High School Pitching Question?

[default]

Now that were into our preseason routine for our pitchers and catchers, what are your thoughts on what our pitchers should be concentrating on. What types of workouts should they be doing, pitch counts, how many days throwing, duration of throwing session, etc.
I've had a couple new coaches ask me my feelings on this, which I shared with them, but I am no pitching guru, so what are others thoughts.

 

[default]

thanks for asking this question lady knight. im a first timer on this forum and i would like to hear how other coaches manage their time with pitchers and catchers.so much to do and so little time to do it

 

[default]

The answer to this question depends on the answer to another...have the girls already been throwing? I would say they should have been, but you never know. If they have been throwing I see no reason they shouldn't throw 3-4 times a week with at least 2 preferably 3 long workouts (1 hr or around 125 pitches) with a shorter 45 minute 80 pitch workout in the middle. They should throw all pitches and work on trouble areas. If they haven't been throwing you might want to start out slower, 75 pitches for a couple days then onto 100 for a couple then by the beginning of the second week you should be up to the previously mentioned workouts. I don't see anything wrong with having them throw 5 days a week, but you may not be able to get adequate space to do so. This is what we aim for at the HS I coach at, I am sure that everyone has their own opinion, this is just what I am doing.

 

[default]

I guess that I am one of the fortunate ones that have a pitching coach. He has an individual plan for each of the girls tailored to their ability and development needs. It sure makes it easier.

HOWEVER, I have not always had a pitching coach. In the past, I contacted each of the girl's private pitching coach and met with them (while the pitcher was present) to get an idea of what to look for and work on during practices and during the season. I also invite each of the coaches to come and watch a game to observe their progress and update the regimen they would like the girls to follow. I am not an expert in pitching. I know enough to help and carry out the program each of the coaches set for their students. That has worked very well for me in the past.

 

[default]

Lady_Knights, Just have your pitchers practice throwing meatballs! We need all the help we can get. ;D

 

[default]

By the time next week ends I may not have enough to field a team. May have a few casualties once grades are checked.
PurpleJack, just keep Jess throwing about 300 pitches a day, and really push her, get her ready for that tough conference schedule, and then we'll take it easy on ya!! LOL

 

[default]

Lady,

Sorry to hear about the grade situation.

This assumes you have a Tue and Friday Schedule. Adjust accordingly.

Day before the game - 15 min warm up. 30 min pitching not too hard. Work Location and good mechanics, 15 min with you going over communication and game plan for game. IE: Signals,short game plan, situational pitching against certain well known hitters. (That is huge) The team in purple comes to mind. ;D

Day after - 15 min warm up. Work on fielding position - Throws to 1st, 2nd, Third, (Lead off Runner) Squeeze bunt with catcher. If you dont do this it will bite you in the @@@ before the season is over.

If you need to work on bunting this is a good day for it. Let her throw bunting practice at half speed to your hitters and tell her its her job to make sure she puts maximum spin on every ball. Work on wrist snap.

Spend 15 min talking about last outing. What pitches weere working what was not. What to work on for the week. Do it after the fielding. Dont want her thinking about it before she does the work.

Tell her on Sundays or days where you are off for several days between games. She needs to throw hard. Work her drills and pitch to your team. She needs at least 150 pitches.

At an average lesson for my students with drills they probably throw 200 or more pitches in an hour.

If you have any questions email me and send my your phone #. I will give you a call.

I have a new email address for the business I am going to start.

FPAcceleration@aol.com

Elliott.

 

[default]

Thanks Elliot for your input, but back here in Ohio were still a month from the beginning of the season. What final preparation would you have your pitchers, doing right now, 1 month out from the start of the season.
Hope Sam and the Jaguars are starting to kick it in gear.

Shayne

 

[default]

Shayne,

Lots of pitching to your hitters to get them all ready for the season. Give signals just like game situations. Even if its just batting practice until you are sure your pitchers and catchers have it down. Same with the hitters and their signals.

She should be focused on making the right pitch every time. Consistency being the key word to use. If it doesnt work have her work on it until she is comfortable with the pitch. That does not mean throw the same pitch 20 times in a row. Vary it but make the primary focus on the pitch she is having the issues with on that day. It will vary and you as a coach need to take that into account but always go back to the word. Consistency.


If she has them down then fine tune. Tell her you want more spin on her pitches. Every pitch should move. Even the fastball. Keep the ball low in the strike zone. Unless its a rise. She needs to focus on wrist snap and keeping her fingers under the ball on release. Ball should come out between the forefinger and the thumb on the majority of the pitches she throws. With lots of spin. Peel Drop being an exception to that rule. Challanger her to improve her spin in the last month before the season. Its the best thing you can do for both her and your team.

On of the things I like to tell my players is a simple quote but it rings true. "DO THE WORK" If they do the work in practice and on their own the game becomes easy when they play.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Elliott.

 

[default]

ELLIOT, alot of useful detailed information. thank you

 

[default]

Dwane,

Thank you. Hope it helps you too.

Elliott.

 

[default]

To add to ifubuildit & Elliot I add a fun day for my pitchers.
The ladies like distance drills the best. Warm up at 40 ft. Then move back three steps, pitch four or five times, move back another three steps, pitch four or five times, as long as the ladies ?put the ball over the plate continue moving them back three steps, I usually have them stop at second base. Reverse the process till they finish on the mound. ?
This drill will force your ladies to use their entire body, it will also magnify where their mechanics (if any) are breaking down. ?

If you want you can have bunting practice, this is a great way to teach your ladies to wait on the ball "let the pitch come to you"

When the pitchers have maxed out on their distance have them throw four or five pitches with their eyes closed, they love it.