QAge 14: Starting to Pitch

I have a 14 year old son who just loves pitching. He does not know how to pitch, but wants to learn. I told him that it was too late for him to learn, (is that true?). Also, it was my fault that I never made him play on a team. Is there anything he could do to learn how to be a good and effective pitcher? He wants to learn, and he wants to join a team, but he's embarrassed that other guys will make fun of him because he is new to pitching.

AIt is NOT too late to learn to pitch. I would work first on getting your son on a team, period, pitching specialization can come later. Best things he can do to prepare are hitting baseballs, bouncing balls off the wall for fielding practice (tennis ball will do) and practice general throwing in games of catch with his friends or even his dad!

QAge 18: Velocity Quest

I am at a school in Iowa and am planning on transfering next year to play baseall. I was wondering what types of drills, exercises there are for me to do all through out the year to gain velocity on my fastball? I throw about 85 right now and am hoping to gain some speed.

ASome of the advice you are looking for is already on WebBall . There are many factors in increasing speed - more lower body stength, more aerobic stamina to sustain it over innings, slight adjustments to mechanics in body, shoulders, arms so you minimize pulls and twists that don't help you throw. There are also factors like holding the ball looser, getting more wrist and finger flick, following through right across your body - important because you want to maintain full speed right through the release point and let your body slow down your arm. WebBall gets a lot of questions on pitching velocity. Many if not most are looking for the magic answer but there is no magic here - just hard work, discipline and the willingness to stick with it. Gains do not come gradual but often in spurts.

QArmstrong Reps

How many reps should I do a day with the ArmStrong and how long will you think it will take before I see some increase in my velocity?

ADepending on age, 3 sets of 15 reps every 2nd day is a good basic workout - assuming you include the ArmStrong (or Rocket Arm) with your other training routines. On the off-day be on the mound. As for your second question, it is impossible to predict improvement. It depends on how hard you work, how carefully you execute the pitching mechanics. Don't expect fast results, there is no overnight fix. A good improvement is 3-5 mph a year and while some do better it is under strict personal supervision with an advanced pitching instructor.

QAvoiding the Balk

I'm not entirely sure on a RH pick-off move to first what the proper sequence is to avoid a balk. Perhaps you can clear this up for me. How exactly does the pitcher move to first? I'm mostly concerned about the back foot that is on the rubber. Does the pitcher step toward first and throw with his back foot still in contact with the rubber or is it more of a step to first, take back foot off of rubber and plant and then throw? Any direction you can give me would be helpful.

ABased on to a past Nose 2 Nose surveys on 'changes in baseball", it seems many coaches and players would like to see the balk rule simplified. Meantime, Little League (for instance) is making the rule even more involved. To get a more detailed interpretation on any rule issue, please check Jim Booth's umpire site or Bruce MacLaren's.

Here's WebBall's simplified answer:

You can do either but need not/should not do both. The intent of the rule is basically this - the pitcher can't deceive the runner. So step toward first with left foot, pivot and throw. Or step off with right foot, jump turn and throw.

However, here's where it gets messy. If your left shoulder starts pivoting before the foot movement, it's a balk. And if you step to first, but don't throw it's a balk. However, if you step off the rubber first, you don't have to throw.

So why not always step off for the jump turn - because of another catch... If you overthrow first base and the ball goes through/under/over the fence WHILE your right foot is in contact with the rubber, it's a one-base error. If you step off first then throw the ball out, it's a two-base error (because any time your foot isn't on the rubber, you're just a fielder.

At least that's what I thought, but then I heard from Jim Booth...

You are basically correct except it is not a balk if you move your shoulders first before throwing to first. It is a balk if you move your shoulders toward first and then throw to the plate, or move your shoulders toward first and then not throw.

For some reason I've been getting asked this question more this year than ever before. Before answering let me ask a few questions.

1. If, by rule, you must step ahead of the throw, how would you propose the pitcher accomplish this without lifting his foot? It also states that he may not spin off the non-pivot foot, that he must step toward the base, so how can he step and throw without lifting his foot?

Now, some basics.

In Pro rules or the "Official Rules of Baseball" (not High School Federation); the pitcher may throw to ANY base while in contact with the rubber, AND he may do this from either the windup OR the set position. He should throw from the rubber because if he throws wild from there it is only a one base award. If he steps off the rubber he is no longer the pitcher and a throw out-of-play would be a 2 base award. If he couldn't throw to a base from the rubber why would there be rule 7.05(h)?

A balk is a judgment call by the umpire that is an act that illegally deceives the runner. Rule 8.01(c) states: 'At any time during the pitcher's PRELIMINARY movements and UNTIL HIS NATURAL PITCHING MOTION commits him to the pitch, he may throw to ANY base provided he STEPS DIRECTLY TOWARD such base before making the throw.'

So; it says ANY base, it also says 'steps directly toward.' It also says 'until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch.'

This is where the judgment comes in. He may throw to first but, it could be a balk depending on how high he lifts the leg. The umpire has to judge what his NATURAL PITCHING MOTION is. If he lifts his leg high everytime he goes to the plate, then it would be a balk if he lifted it high and then turned and stepped toward first, because the high lift committed him to the plate. The umpire is the sole judge of what movement is the one that commits him to the plate.

Whether the pitcher is in the windup or the set, he can throw to a base (any base) provided he does it without interruption or alteration and prior to having made a movement that is part of his natural windup or a movement that commits him to delivery to the plate. Simply lifting the non-pivot foot is not a commitment to the plate. It would depend on whether the lift was the one used to deliver a pitch or not. He must step immediately toward the base to avoid a balk.

Rule 8.05(c) again states that the pitcher must step ahead of the throw and may not spin off the front foot. The N.A.P.B.L. Umpires Manual for professional leagues section 6.5 'Stepping to a base' states: 'In stepping to a base, the pitcher must lift his ENTIRE non-pivot foot off the ground and bring it down in a location different from where it started and towards the base. The entire non-pivot foot must move in a DIRECTION towards and DISTANCE to the base. This will constitute a step. He is not allowed to lift his non-pivot foot up and bring it back down in the same spot where it started. In stepping, the heel of his free foot may not end up in the same spot it started.'

Not only CAN he lift his foot and throw to first. HE MUST. Even if the pitcher uses the so-called 'jump turn' to first, which is technically illegal, but is accepted. He must land the pivot foot then lift and land the non-pivot foot before releasing the ball. The 'jump turn' is considered being in contact with the rubber.


(Our thanks to Jim)

QBalk Ruling

I have a question concerning a balk call. If my pitcher is touching the rubber with his foot but has not come to the set position yet can he have movement of the front shoulder or body when checking the runner at first?

ATo be honest I hate questions like this because what you see and what the umpire sees might differ. Once he has taken the sign he is expected to come set. If in doubt he should disengage the rubber before any shoulder or body movement at any time. This is the only sure way to avoid different sets of eyes seeing it differently.  I doubt if even posting the official rules would help with the balk. I refer you here for further help.]

QBatter Out

What are different ways to get a batter out?

AIt's a short question that could - and has - taken many books' worth of writing to answer. But it all comes down to this - fool him! Make him chase bad pitches, and freeze him while good pitches sail into the strike zone. You won't always - and don't always - need to get a strike out. But you do want him to hit off stride or out of his wheelhouse, or top the ball, or cut under it. That involves a combination of location and velocity - not always the best pitch but the unexpected pitch - so with location comes the concept of movement, and with velocity the concept of change of pace.

