanics are off.
Not sure what you call balance but I was taught it was at the top of your leg lift not in the middle of leg kick.
I just can't see why you just wouldn't want to throw the ball. So you set up a chair and use your normal throwing motion to hit it....big deal.
I can hit a chair with a towel using my throwing motion a hundred different ways, still doesn't mean it is of any use to develop an effecient throw/mechanics
A lot more can be accomplished by using video analysis as you're throwing a ball.
And teaching someone to hold their balance at mid or high kick....when does a pitcher do that when they're throwing?
That's a momentum killer, and is not something I find of any use either. The "balance point" phylosophy isn't what happens in a high level throw.
Having good posture to allow for an efficient loading/unloading of the body (kinetic chain) is what you want to achive.
I can hit a chair with a towel using my throwing motion a hundred different ways, still doesn't mean it is of any use to develop an effecient throw/mechanics
A lot more can be accomplished by using video analysis as you're throwing a ball.
And teaching someone to hold their balance at mid or high kick....when does a pitcher do that when they're throwing?
That's a momentum killer, and is not something I find of any use either. The "balance point" phylosophy isn't what happens in a high level throw.
Having good posture to allow for an efficient loading/unloading of the body (kinetic chain) is what you want to achive.
quote:can hit a chair with a towel using my throwing motion a hundred different ways, still doesn't mean it is of any use to develop an effecient throw/mechanics
Robv that is just plain dumb. You know more than the majority of MLB pitching coaches.
There isn't a MLB pitching coach who doesn'y teach balance point which is at high leg lift not kick. They teach it as part of the break down of mechanics.
You also know more than Tom House and Nolan Ryan. ???
Bobble,
My reference to pushing was to someone's comment several posts back.
Sounds like you differentiate between lift and kick, where as I think of kick as the entire up & down path of the glove-side leg, at least prior to landing. Tomato, tomahto.
Using a partner is fine of course, but the whole point of using the towel is the instant feedback it provides. It can be done alone, and that keeps young players from using the excuse that "no one would practice with me." Also you can use a mirror.
You could also use video analysis, of course, but that costs money. And getting the feel of what you're doing in repetitions is a big part of the value of the drill.
My reference to pushing was to someone's comment several posts back.
Sounds like you differentiate between lift and kick, where as I think of kick as the entire up & down path of the glove-side leg, at least prior to landing. Tomato, tomahto.
Using a partner is fine of course, but the whole point of using the towel is the instant feedback it provides. It can be done alone, and that keeps young players from using the excuse that "no one would practice with me." Also you can use a mirror.
You could also use video analysis, of course, but that costs money. And getting the feel of what you're doing in repetitions is a big part of the value of the drill.
I agree that you could do it by yourself but the most impotant thing is having a knowlegeable partner that keeps you honest.
Before college my son's partner was David Davidson who is on the Pirates 40 man roster . He like many pros carries a towel in his bag. It is the 1st thing he does after warming up. He does it to get his mechanics on track. After that he long tosses with the same mechanics and does a bull pen. We were always told that if you do a drill you have to do it right. This drill is for mechanics and has little other value as far as arm strenth. Also at the end of the motion you put a little snap when hitting the glove at the end.
One of the things that we did was stop when the leg is lifted to its higest point and the linstructor would push you to see how balanced you were. That was just before hand break. We consider leg kick as when the post leg kicks up after you move forward towards the plate. Your body reaches a 45% angle and thye post leg starts to kick up.
Before college my son's partner was David Davidson who is on the Pirates 40 man roster . He like many pros carries a towel in his bag. It is the 1st thing he does after warming up. He does it to get his mechanics on track. After that he long tosses with the same mechanics and does a bull pen. We were always told that if you do a drill you have to do it right. This drill is for mechanics and has little other value as far as arm strenth. Also at the end of the motion you put a little snap when hitting the glove at the end.
One of the things that we did was stop when the leg is lifted to its higest point and the linstructor would push you to see how balanced you were. That was just before hand break. We consider leg kick as when the post leg kicks up after you move forward towards the plate. Your body reaches a 45% angle and thye post leg starts to kick up.
Eliminated the towel drill when i noticed that my son didn't use the same "throwing" motion with the towel. He would break his hands and just windmill, or push the towel to the target. IMO he needed to focus more on leading with the elbow to get a double whip action(shoulder then elbow). I also do not think that a balance point is essential to a good delivery. If it's that important, then everyone would stop at balance, and restart. That's not good IMO.
Don't confuse balance with freezing in place. The drill freezes in place just to check balance. That doesn't mean you want to freeze when you move on to pitching.
You need balance for two reasons. The first, as noted above, is that if you're not in control of your body you're not in control of the ball. And a pitcher who cannot control the ball is not a pitcher, just a thrower.
