Throwing Splitters...Need Help

I am absolutely not a pitching expert, but have a few players on the team a coach that throw a splitty pretty well. I've asked them before how they learned to control it, other than repitition, and they both said that they never have a problem w/ control, or a loss of down-and-in movement, as long as they keep a stiff wrist. They say that they just let the ball fly out from between their fingers, and it goes where they want it to.
Again, I'm not sure if pitching coaches would agree with this, but this may help. I hope someone comes on and either backs up what my guys said, or corrects them, and me.

www.blastbat.com

PP10, you ask for advice, tips or experience with the splitter, and I'd like to offer some. My advice is DON'T THROW THIS PITCH!

Many of the pitchers in professional baseball who've had Tommy John surgery have thrown a splitter, at least a little bit. A relative who's had TJ didn't have any elbow problems until he began experimenting with a splitter. We hosted a player who's in the Minnesota Twins system last year, and while he was with us he told us that they don't allow their pitchers in the lower minor league levels to throw the pitch, as it is dangerous for elbows. The splitter puts a lot of stress on the Ulnar Collateral Ligament, and you don't need this pitch to be successful anyway. If you some day make it to the big leagues, go ahead and throw it then. Until then, save your arm so that you may continue playing.

If I haven't convinced you, you are welcomed to talk to my 18 year old son who's soon likely to be undergoing Tommy John surgery. He's a catcher, but he's pitched a little in the past. Care to guess what pitch he began throwing when his elbow gave out?

Agree with 06catcherdad almost.

The splitter is no doubt an effective pitch...it is no doubt an arm killer. Professionals are paid for results, it's their livelyhood if a splitter is the risk they need to succeed so be it.

A kid in HS may also see it as a risk worth taking but carefully consider it.

1. If your goal is college and you are pitching with scouts and recruiters around. Then flash it. Maybe it puts you over the top.

2. Don't use it to win you league championship on every outing - use it spareingly.

Catcherdad+Mrmom
Thanks for the warning. I didn't rely know the risk of throwing the pitch, and your posts have made reconsider using the pitch at all. I'll be really greatful when I can still pitch without arm trouble some day. Thanks again.

PP10