QCoaches & Curveballs

I'm a starting pitcher (age 10) and I was wondering about throwing curveballs. My coach says if I don't throw it very much it won't hurt my arm. My dad says I can't throw it at all I'm too young. Which one is right?

AYour dad is putting your safety first, your coach is putting the win/loss record of the team first. Your dad is right. First because a curveball must be thrown properly to be both safe and good - and like everything you do must be practiced a lot. So you can't get good without throwing it a lot in practice and that will cause the damage.

Don't throw curveballs until you are 13 or 14 at the earliest. Players younger than that who throw good curves at 12 are most often out of baseball by 15 from injury. It isnÌt that the curveball itself is dangerous, but most often because coaches don't teach it well. There are lock-wristed curves that are safer but less effective. And a real curve takes a lateral wrist snap that requires strong forearm muscles and elbow joints that are more mature.

QCoaches & Pitch Counts

I'm 14 years old, and a few weeks ago, we were in a big game in travel ball. I ended up throwing 120 pitches. Then on 2 days rest I came back and pitched for my Babe Ruth team for 4-5 innings. The past few days I've felt a slight pain in my shoulder. Do you know what this is, if it's long term? Should I not throw for a few weeks or what?

A120 pitches is way too many. You have overused your arm and at minimum need to give it much more recovery time between outings. Better if you restrict your pitch count to about 80. (Think about it - full grown MLB star pitchers are often limited to 100 pitches.) Your coaches should know better. But because you are in a situation with 2 teams, you also need to be aware of your pitching cycle. Review the info on WebBall about pitcher recovery. Also buy an inexpensive clicker and ask a parent or friend to count your pitches during the games. When they signal to you that it's getting close to the count (not exact count but before starting next inning) - give the coach notice so he can warm up your relief.

[2006 update: Little League is moving to pitch count for 2007 season.]

QConscious Pitching

During the pitching motion do you believe its better to allow only the body (legs, hips, and upper body - minus arm) to propel the arm or should the pitcher consciously try to contract the muscles of the shoulder and arm? Essentially, should one focus on using the arm or just rely on the body and not worry about the arm?

AThis is a big debate in pitching instruction circles. We believe the focus must be on the body as the arm is at the end of the momentum transfer chain and a great deal of the power comes from the large muscle groups - primarily from the initial hip drive and the torque disconnect between upper and lower body. That said, loading of the upper body by pulling back on the shoulders and propelling them forward (referred to as scapular loading or bow-flex-bow by some) is a crucial phase. But in terms of generating power, while there is a bending to straightening action in the elbow and a flick of the wrist which transfer the final power - we find they work best if they are not doing the work themselves but are the result of the whip action at the end of the kinetic-momentum chain. It has been explained as throwing with the shoulder-elbow and letting the forearm come forward on its own. The other reason for thinking this way is that if you try too hard with the arm then you might grip the ball too tightly. By the way, if you need to get an idea of some good pitching drills to isolate on body motion, check out the Mariano Rivera video (available through WebBall).

QConsistency on the Mound

I am a 15 year old pitcher for my freshman high school baseball team and throw about 75-80 mph. Just two games ago, I went five innings with 9 K's and no BB, but last game I couldn't hit any of my spots and gave up 5 runs in two innings. It's been like this all year for me. What can I do to stop this inconsistency. My coach tells me I have varsity stuff, but I need to keep the same motion.

AFirst, you need to make your pre-game warm-ups and practice efforts as consistent as possible. That means doing things like light throwing, and long toss, and wind sprints, and all other off-day training routines on a regular cycle. See "Pitching Cycle" for more on this.

You also need to be consistent in your routine on game days. If starting, do your bullpen with the same lead time before your first game pitch. Always throw the right number of pitches, say 20 with catcher standing and 40 with him down. Use the last 10 to visualize 2 batters of 5 pitches each - if you don't quite make the pitches you want, throw an extra 5 - never take the mound unless you first pitch can be your best stuff.

Also, on the pre-inning 8 pitches, don't waste the last two so the catcher has easy throws to the bags - make those your quality "out" pitches. That's all for the mental consistency. Mechanically, you want to make sure of a couple of things - that your landing leg always hits the same spot, that your release point is always at the same point out front, that you follow through completely.

QControlling Intensity

My 15 yr. old son, who just started pitching this summer, had met with a lot of early success considering he's new to pitching. His confidence level was extremely high consequently when he pitched yesterday and was shelled for 8 runs in the first inning, he couldn't handle the failure. His behavior was extremely embarrassing to him and his teammates. He threw his glove up in the air then drop-kicked it across the infield proclaiming 'I suck' in the process. The coach immediately pulled him.

Controlling his emotions has always been a problem and being able to /suck it up' and 'brush it off' is something he's struggled to do. As much as I believe and his coaches believe he could be a great pitcher someday, his lack of maturity will keep him from attaining any serious success or advancing to the next level of competition. He wants to pitch HS Varsity, but there is no way, at this point in time, he'd ever be able to handle the pressure that a pitcher faces.

AI've had pitchers like this. And I have a son who played., so I understand both sides. As a dad, you want to see him succeed, and you don't want to see him suffer in the process of growing. Likewise, the coaches want players they can count on every time out - teenagers who perform like machines.

I think, realistically, it comes down to what's important to him. Playing? Or winning? If, as they say, our personalities are set by age 6 or 7, then what was he like as a tyke playing board games? Did he have to win - hate to lose? Or did he enjoy the activity of playing?

Of course, there is part of a good pitcher's make-up that should not be ignored. Why should he 'suck it up' and 'brush it off'. Don't we want/expect our pitchers to have a killer instinct, failure is not an option, etc, etc?

I guess what I'm saying, from a very broad perspective, is that there is more to baseball than pitching and more to life than winning. But if he has the intensity needed to pitch, then don't expect maturity to go along with it. And if he magically (impossibly?) turned into one of those kids who accept their talent indifferently, then he would have lost the intensity that makes him who he is (and perhaps has been since age 6?)

So what to do? Compliment him for his intensity. And make it an asset - a strength. But remind him that the intensity must translate into determination and work ethic. Train with intensity. Go through his pre-game warm-up with intensity. But also with focus and discipline. Build a routine. So many pitches in total in the warm up, so many of each that he can through. So many inside/outside, etc.

See the pages on WebBall on pitcher practice cycle and tailor a program for him, Then tell him that part of his intensity is sticking to it. Just as part of his intensity on the mound, must be to ignore what happened with the last batter - good or bad, and intensely focus on the next one - make this pitch the best it can be.

QCutoff Assignment

My question concerns the pitcher's responsibility of backing up bases vs. being a cutoff man. I was taught that if there is a possibility of a play at 3rd or home the pitcher moves to a position midway between 3rd/home back against the fence and then backs up whichever base the throw is made to. This has been reinforced in my mind as I watch the pros on TV. The pitcher backs up 3rd/home and the first baseman moves to the middle of the infield.

I am an assistant coach for my son's 11-12 year old All Star team. My fellow coaches disagree with me on this issue and have made the pitcher the cutoff for throws coming in from the outfield to home. This leaves us with no one backing up throws to the 3rd/home. In the interest of showing a united front to the kids on the team, (so they wouldn't see the coaches arguing amongst themselves), I deferred to their wishes. What is your theory on this?