Secondly, balance is the key to the forward explosion. We do want momentum, but not in the sense of drifting slowly forward. We want to gather, then use the downward slope of the mound, the unlocking of the hips, the trunk rotation and the arm whip to create an explosion of forward force at the ball at release.
You need balance for two reasons. The first, as noted above, is that if you're not in control of your body you're not in control of the ball. And a pitcher who cannot control the ball is not a pitcher, just a thrower.
Secondly, balance is the key to the forward explosion. We do want momentum, but not in the sense of drifting slowly forward. We want to gather, then use the downward slope of the mound, the unlocking of the hips, the trunk rotation and the arm whip to create an explosion of forward force at the ball at release.
I agree.
Mechanics are all about contril of the body.
Mechanics are all about contril of the body.
http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_drills.htm
I always find it helpful when other come asking a question we try to help them as much as possible.
Not suer which are the top srills, but here's some good info from Steve Ellis.
I always find it helpful when other come asking a question we try to help them as much as possible.
Not suer which are the top srills, but here's some good info from Steve Ellis.
One major advantage to the towel drill is that it can be done anywhere, and essentially at anytime, without a partner.
A little duct tape on the floor and you can integrate a bit of stride drill into the towel drill.
It also helps to minimize excessive "spin out", i.e wasted momentum toward either base line.
A little duct tape on the floor and you can integrate a bit of stride drill into the towel drill.
It also helps to minimize excessive "spin out", i.e wasted momentum toward either base line.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:quote:can hit a chair with a towel using my throwing motion a hundred different ways, still doesn't mean it is of any use to develop an effecient throw/mechanics
Robv that is just plain dumb. You know more than the majority of MLB pitching coaches.
There isn't a MLB pitching coach who doesn'y teach balance point which is at high leg lift not kick. They teach it as part of the break down of mechanics.
You also know more than Tom House and Nolan Ryan. ???
Sounds like you must be in the club house of every major league team.
I never said I know more than any of them, but the last I checked, Nolan Ryan didn't teach throwing. But, of course you must know...you have all the names.
Whether or not they use "balance point" as a cue, it isn't what is happening in a high level throw. Look at video of anyone who throws 90+, their body is in constant motion. They load...then unload.
Use real baseballs. Throw it. Video tape it, then fix it. Over and over.... that's the best way to improve throwing mechanics. If it makes you feel better using a towel, then knock yourself out.
quote:I never said I know more than any of them, but the last I checked, Nolan Ryan didn't teach throwing. But, of course you must know...you have all the names.
Nolan is the co autor of the Pitchers Edge series with Tom House. My son's doctor is also a contributor to the series and used to coach the Texas Rangers. That is where he hooked up with Nolan and House. He spent years eveluating pitchers traded to the Rangers. Yes he advocates the towel drill and balance point. He evn takes my son outside on a check up to examine his motion.
I have been around a minor league team for 10 years until they packed up amd left for New Jersey. They all use the towel drill.
Balance point is not part of thye throwing process. You don't stop at balance except to teach pitchers how to stay balanced. The throw is one motion and that is where you seem to have a problem. When MLB pitching coaches teach mechanics to young pitchers they break it down into parts. The balance point is just 1 part of the motion. When the head P scout of the Jays taught my son he spent 4 weeks on each part and when the players reach the balanc point and hold the coach would push on them to see how balanced they were.
Videos are ueseful but good mechanics have to be maintained. Otherwise the pros wouldn't need a pitching coach. All pitchers develop faults and the towel drill is a tool to help them stay on track.
I have seen several kids of a "particular" instructor develop a pause in their delivery, that I think can be attributed to the "freezing" mentioned above. My son's HS coach advised me 2 years ago to change from this "particular" instructor, to another who would allow him to throw at workouts, and not do so much dry work.
snipped name dropping....
I feel a better term would be "posture" or if you have to use the word balance, then maybe "dynamic balance" would be a better term.
Balance to me means a static/stationary position, and I feel if I were to teach that to players then that would cause them to either stop, or pause and cause momentum and timing issues.
snipped more name dropping...
I don't have a problem at all with the throw being one motion. In fact I agree 100%. Breaking the throw up into parts is a good way to fix problems or improve the throw process.
I submit that video would be a much better "tool" than a towel to maintain mechanics or correct a fault. How can you see with the naked eye what is happening in a throw when it's over in a split second?
I would be willing to bet that the pros use video analysis and not towels to help their pitchers if they need it.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Balance point is not part of thye throwing process. You don't stop at balance except to teach pitchers how to stay balanced.
I feel a better term would be "posture" or if you have to use the word balance, then maybe "dynamic balance" would be a better term.
Balance to me means a static/stationary position, and I feel if I were to teach that to players then that would cause them to either stop, or pause and cause momentum and timing issues.
quote:The throw is one motion and that is where you seem to have a problem.
snipped more name dropping...
