up up and away...

A few weeks ago I was at a game at the University of Richmond and they had a string tied across the plate area in their bullpen where the pitchers' goal was to keep the ball below that string. I've never used that so I don't know how it would work, but it's something you can look into.

I think more than "training aids" look at their mechanics. You'll probabily find they are not getting out over their front leg enough to get the ball down.

quote:

Originally posted by sarnia_coach:
My pitchers are having a problem getting the ball down in the strike zone. I'm telling them to try to keep the ball no higher then 4-5 inches above the batters knee. I see successfull pitchers on tv keeping the ball "down" and when they leave one up near the belt is when it gets hit hard.

My pitchers are not pitching at the belt or even the letters, almost half of their pitches are high enough for the batter to take a bite out of. To me this is just wickedly high. 2 feet higher then most umpires will call a strike makes me wonder how they can call themselves pitchers.

Some thoughts...

1. Where are your catchers putting the target?

I teach all my pitchers to throw to the glove. One day my normally good pitchers started getting killed. It turned out the new catcher was putting the target in the fat part of the strike zone rather than at the knees. I had to switch catchers when the kid refused to give a low target.

2. Missing up in the zone could be due to rushing, which means striding forward too fast on some pitches (e.g. when trying to get some extra oomph on the ball) and ruining their timing.

Do they always miss up on the zone or just on hard fastballs?

3. Missing up can also be due to overstriding, or not striding forward aggressively enough, which is related to what obrady was referring to.

1. As far as I know, the catcher is setting up low.
2. I will watch to see if the pitcher is rushing his stride/delivery which might throw him off. It is usually on fast balls.
3. Will have to check on their length of stride.


I do like the string idea, will try that if the above doesn't work. I think it might also be a lack of confidence and concentration/practice.

In addition to the previously mentioned points, try checking their elbows. You want them throwing on a downward plain, preferably getting on top of the ball. For that to happen, their elbows need to get to shoulder height.

Sarnia the pitchers are releasing too high rather than releasing out front. This is common in young pitchers. I suggest you get a book by Louisville Slugger called "everything You Need To Know About Pitching" It shows corrective measures for throwing high and all other problems. I got my copy at Chapters and it is the best pitching book I have read.

How old are your pitchers?

A very simple drill that you can do that can help the pitchers get on top of the ball is as follows. Place a throw down plate about five feet in front of the normal home plate. Take a bucket of balls to the mound and have the pitchers try to bounce the ball off of the short plate over the regular plate. This sounds easy but if a kid drops his elbow, opens up early, or over-strides (meaning is not able to maintain dynamic balace through-out) they will not be able to bounce the ball. I have done this with Division I pitchers and they were shocked when they could not bounce the ball at first. After a number of throws they correct the problem and it becomes a good reinforcer.

That is an excellent idea.

Thanks for that.

Hsballcoach thanks for the tip. Any ideas to improve the curveball for a low 3/4's RH arm slot? We're resisting the idea of a slider but understand it may be the best option. What do you think?

TDad,
Teaching pitches without seeing someone is obviously difficult. He needs to develop the feel for the curve while playing catch. Three things that usually help. 1. Let the ball curve, don't force it. Meaning throw the pitch and let things happen. Often we try to force the curve and end up throwing and slow hanging spinner. 2. Finish with the hand below the kneecap. This usually helps get spin while keeping the ball down. 3. Make sure that you have a focal point when pitching the curve. Often pitchers throw and curve without really focusing on a point to throw the ball, which can cause an inconsistent release point. I like to tell our players to throw the ball for a strike by releasing at the umpires mask (if a right handed pitcher.) For the strike-out or wave pitch aim for the glove and break the ball down and off the plate. I hope this helps.

quote:

Originally posted by TDad:
Hsballcoach thanks for the tip. Any ideas to improve the curveball for a low 3/4's RH arm slot? We're resisting the idea of a slider but understand it may be the best option. What do you think?

Arm slot plays a role in this (curve vs. slider), but arm action plays an even greater role. How does the ball come out of his glove as his arm action begins? down then circles back up, more straight back toward second base, or something different? Why the reluctance to go to a slider?....

Not many can throw a good curveball from low three quarters. Sliders work much better.

Hsballcoach, followed your advice with a more relaxed approach on curve and keeping the palm parallel with the forearm. Results were a more consistent 2/8 break which is what we're looking for. Will try game action next week to see how hitters respond.
DeeMax, arm circle is down, around and up to the 90 degree angle. Alot of conflicting info on sliders out there but felt we would give the curveball first chance as he just turned 17 and the growth plates have not closed yet.

quote:

Originally posted by CADad:
How old are your pitchers?

around 23-24 although comparable to 17 year olds.

Rick Peterson, pitching coach for the NY Mets, utilizes the "cord across the plate" technique to reinforce the importance of keeping the ball low in the zone. Their work in the bullpen includes trying to hit the string, as well as pitching with their eyes closed. Hitting the string/cord helps them "pound the bottom of the zone"--a place where major league hitters average only about .220 (according to Peterson). Closing your eyes during the delivery quickly points out mechnical flaws in your delivery. Specifically, as far as leaving fastballs up in the zone goes, two key mechnical issues to address are stride length and release point. Use video tape to show your pitcher from multiple angles (front and sides).