AIt isn't theory, it's fact, especially for pros. You are right and they are wrong. If you were a WebBall Team Player you would have access to our interactive coverage clinic. More to the point - they would!

In more detail, if the hit is to right or center field and the lead runner is on first, (or there is no runner on) then the pitcher backs up third. If the hit is to any field and the lead runner is on second the pitcher backs up home. If the hit is to left field with lead runner on first, the pitcher should back up half way between third and home. The deeper the hit, the more likely the back up role switches from third to home (unless there is no runner on).

Never ever put your pitcher in the heat of the action on a defensive play - that's not his role.

But read on.

Now, I will say, that that's the pro style and you will have to take into account that youth baseball is different.

Chances are that the pitcher is also one of the better hitters and probably plays a tough fielding position as well - an all around star. So he might be better (relatively) than a MLB pitcher at cuts and relays. Still, on the day he is pitching rthat's what I want him to think about. I managed a team of 15-17 one year when the field/bullpen coach insisted that one pitcher - even though a great hitter, was DH'ed on his pitching days - he would want to take good hitter out of the line-up just to protect his pitching focus. I agree.

Please go have another talk with your fellow coaches.

QCycling

If you rode your bike for 30 minutes a day, or even a little, will that make your legs stronger and be able to pitch harder?

ACycling is excellent stamina training for pitcher endurance - also has the advantage of being low impact - not as hard on the knees. Plus it keeps the hip action going and hip rotation is very important to pitching. Combine the bike in the off-season with swimming (for shoulders, chest, back) and you have an excellent stamina program for pitchers.

QDouble-Jointed

Our son is double jointed in both shoulders, and pitches sidearm smoothly. Should we encourage him to continue (he is 12 yrs old)?

AI have no direct experience with double-jointed kids. So, everything here is based on general principles of muscle dynamics and throwing and there may be differences caused by being double-jointed that I'm not aware of. But consider this...

1) Sidearm is a far more natural thowing style that puts less strain on the shoulder anyway. And a good pitch begins with the legs and hips, not shoulder. So being double-jointed (D-J) in the shoulders alone should provide absolutely no benefit at all. If anything, a D-J shoulder should also be able to handle an overhand throw with much less strain, so there is an argument for moving away from side-arm.

2) The flexibility in young bodies tends to disappear with age (as cartilage develops and ligaments tighten). So unless the extreme range of motion provided by D-J is maintained, it can be lost, then what?

3) You describe the pitch as smooth. I assume by smooth you mean with no awkwardness or effort or undue strain. However, control, location, speed, and change of direction are far more imnportant to a pitch - and a pitcher - than smoothness by itself. If by smooth, you mean he can throw painlessly for more pitches, then he should consider building velocity.

Finally, I'd be much more interested in knowing what impact his extremely flexible shoulders have on his ability to get good arm extension while at bat.

QDrop in Performance

Last year I pitched great. I had 88 Ks in 13 games and I was 11-0. Our team played 22 games I was the only freshman on the varsity and I threw the ball in the mid 80s and this year my control and speed have both dropped - I've dropped about 6-7 mph off my fastball. It's only the first month of practice and we've only played two games but I'm really worried.

AWithout knowing more, I can't come up with a magic solution. Even with some more questions answered it would be tough. Maybe you should consider these factors yourself...

1. Have you grown in height since last year? (maybe muscles haven't compensated for extra bone weight/length - or ballance is off)

2. Are you trying to throw more types of pitches? (maybe concentrating less on fastball/change-up and too much on curve, slider, etc.)

3. Did you do different activities during the off-season? (maybe less time indoors on throwing or condistioning, or more time spent with other sports, or no sports?)

4. Are you doing the same pre-game conditioning? (maybe this coach/team gives you a shorter warm up or you are running fewer laps or jogging less)

5. Are you getting in the same work out on off-days? (maybe need to do more light day training etc.)

6. Are you just plain worrying too much? (maybe you're less relaxed, more tense, so you're overthrowing)

7. Is this nothing more than the sophmore jinx? (Even major league rookies generally fall short in their second season - it's human nature.)

Review this checklist yourself - think about small detail changes that could be the reason - it may not be one thing, but slight differences in several things. Above all, don't put undue pressure on yourself. Catch a little pro ball on TV, get back in the mood to challenge batters and enjoy yourself. It'll come back to you. And do more than pitch. Maybe the less you star as a pitcher, the more chance you'll have to discover the joys of fielding and hitting.

QEvery Long Toss Question

I am a high school and American Legion baseball coach. Concerning your pyramid training program for pitchers, I have some questions: What distances should the drills be performed at? Should the drills be performed on flat ground or off of the portable mound? Should the drills be performed from the windup, stretch, both, or just throw? What percentenge of maximum speed should the drills be performed at? Should ice treatments be administered after each workout?

AIf you are referring specifically to training with weighted balls - regular pitching distance 60'6". Use long toss workout as well, but with regular balls - in this case the distance going out and coming back creates the pyramid.

We are among those who favor work on flat ground as it puts less impact on the landing legs, however it does need to finish with bullpen/mound work.

As for wind-up, stretch, etc. we encourage use of Paul Nyman / Ron Wolforth backward chaining / backshaping approach. In other words, not only would we do everything from stretch, but we would first work from release point, then from upper body turn, then from start of foot plant, then from stretch.

You need to achieve 80-85% minimum velocity on all pitches (depending on start point, working backwards) if the purpose is to increase velocity. You need to do get at least some at 100% effort as there is no point in training below the demands of the game. Practices should always be the hard part.

Yes, ice is important because it seals up microtears in muscle fibers which cause strains and bruising. The ice starts the recovery. Equally important are wind sprints to reoxygenate the muscles. That may be enough, if not, then use ice, followed by a brisk walk to raise core body temperature. The final recovery step is nutrition of course.

QFighting Nerves

I'm a hard thrower but when I played for my high school team I get nervous and I mess up, and now that I'm going for pitching I'm gonna get more nervous cause I'll have more people looking at me and I know I could be real good but I get nervous what should I do to get that out of my head. (Note: this person also ordered a Glove Radar and had some questions on that.)

AFirst, thank you for the order. To answer your product question - the Glove Radar is accurate to 1 mph or better, but do understand that there is a drop from out-of-hand speed - as normally stated, and the "at the glove" speed which is what the GR reads. However, the best use of a Glove Radar (or any measurement device) is not for bragging rights but to help you develop your pitches, learn the difference between thinking you're throwing hard and throwing efficiently so you throw with velocity without effort. It can also help you develop an effecting change-up by working to get the right mph drop with the same apparent delivery. And it will help you see the difference between you 4-seam and 2-seam fastballs, etc.

The reason we mention all this here, is to answer your question above.

Better pitching comes with confidence - with being able to leave the bullpen knowing you are on your game, knowing which pitches are working for you that day. The Glove Radar, and the feedback you get from your catchers, will help you. And that knowledge and comfort level and self-awareness about your pitches is what together will help you step on the mound less nervous. What we might also recommend is to watch the Kevin Kostner movie "For the Love of the Game" - it's the one many baseball insiders think is the best baseball movie ever. The phrase in that movie "clear the mechanism" is what it's all about... the other people don't matter, you are focused, in the zone, you know what works, and all you care about is that space in front of you between catcher's knees and shoulders where you will put the baseball.