I don't have a problem at all with the throw being one motion. In fact I agree 100%. Breaking the throw up into parts is a good way to fix problems or improve the throw process.
quote:Videos are ueseful but good mechanics have to be maintained. Otherwise the pros wouldn't need a pitching coach. All pitchers develop faults and the towel drill is a tool to help them stay on track.
I submit that video would be a much better "tool" than a towel to maintain mechanics or correct a fault. How can you see with the naked eye what is happening in a throw when it's over in a split second?
I would be willing to bet that the pros use video analysis and not towels to help their pitchers if they need it.
I can't recall a single time I have seen a video camera around the minor league teams.
I find it interesting that you disagree with the UVA P coach who clearly refers to the towel dril.
If you have a young pitcher who is hesitating that is a problem with the one who is teachinh him.
The drills are no substitute for long toss and throwing in general It is used occassionally as a corrective tool as is balance point and the break down of the mechanics. 99% of the time you don't do these drills. Some high level players will teach using the drills but raely use them as a routine so I am not sure what you guys are on about. They are teaching tools used by top coaches and players.
I find it interesting that you disagree with the UVA P coach who clearly refers to the towel dril.
If you have a young pitcher who is hesitating that is a problem with the one who is teachinh him.
The drills are no substitute for long toss and throwing in general It is used occassionally as a corrective tool as is balance point and the break down of the mechanics. 99% of the time you don't do these drills. Some high level players will teach using the drills but raely use them as a routine so I am not sure what you guys are on about. They are teaching tools used by top coaches and players.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I can't recall a single time I have seen a video camera around the minor league teams.
My son is attending a pitchers mini camp where he will be filmed and able to watch what he is or isn't doing right during his pens. They just completed this with their milb MLB invites and found it very helpful. This is a new concept, milb pitcher's struggling will now have their deliveries broken down on video throughout the season. The philosophy is that there will be consistancy in coaching throughout each level and the pitcher will be looked upon as an individual to correct HIS particular issues. What works for one may not be the solution for another.
As far as the towel drill, my son used this more during his youth pitching days to develop good habits and has not used it in years. In coaching, the new philosophies are (as you see above) what works for one doesn't always work for someone else.
Welcome to the new world... 
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/car...019C4E8?OpenDocument
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/car...019C4E8?OpenDocument
Rob I have been in the new world for atlaest 10 years. I have used Video for those 10 years and yes I use it to get info to tell my son what he is doinging wrong on a given outting.
I just have seen the drills even at every level. Like I said some use it more than others but it is not an every day thing. As pitchers get older they tend to only worry about mechanics when they are not doing well and when they feel out of wack.
I have been around long enough to see the trends change back and forth.
These drills are tools that are used very rarely and I can't see the issues that you guys raise. These drills have been around since Adam & Eve and require no debate. They simply work. If a player stops in his motion it is because the coach didn't correct him. I have seen more terrible mechanics on pitchers who when taught good mechanics complain that they can't pitch now because of the good mechanics.
I just have seen the drills even at every level. Like I said some use it more than others but it is not an every day thing. As pitchers get older they tend to only worry about mechanics when they are not doing well and when they feel out of wack.
I have been around long enough to see the trends change back and forth.
These drills are tools that are used very rarely and I can't see the issues that you guys raise. These drills have been around since Adam & Eve and require no debate. They simply work. If a player stops in his motion it is because the coach didn't correct him. I have seen more terrible mechanics on pitchers who when taught good mechanics complain that they can't pitch now because of the good mechanics.
One of the things the Cardinals are addressing is the variation of P coaches approach. One coach does it one way and another does it another way. This is very difficult on pitchers who are prompted to adjust at evry team they end up at. My friend had to ask the P coach at one team to let him go back to what worked for him. He backed off and my friend is now in the majors.
I see this all the time. There is no consitency even in pro ball. If all pitcher gave the same look the batters will adjust.
My son is also instructing young pitchers. He just did one with some MLB pitchers in Charleston and has helped at a camp put on by Tom House last year.
I see this all the time. There is no consitency even in pro ball. If all pitcher gave the same look the batters will adjust.
My son is also instructing young pitchers. He just did one with some MLB pitchers in Charleston and has helped at a camp put on by Tom House last year.
"I submit that video would be a much better "tool" than a towel to maintain mechanics or correct a fault. How can you see with the naked eye what is happening in a throw when it's over in a split second?
I would be willing to bet that the pros use video analysis and not towels to help their pitchers if they need it."
I am with RobV on this one.
Marlins video taped ALL the minor league games that my son was in this summer. Bullpens w/coach, long toss & no towell drills. Tom House changes his mind way too much for me. If he is so great why is Mark Prior so screwed up now?
I would be willing to bet that the pros use video analysis and not towels to help their pitchers if they need it."