QFinding Consistency

My 12 year-old son is pitching. On average he does well. The main problem is no consistency. I would like to know how to prepare him mentally so that he doesn't have those problems anguish me as his father. He makes 25 throws Tuesdays and Thursdays with
the purpose of improving but continues with no consistency.

ATough question, because the answer is often out of your hands. Some 12 year olds just take longer to learn how to focus. Be patient with him. Some specifics...

Each practice needs to be with a warm up - jog, stretching the core, soft throws, then 40-50 pitches. (25 is not enough to really develop. But if you are worried about too many pitches then make the practices 3 days apart instead of 2 days - but 40-50 pitches every 2 days should be okay.)
Also when practicing, make the pitches matter - do 10 in a row of the same type of pitch until arm angle, ball rotation - everything - fells good. But as soon as you have thrown one very good pitch of a type in the practice, then swtch to another pitch (i.e 2-seam then 4-seam, etc.) Never practice past the point when the pitches are going in well.

Try to establish a game day routine - similar meal time pre game, same music in the car, or same route to the ballpark (on home games), same warm-up routine, and make sure while he is warming up in the bullpen he is visualizing - thinking of actual pitches to throw at spots in the strike zone, not just throwing aimlessly to loosen up.

On the mound with his 8 pitches / I minute before facing the batter, always make sure the catcher gets those last couple of pitches to be what your son will throw first to the batter. Especially that last one. Nothing bothers me more than too see a pitcher work hard in preparation then lob that last pitch so the catcher has any easy warm-up throw to second base. Remember the purpose of practice and muscle memory. Make that last warm-up pitch count.

QFinding Instructors

As a father of a 12 yr old who is just getting into pitching, but takes it very seriously, I am concerned about teaching him proper mechanics in order to avoid injuries later. The question is...how do I find good instruction? Most of the coaches I know are not terribly knowledgable about pitching. How can I find private instruction and be comfortable that it is correct instruction?

ALocally, the best (only) thing to do is look for the best pitchers in your age group and ask their dads/moms if they have had private instruction and where. In interviewing private instructors ask the key questions - how many types of pitches will you teach him (fewer is better to start) - what should he do on days he's not here (jogging, wind sprints, core work, leg strengthening are all good answers) - how long are the sessions, how much warm up time, how many pitches (be wary of any instructor that doesn't count the pitches).

To the answer given above, we could also add that any of the instructors who participated in our first Pitching/Hitting Challenges are worth considering if you are willing to travel and they are willing to take you on. There also some others listed in event calendar. But unfortunately beyond that we cannot provide recommendations in all markets.

QFrom Plate to Hand

What is the difference between pitching out of hand and pitching at the plate? Because I just turned 13 and I throw about 66-68 mph and I was wondering if I was above average-average-or below average

AThere's a chart which shows averages for ages. The difference is not the pitcher but the machine measuring the speed. Some devices can read from far enough away to pick up the speed on release, others are better reading it as it crosses the plate. They say the average drop in speed of 1 mph for every 7-8 feet of travel. So a 68 out of hand is about 60-63 at the plate. Of course, as those who have followed my line for awhile know, there's much more to pitching than speed.

QGetting Involved

I was just wondering how I should go about being the pitching coach of my son's team. I know quite a bit about pitching mechanics/strategies but I'm not sure how go present it to the team. Any Ideas?

AThe key in most cases is just to volunteer your services to the head coach, say you've noticed a couple of things with the pitchers that could help with their velocity or command or whatever and take it from there. The key of course is to be a good observer, to understand that each young pitcher is unique in terms of ability, adaptability, body structure, etc. Knowing pitching and teaching it are 2 different things. A head coach may know more than an assistant about pitching (IMHO) but the assistant should be better with the pitchers in getting that knowledge to stick.

QGiving Up Homers

What do you do when you have a guy hit home runs off all of your good pitches?

ADon't give him anything to hit. That's not that trite an answer - what I mean is, don't intentionally walk him, but give him stuff either low and away or high and inside, or down in the dirt. The worst that could happen is you walk him; the best is that you get him overanxiously chasing bad pitches.

QGlove to Body?

When your torso turns and you bring the glove to your body, should your glove come pretty close to the middle of your chest or on the edge, almost to your arm pit? (Now I do the one closest one to the arm pit.)

AYou shouldn't be pulling your glove in at all. You should bring your chest to the glove. The idea of tuck and pull is not what's taught by the best instructors any more. It's more of a forearm roll and pinch. The most important thing is to keep both sides (glove and throwing sides) equal and opposite - in balance.

QGood Drills

What is a good drill to teach kids on holding runners on while pitching. And how do you motivate kids to play in the outfield?

ALast, first... make outfield fun by running challenging drills early in a practice in a competitive head-to-head way so that getting to be a starting outfielder is a measure of success. You can do this with a game of Ping or with our Turn and Sprint drill or with anything else - perhaps even long toss competition (throwing to a target) - just give the drills a competitive purpose. As for pitchers holding runners, we have on the site an elaborate drill sequence used by one high school.

QGrowth Spurt Velocity

How much velocity does the average pitcher gain from his growth spurt?

ANone. By that we mean, there is no automatic velocity gain from a growth spurt. In fact the opposite is often true - the longer bones may have not immediately been followed by a growth in muscle mass - so the heavy longer bones while they may have a mechanical advantage (leverage), you don't yet have the ability to move them faster. Give each growth spurt about 6 months for the muscles to gradually catch up. True velocity gain comes from both the muscle growth and from learning how to take advantage of the growth with efficient body torque and arm action, etc.

QHissing Laces

I have a question about velocity. Before radar guns were common I threw in the upper 80's. Sometimes when I threw you could hear the laces whistle all the way to the plate. I have seen Nolan Ryan do this and I have asked other people about it but no one knows about hissing laces. So at what velocity do the laces start hissing?

ALet's open this question to the WebBall community. We already have a reader/contributor taking the scientific approach to bat swing, maybe someone else will come forward with information on ball dynamics.

Which, of course, is another way of saying I don't know.

The loudest ball I've ever heard was during a practice while standing along the third base line near home as the third baseman (my son, actually) whistled a throw home. Not the hardest thrower on the team, he (and I) continue to wonder if speed is the only factor or if humidity, wind, backspin or side slip have something to do with hiss. Let's hear from you.

QHot or Cold

It has been said that pitchers ice their arms and shoulder after pitching. When should heat and or massage be applied.

AHeat never. In our view the only effective way to heat up the muscles is through warm-up exercises. Artificial applications of heat do not have the same effect in muscle tissue as movement. As for massage, it is intended to relax muscles - not as effective as self-movement before, and dangerous immediately after muscle use as it can increase the level of bruising in the muscle fibers. Icing by the way should be limited to times when the arm feels sore - an indication of micro-tears in the muscle - the ice is simply to stop the bleeding. Ice should be limited to 20 minutes max, less on younger/less bulked arms, and should be followed by a jog or brisk walk to warm up the body core temperature artificially cooled by the ice.

QInside Pitch

I am 16 year old boy who pitches. I have trouble throwing and it is really bothering me. I study major league pitchers to see release points and motions. It seems that when I was in the gym I was scared to hit something and now I can't throw. Could it be a head problem? Before I was put in the gym I was the number one starter and now am not even in the rotation at school. What can I do to fix this?

ADon't take this the wrong way, but - of course it's a head problem. You defined it yourself - afraid to hit something. (This makes me feel you are otherwise a responsible teen so I wouldn't be apologizing for your setback if I were you!)

Now, what to do about it...

Stop thinking!

Somewhere in your body you have some muscle memory of your good pitches. Don't focus on release point - work from the beginning of the pitch - the balance point - then the arm release, the arc of the arm back up, the front leg forward, the hip trigger, etc.

Just work on one stop-action move (check point) at a time (5-15 minutes a day in your home, without a ball or glove) - till it feels loose and comfortable and natural. Then move on to the next check point.

Let your muscles tell you how to do it - not your brain.

QJust Like the Pros?

I'm looking for something to help me with a team of 7th and 8th graders. 12,13, & maybe some 14 year olds. Bases 90' pitching rubber 60'6" just like the pro's. Is there a book or something out there that would answer a lot of beginner question about practice. [How much should a] pitcher throw in practice, pre-season in-season? How much do you let them throw before a game, the day before a game? How about the team as a whole, practice before a game, the day before? You see I have a thousand questions that I know you could answer but I do believe it would save you time by giving the name of a good book or two.

AFirst, unless being coached by seasoned coaches who have high-level experience with conditioning, mechanics, etc., there is no way I would allow average-caliber 12-14 year olds pitch from full 60'6" distance or play on a 90' diamond - that's just encouraging arm injuries. (Yes, some leagues do otherwise, but...)

On WebBall we do have info on things like pitch count, practice programs for pitchers and so on. For ourselves, we try to have our 13-14 year old pitchers (from a 54' mound) work on a 4-5 day rotation - game day, rest/recovery day, practice day with limited pitch count bullpen, team skills day (no pitching) and game day. We sometimes have to run our only pitching practice the day before a game in which case we will not only really limit their pitching, but will use it instead to work on holding runners, pick off moves, etc.

As for team management and practice resources you can buy...

Our recommended reading for you I would start with Bragg Stockton's 'Coaching Baseball Skills and Drills', also 'Coaching Baseball Successfully' by Andy Lopez. But please think seriously about this "just like the pros" idea - they aren't 25, they aren't fully developed, many may even be pre-pubescent and their growth plates at joints have not yet formed up and are at risk.

QJust Like the Pros? - follow up

(in reply): I just finished reading you e-mail response to me about my 12/13/14 year olds. My point of using "just like the pros" was just that, to make a point. I know they are not 25, I've been in coaching since 1973 working mostly with junior/middle school kids. I've served as a trainer for a high school while working as a coach in their junior system. I worked my way through college as a student trainer. As I said in my last letter I don't just jump into things and do them, [except] I did just jump in this year (I did not do the jumping I was more or less pushed). I was serving as a school counselor and was asked to help coach because I had the background. It got back in my blood and I want to do the best I can for these kids and yes I know they are KIDS. Our season here is not long and we play only once a week.

AI understand. And I know you do too. But it is not the playing once a week that concerns us, it is the 2-3 practice sessions a week they need at the outset that will challenge their arms perhaps too much. With your background you should have some awareness of growth plate risks, and the elbow and shoulder problems that can develop if the mechanics aren't ideal and the distance is great. There's nothing wrong with the idea of playing on a pro sized diamond, it would be fun, just be aware of the potential for disappointment, failure, and injury risk - not with all players, some may handle it well, but if even one or two come up damaged, well...

QJust Throw Strikes?

I'm 18 and a Senior. How can I be a good pitcher and how can I throw strikes without letting the batter hit the ball?

AThere is no magic answer. Pitching takes practice, lots of it, until it can get boring. How do you make it more interesting? Results. How do you achieve results in practice that you can take to the game? Target your pitches not to the plate but to the catcher's knee pads and shoulders - one at a time - try to hit that smaller target which is often over the edge of the plate. Location more than anything is what gets batters out.

Second, work on movement - something to give the ball a little duck or dip or jog at the end of its flight path. Try an off-center grip for instance, or change the angle of seams to fingers, or tilt the hand this way or that.

And third make sure to get lots of wrist snap - rotation is your friend - it's the secret to control - but control and movement are often opposite effects. The rest of control - and velocity - comes from body mechanics which takes more time than I have to explain it right now - that's what all the pages on WebBall are about.

QLefty vs Lefty

Why do left handed pitchers have advantages in certain situations and not in others. What specifically is it about a left handed pitcher that helps them against a left handed hitter?

AAs kids grow up they don't see that many lefty pitchers so it is simply less exposure to the ball coming from that opposite angle. What makes it worse for lefty-lefty match up, is that the ball can seem to come from behind your shoulder. At least right-hand hitters, while not all that experienced with lefty pitchers, do have a better view of the ball. And while righty hitters could have more trouble with right pitchers, they have seen more of them so the righty-righty match up is not as challenging as left-lefty.

QLifting vs Pitching

I used to pitch during High School. Now I am 32 and considering playing next year. Since High School I lifted weights for muscle growth and strength, but it made it hard to throw fast. How should I lift weights to prepare to play baseball next season. Should I be lifting for 12 to 15 reps per set with 60% of max to help my pitching?

I'd lay off the weights entirely until you worked first on your throwing mechanics - either at a baseball school, or with a buddy, or even doing dry throws.

Why?
Because of the problem you encountered during high school. Lifting for muscle growth and strength goes against the needs in baseball for flexibility, ballistics and range of motion. (Read up in the WebBall Pow'rAlley section.)

Any pure exercising would be best with a flex type machine or just surgical tubing. The other thing to work on at your age is endurance - so a good aerobic base - wind sprints and jogs - especially during the post-workout cool down phase.

QLong Toss or Not?

I am a high school baseball coach in Wisconsin. I have heard Tom House speak several times and have 3 of his videos. For the past 15 years I have followed his idea of long toss being the way to strengthen the arm. This past weekend I listened to Rob Smith from Purdue talk about pitching. His belief is that throwing with 100% intensity and proper mechanics can build arm strength at any distance... the arm doesn't have a brain and doesn't know if it is throwing from 90' or 180' as long as you are throwing 100% intensity with proper mechanics, you can get the same results. My staff and I had quite the discussion on this idea and the need for long toss. I was hoping to get your input and help us settle the dispute and get the whole staff on the same track.

AMy answer is no more absolute than anyone else's. The truth is no one should throw with 100% intensity all the time - you want 90% so there is reserve in the tank. And yes, I agree, the arm doesn't have a brain.

But that's not the point. Perhaps this is...

Doing Long Toss as we now recommend - i.e. to a low target not just a long air ball - requires more than the arm alone can provide - it requires the body to be involved, good torque, and even a crow hop. So the benefits of long toss are most often based on getting the body to learn to throw efficiently. (Many instructors now speak of training to near failure as a way to let the body find its own most efficient way to get the job done.)

The other key point is that a good long toss program is a progression - from base length to twice base length (at least?). And also, given what I know understand, too much mound training can be bad for you - flat ground is easier on the body.

So long toss is

a) incremental distances - a measured progressive training routine,
b) a way to develop mechanical efficiency,
c) a way to practice in controlled conditions on flat ground.