I am with RobV on this one.
Marlins video taped ALL the minor league games that my son was in this summer. Bullpens w/coach, long toss & no towell drills. Tom House changes his mind way too much for me. If he is so great why is Mark Prior so screwed up now?
NC42 the video can show you what you are doing wrong but the towel drill with a knowlegeable partner can help you correct it.
So you and Rob and a few others are diametrically opposite to most of the pro coaches.Tom House and most people who make a living in BB. Isn't that like seeking medical advice from a guy who watches Gray Anatomy ?
I think you aren't reading my post when where I stated I used video for at least 10 years to to check for flaws in my son's mechanics. I put the videos on my computer and printed the shots of him that showed what I was talking about.
Are you suggesting that House and the drills are Priors reason for his injuries ?
So you and Rob and a few others are diametrically opposite to most of the pro coaches.Tom House and most people who make a living in BB. Isn't that like seeking medical advice from a guy who watches Gray Anatomy ?
I think you aren't reading my post when where I stated I used video for at least 10 years to to check for flaws in my son's mechanics. I put the videos on my computer and printed the shots of him that showed what I was talking about.
Are you suggesting that House and the drills are Priors reason for his injuries ?
Bobblehead-
I am REALLY not a fan of the towel drill. Our high school coaches use it like a religion or something. With my two son I would say that it did them no good, for whatever reason. My sons both said nothing was ever said to them as to why they do the towel drill except for extension. I have found thru my experiences with my boys that an overwhelming majority of "pitching guys" do not like a lot of Tom House stuff. Some of their pitching acquaintances/mentors over the years do not like the "dry firing" with a towel.
When I coached high school back in the early nineties House came out with round 1 of pitching mechanics. He has flip flopped about 180 degree on many things. I don't doubt that you used videos & if the drills help your son please continue. Each pitcher is a different case & I would rather see a kid throwing a ball.
I've got a 12 inch zipper on my arm because some college coach who didn't know what he was doing tried to all mold us into their version of "the perfect mechanics." They turned us into robots, change arm angles (ala early Tom House) and the result was not good for me, and has really shaped my opinions which I practice of my two boys. Most like what they see.
There were individuals who wanted to change my son's arm circle two years ago. I told my son to ignore them and keep doing what he was doing. The Marlins tell me after drafting my boy that is one of the things the Scouting Director liked best about him. So who are you gonna believe? Everyone throws differently. TPM's son looks a little like M. Rivera but that doesn't mean everyone should try to throw that way. You probably know your son's mechanics better than anyone after watching video for ten years, be cautious who you listen to IMO. If I let someone screw my kid up, than shame on me. Tom House just doesn't convince me that for my kids that he is "the way."
As for Mark Prior. Everyone & I mean everyone was teaching him as the perfect mechanical example of pitching 6/7 years ago. No one says anything good about him now. So if Prior works with House than why can't he fix him? Most of us in Chicago are sick of hearing about both of them.
Enjoyed discussing! It is a tough topic (mechanics, drills) with millions of opinions.
I am REALLY not a fan of the towel drill. Our high school coaches use it like a religion or something. With my two son I would say that it did them no good, for whatever reason. My sons both said nothing was ever said to them as to why they do the towel drill except for extension. I have found thru my experiences with my boys that an overwhelming majority of "pitching guys" do not like a lot of Tom House stuff. Some of their pitching acquaintances/mentors over the years do not like the "dry firing" with a towel.
When I coached high school back in the early nineties House came out with round 1 of pitching mechanics. He has flip flopped about 180 degree on many things. I don't doubt that you used videos & if the drills help your son please continue. Each pitcher is a different case & I would rather see a kid throwing a ball.
I've got a 12 inch zipper on my arm because some college coach who didn't know what he was doing tried to all mold us into their version of "the perfect mechanics." They turned us into robots, change arm angles (ala early Tom House) and the result was not good for me, and has really shaped my opinions which I practice of my two boys. Most like what they see.
There were individuals who wanted to change my son's arm circle two years ago. I told my son to ignore them and keep doing what he was doing. The Marlins tell me after drafting my boy that is one of the things the Scouting Director liked best about him. So who are you gonna believe? Everyone throws differently. TPM's son looks a little like M. Rivera but that doesn't mean everyone should try to throw that way. You probably know your son's mechanics better than anyone after watching video for ten years, be cautious who you listen to IMO. If I let someone screw my kid up, than shame on me. Tom House just doesn't convince me that for my kids that he is "the way."
As for Mark Prior. Everyone & I mean everyone was teaching him as the perfect mechanical example of pitching 6/7 years ago. No one says anything good about him now. So if Prior works with House than why can't he fix him? Most of us in Chicago are sick of hearing about both of them.
Enjoyed discussing! It is a tough topic (mechanics, drills) with millions of opinions.