You could also look at the weighted ball program the same way - incremental training, efficiency development, controlled. Or range of motion work with tubing or cable weights.

In other words - I would include a variety or training sequences - varied from day to day - long toss one day, weighted balls another day, mound throwing another, cardio/endurance, etc. The biggest mistake would be to lock into only one routine and make it boring and less challenging for your pitchers.

QMental Focus

Two questions. I am hitting good but pitching horrible on game-day (I was pitching good but hitting horrible last year)... and... My team is pretty good in the players but we are 2-7. We normally jump to a lead by at least 3 runs every game but we seem to lose it a lot. How do we seem to always lose the ones that we get ahead in early?

AMental focus is part of the challenge of baseball - both for yourself and your team. Everything happens in a split second, with many seconds of waiting time between - whether pitching, hitting or fielding. But, the worse thing to do is think too much during all that waiting time. Pitchers outthink their own pitching mechanics, hitters try to outguess pitchers, fielders spend too much of their thinking time on non-baseball topics so that every ball hit to them is a surprise.The phrase to remember is see - read - react. As a pitcher, yes, it's different - you start the play. But you need to see what they are hitting and not hitting. Read the other team. And know what you are throwing best. But then when it comes time to get into the wind-up, forget the thoughts - let your body just naturally and easily throw the pitch you want.As a batter you can guess what pitch you really want to hit, but you must be prepared to hit anything - once your're ready to hit, if it isn't what you want (depending on the count) then you can let it go. But be ready first.As a fielder same thing. You can position yourself where you think it might come. And even guessing wrong is better than not thinking at all. But once the pitch is on its way, take those quick two steps in, see the ball, then read the contact and react - thinking time is over.

QMound Misery

I have finished the season with a 6-1 record. But, recently I pitched in a district tournament game and struggled. My pitches were going outside more than usual, and I was having some difficulty readjusting myself to throw the ball where I wanted to. I was hoping for a few tips on trying to recover from things like that.

ARecovery is a matter of time and getting the next game in. As for the problems you had, could be the mound shape - not you - assuming the tournament was played on a different field. OR it may be the idea of "district" and you tightened up - overthrew.

If so, use the practice week before a tournament to get in the right focus - practice with more intensity - visualize the situation and compensate in practice before you get to the game day. You'll be better prepared mentally and can then let your natural mechanics just do what they always do.

(Try also to request some practice time on the actual tournament mound, and on game day don't be afraid to do a little mound grooming with your feet to get your landing area the way you like it.)

QMound vs. Flat

I was wondering if you knew how much pitching from a mound adds to velocity, compared to flat ground.

AGood question and we had no answer ourselves so we turned to one of the leading pitching instructors Paul Nyman of SetPro. He reports that the answer can be found in the following... Kinematic And Kinetic Comparison Of Baseball Pitching From A Mound And Throwing From Flat Ground, G.S. Fleisig, R.F. Escamilla, S.W. Barrentine, N.Zheng, J.R. Andrews, American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, AL. To quote from the study... Instant of ball release (average of study participants): - Ball speed (mph) off mound 79 +/- 4 MPH - Ball speed (mph) off flat ground 76 +/- 4 MPH

QMoves to 2nd

Can you explain how to do the pick off move from pitcher to second base? What is the proper mechanics?

ATwo options - leg-over mid-windup turn, or glove-side snap turn. Both can be effective, both should be available to you to keep the runner guessing.

In Leg-Over, from stretch as you lift your front leg through the "balance point", the leg steps right over the pitching rubber and pulls your body around to second base. The advantage of this approach is that you seem to be in delivery - surprise element. But that is off=set by the fact your body is turning into your throwing side, not working with it.

In Snap-turn, your leg releases from the rubber backwards as your body spins glove side - similar to the move to first. The advantage is that body momentum is with your throwing arm, however the foot release from rubber is a bit of a give-away. To make this work you want to minimize the release distance, but not get called on a balk, so timing on arm release is critical - foot first.

Remember, too, that you are not required to throw to second - so stepping back off without a throw, or leg-over without completing throw are permitted (provided the base is occupied). These moves keep runner guessing, as well, but you have to be willing to throw sometimes or the threat is not real.

QOff-Season Work

I have a 11 year old son that pitches & catches. During our 'off season' from October to March, how much, if any, throwing/pitching should he be allowed to do. We live in Northwest KY, so there are weeks/months where the weather is too cold to be outside throwing much. My thought has been that if you can't keep up a regular throwing routine, you are better off not throwing at all. We have been focusing more on exercise (push-ups, wrist curls, etc..) to build strength for his upcoming 12 year old season. Should he try to throw year round, or take a long break (Oct-Mar) and work on strength?
We do have access to a heated warehouse, where we could throw on the week ends, but would only throwing on the weekends end up causing arm problems? My gut feel is that at 11/12 years old, the intense throwing we do from March - September is more than enough ... use the off season to build strength and let the arm rest.

AI hate seeing the phrase "strength training" used in reference to baseball. Please read this page on WebBall to see some of the issues involved.

Also there are other pages in the Pow'r Alley section that talk about the difference between stength - which is static force - and power which is strength X speed. Baseball is a dynamic ballistic sport - everything happens quickly in short buirsts at high speed. So strength training, which tends to bulk up muscles in the middle actually goes against the range of motion muscle action - over the full extension of a muscle - that is required by baseball's biomechanics.

I think he can benefit from an off-season throwing program to build control and accuracy (not muscle bulk), to learn a new pitch, to maintain his rhythm. also swimming and jogging are good for stamina - and there's nothing wrong with another sport - although there will have to be an adjustment period before baseball to reset the proper range of motion.

QOver the Top Backshaping

I am a 14 y.o. left handed pitcher. My fastball is between 78-80 but can I find a drill to help me remember to come over the top because when I throw hard my arm kind of drifts off to the side to a 3/4 motion.

AThere really isn't any set drill but you might try a little of the backward chaining approach... Start in release position and "rewind" your motion to the desired arm slot position and throw from there. Continue that for a several throws, then rewind farther back into your motion - back to body torque, back to powering the leg forward, back to leg lift, each time grooving the arm slot into where you want it to be. Find out when and where the drift down starts to happen, and then focus on getting back to that spot with the right arm action. Note - because these are partial throws, do not try to throw at anywhere near maximum velocity, release and follow thorough fully but don't worry about getting arm effort over 50% until you are back to a more complete throw. You are just trying to work on the neural pathways (muscle memory).

QPatience at 11

Coach, I am looking for ways to help my 11 year old learn to throw the 2 seam fastball for movement. I have been working with a ball in which I colored half white and black to try and show him to get the back to show a steady line but things are going slow. Any other ideas?

AIt's slow because he's 11. You should understand that movement starts with control. He needs to be able to be very consistent in his gross motor mechanics - legs - hips, torso - shoulders as well as at the release point. Get that consistency then make adjustments at the fine motor (muscle) level by adjusting his finger pressure on the ball - a little more on the index, or a little more on the pointer. If the overall control is there, then these adjustments will create some side slip towards or away from the batter. It isn't easy and you should expect real improvement over the next several seasons not all at once.

I would also suggest that having him focus or try to focus on the ball angle at release (black and white) is taking his eyes away from the target - he can't have both in his tracking system at once (see some comments in the hitting section - OnDeck - on visual perception and depth of field.)

QPitcher's Glove Size

I'm a 17 year old pitcher who has noticed a trend to pitchers having smaller gloves. I was wondering what the advantages would be to having a smaller glove. Also I would like to hear your opinion on the best way to break in a new glove and to condition it.

AGlove size is often dictated by position, of course - outfield, infield, first base, etc. Pitchers have been using large gloves on the theory they hid the ball/grip better. But large gloves for infielders are often a bad defensive choice.

Shortstops are best with a short-fingered wide glove (for range and bad hops), third base with a bigger glove (for reflexive ball stops). Most players in youth leagues are expected to work many positions and should use a utility (all-purpose) glove.

For a pitcher, almost any glove is large enough to hid the ball. But only some hide the entire hand/grip as well.

For defense, a pitcher with very good reflexes could go to a smaller (shortstop style) glove. However, given the concerns over the increasing velocity of balls coming off the latest aluminum bats, I'd like to see pitchers think more like those third basemen and stay with a glove that provides protection - perhaps the best size is a glove big enough to cover your face. (Seriously.)

As for working in a glove - a small bottle of glove softener, plus a ball tied in the glove is traditional. I would do a couple of liquid applications and not use the glove in a game till it's had a week of conditioning plus two practices (at least). Others have recommended soaking in a water bucket, driving over it with a car, etc. That's not something I'd ever suggest a player do with a $100+ piece of equipment.

QPitchers Falling Apart

I'm at my wits end. I carry a 12 player roster. 8 of the boys (11&12 year olds) all pitch like Cy Young award winners in practice! 6 of the 8 have completely fallen apart when they take the mound in a real game situation. I have taken videos of the boys once a week since we started practice. Their mechanics, balance, etc. seem fine. Once they're in a game situation, however, something goes drastically wrong and I'm not really sure what it is. Balls thrown in the dirt, balls thrown 5 feet over the batters head...you get the idea. Could this simply be nerves! These kids REALLY do have talent and I need to do something quick to help them.

AIt's not unusual. Couple of quick thoughts...

Do you try to mentally simulate game situations in practice - have pitchers work real counts, make them practice with runners on, etc.? This can help them get in game-shape mentally.

Do you approach games with a do or die attitude? Your tension can rub off on them - you could be creating more pressure than the other team. Practice with intensity and let games unfold as they will.

Do your pitchers have confidence in their fielders? Short story: We're in tight in a game, our pitcher is falling apart, I bring in my closer who immediately starts finessing his pitches, doesn't get the calls, and walks two. So with two balls on the next batter, I walk out and tell him 'let the batter hit, throw something he'll hit a grounder on." The pitcher thought for several seconds, smiled, then threw a slider: ground ball double play.

Your pitchers have to be willing to let the batter hit the ball.

QPitching Coach Beginner Questions

I'm looking for something to help me with a team of 7th and 8th graders. 12,13, & maybe some 14 year olds. Bases 90' pitching rubber 60'6" just like the pro's. Is there a book or something out there that would answer a lot of beginner question about practice. [How much should a] pitcher throw in practice, pre-season in-season? How much do you let them throw before a game, the day before a game? How about the team as a whole, practice before a game, the day before? You see I have a thousand questions that I know you could answer but I do believe it would save you time by giving the name of a good book or two.

AFirst, unless being coached by seasoned coaches who have high-level experience with conditioning, mechanics, etc., there is no way I would allow average-caliber 12-14 year olds pitch from full 60'6" distance or play on a 90' diamond - that's just encouraging arm injuries. (Yes, some leagues do otherwise, but...)

On WebBall we do have info on things like pitch count, practice programs for pitchers and so on. For ourselves, we try to have our 13-14 year old pitchers (from a 54' mound) work on a 4-5 day rotation - game day, rest/recovery day, practice day with limited pitch count bullpen, team skills day (no pitching) and game day. We sometimes have to run our only pitching practice the day before a game in which case we will not only really limit their pitching, but will use it instead to work on holding runners, pick off moves, etc.

As for team management and practice resources you can buy... Our recommended reading for you starts with Bragg Stockton's "Coaching Baseball Skills and Drills", also "Coaching Baseball Successfully" by Andy Lopez. But please think seriously about this "just like the pros" idea - they aren't 25, they aren't fully developed, many may even be pre-pubescent and their growth plates at joints have not yet formed up and are at risk.

QPitching Math

How can you figure out a pitcher's velocity using a stop watch. The kids are from 8-10 years old and they are a rep team.

This is the principal behind the Baseball Speed Watch and Timit Radar watch which do the conversions for you.

The first ratio you need is feet per second converted to miles per hour. That's a ratio of 3600/5280. In other words 88 fps = 60 mph. That works out to 0.681818181. (The converse is 1.466666666.) Then you need the mound to plate distance.

Now the ball leaves the pitcher's hand a little bit farther from the rubber than where the catcher catches. So you might want to start the stopwatch as the throwing arm passes the ear, and stop it on the pop in the mitt. Accuracy is subjective at some point. Anyway, you take the mound distance and divide by the time recorded. So, say, 60.5' / .5 seconds then multiple by the 3600/5280 ratio (0.6818181).

Personally some of us find it easier to go 60.5 / .5 / 1.46666. It's whichever you find easier to remember - times .6818181 or dividing by 1.46666. Then again we'd rather use a radar gun. For your guys probably throwing from 45' a good time might be around .6 seconds, an average time might be around .7 secs. See Player Norms.

QPitching Prep

I am the father of a 10yr old pitcher. Last year was his first year pitching in Little League® minor division. He did ok...but control was a real problem...finding a motion and release that he could do each pitch. He also played football this year and was picked for quarterback for his arm strength. My question is this. What can we do in the winter before baseball starts to help his motion, control and velocity? I read that weights at his age is not very wise...but can you give some advice on how and what we should do this winter.

AThere are pages under Pitching that talk about control work, and there's a whole section of the Training center that covers pitching development. So much for the mechanics.

But it's time for a reality check - consider the issues related to kids and weight training - why is it not recommended - because it's not going to stick, not at the prepubescent level. But there are training steps you can take that are based on training for range of motion - without weights. ROM training is muscle memory and that can be taught early - that's why gymnasts start young.

Also look at the Tai Chi and Stop Action ideas in Grass Roots for ways to teach muscle release points - that's the way to find control.By the way, football style throwing strengthens arms muscle in different ROM than required for baseball.

QPitching Risks with Coaches

I need help or comfort in a move I did. I am the pitching coach for a team age 9-12. From day one I have had the kids on a pitch count. Some of kids have gone over my 65 pitch limit and I have always stressed to the head coach that this is a big issue for me. Well, we had our big twelve year old pitching (150 lb kid at 5'2) and he just didn't have it. By the 3rd inning he was up to 83 pitches but the head coach wanted to leave him in. I argued but gave in, and he went another 22 pitches (taken out in the middle of the 4th). I was fuming. I told the coach I am no longer pitching coach and when he is putting players at risk. His belief: the more they throw the stronger their arm will get. I believe this too, but in the off-season. My mistake was I blew up and left and it effected the kids. I plan on apologizing to the kids, but what is your take on this?

AI agree with your awareness/concern about pitch count on many levels, but disagree with you on other aspects of the situation. To explain... The ASMI charts we have on WebBall show even fewer pitches. In fact, the 13-14 year olds we coach are usually limited to below the chart counts. In part it's because I've seen the kind of overuse injuries that develop in young arms - not just soreness and discomfort but growth plate deformities that the typical coach (including myself) is not likely to spot until too late. But it's also because I have a longer term view - this is my second go-around at this age group (I last coached at this level maybe 10 years ago). So I have seen what happens to 11-12 year-old star pitchers when they hit 15, 16 and older - many are no longer able to pitch. Overuse is certainly one of the causes but so is improper instruction, training and preparation.

Here's what we do: our pitching coach is in charge of pitchers. Period. He decides who will be our pitchers in the next game(s). And we try to prepare them accordingly. We make sure that at the prior practice (ideally 2 days before game day), we have them do a full bullpen (30-40 warm up throws, 40-50 pitches) as well as participate in as many of the other drills as they can so they continue to be more than pitchers to us (work on hitting, fielding, baserunning, etc.) This presumes they last pitched two days or more prior to the practice. It isn't exactly a four day cycle but its the best we can manage with a changing rotation of game days.

On game day, proper pre-game prep is important... bullpen work for the start begins usually 20 minutes before the first game pitch, longer if the pitcher needs extra time (not extra pitches, but preps at a slower pace). During the game, we will sub players as necessary so that we always have one catcher and one pitcher on the bench ready to warm-up if needed. (We have 3 who can catch and 6 who can pitch on our small squad of a dozen - the result of some scouting work and the draft process. Our pitching coach said who he wanted, and the hitting coach chose his picks and we tried to get the best of both.)

If during the game, the pitching coach is working with the guys in the bullpen, I might go out on the first visit to help the current pitcher and stall for time, but generally the pitching coach goes out. However when it's time to switch pitchers, the head coach (me) will usually but not always do the deed - aside from any other reason I don't want to make the pitching coach the heavy with his own pitchers. So, here's the problem with how your situation developed. As pitching coach you need to establish responsibility, authority early on. How? By working a lot pre-season with your pitchers - by helping them improve mechanics, teach them a little pitching psychology, maybe a new pitch, or a variation that creates more movement. Basically you need to get the kids to work well with you, while establishing with the head coach that you know enough about the process to be trusted with the decisions. It takes a worry off his mind so maybe he can concentrate on hitting, fielding, whatever. (Understand that he should know more than a little about pitching too.)

Anyway, that's the ideal. And it is do-able. But the real mistake you probably know you made was in a) arguing with the other coach during the game and b) walking away - leaving the kids without their much-need pitching coach. (Obviously they need you if for no other reason that to protect their arms from the abuses inflicted by the head coach.) You've got to get back in there. Call the coach and ask for a meeting with him over a coffee or beer to discuss the matter.

QPitching vs Throwing

My son (age 11 nearly 12) is a big kid 5'5" 175 lbs. and has good mechanics.
I need to convince him to throw a change up. He has tried many grips but none
seem to change the velocity as much as you say it should (8/12 mph). So he wants
to throw a slider and curve. I think I've convinced him that these are not safe
for him yet. I am trying to teach him to "PITCH" not just fire it across,
because the competition will eventually start to catch up with his heat and he
has been hit in some games but not more than once or twice. He has been working
on a cut fastball, is this a safe pitch?

AThe cut fastball is a good choice, because it creates movement with the same
arm action just a different grip and finger pressure. The change-up is very
important... remind him that his number-one job is to fool the batters. Change
grips vary but best to just have him push the ball back into his palm -
otherwise throw with no more or less effort than fastball, and otherwise no
change in arm slot or angle.

One of the problems is that young pitchers who change grip think they need to
change everything else - the effort, the arm angle, the release point. Not true.
As John Bagonzi points out in his great book on pitching, a 1" change in release
point can equal a 7" difference at the plate. So in developing a change,
consistency is really important.

QRadar Speeds

I coach my 2 boys and my daughter. My oldest son is 11 1/2. He is 5'4" and only about 80 lbs. He has topped off at 57 mph on the Glove Radar. My son Anthony will be 8 in July. I clocked him at 42 mph on the Glove Radar. Both my sons throw as hard as anyone in their age groups on their travel teams, yet their fastballs are lower than the other children in your survey. Is this a result of parents sending in "inflated" readings or can it be because they are at the lower part of their age groups? Also, I would think that the Glove Radar readings would differ from convention radar gun readings because it reads it as its hits the glove, while the conventional radar guns read it as it leaves the pitchers hand. If so, how much (percentage-wise) should I add to their Glove Radar readings?

ACouple of important points...

Like all training tools, the Glove Radar should not be used as an absolute indicator but as a progressive teaching aid - when they make an adjustment is the result a faster pitch or not?

As for the survey - as stated, it is what we are sent. The glove reading, not out of hand reading, is what should be looked at but I suspect some fudging. According to research by Sports Sensors who makes the Glove Radar the drop should be 1 mph for every 7' of distance. This would mean a 55 mph fastball thrown 45 feet would read 49 mph on the GR, or a reading on the GR of 57 might equate to 63-64 mph. I say might because the 1/7 might be more like 1/5 depending on the pitch style, amount of rotation, etc. Anyone who gives us a difference of only 2-3 mph is suspect. But going back to point 1 - the best way to use the tool is to compare Andy to Andy as he progresses and Bob to Bob. Don't worry if you feel their numbers are lower than our posted norms. Just make sure they are learning which of their pitches is the better one - not always what seems to be thrown harder.

QRain Delay

In the second inning of a night game it began to rain. The rain delay was about 45 mins. Our starting pitcher was doing a very good job, but when we restated the game he was struggling to the point that we had to pull him. Our bullpen was deep enough that we could have used another starter. Should i have started the third inning with a new pitcher? Or is there a rule of thumb that a coach can use in situations like this.

AObviously with that much time on the sidelines a pitcher's arm will cool down and the muscles tighten. The first thing that should have happened is to have a warm-up jacket on - or wrap towelling around the arm. (Lots of kids don't like to do this - the indestructible mentality of youth.) There is also the heated sleeve device called the Flame Thrower.

Then, as soon as it looks like the rain is letting up and the game may resume - have your pitcher - and his teammates - jog around the outside of the park - to warm the body core. Then while the grounds crew - even if that's you! - is patching puddles at the mound and homeplate, get him to throw on the sidelines - from 75% to full power.

If for any reason you can't restart his engine with that system, then you should have a second pitcher going from fresh through the same sideline routine.

QRare Lefty

My son is an 11 y/o natural lefthander (5'1" - 110 lbs). He throws high 50's with excellent control. We Have been told by some baseball people that his velocity and control are rare for young lefthander. They have also noted that he has a 'righthanders' delivery since he throws more over-the-top to 3/4 and front foot lands directly toward homeplate. I guess this is because most lefthanders sling/side-arm and land front foot closed throwing across body.

Do you feel professional/private pitching lessons are effective at this age. Some have suggested private lessons could actually be counter-productive at this age in breaking him down and getting him to think too much.

AAccording to our numbers (Player Norms) he is indeed good for his age. My concern with instruction is not so much that it is always bad but that it could be, as you note, counter-productive. Mostly because there might be a tendancy to teach him 'the right way' - there is no right way - there are only standards to build from.

As long as he continues to develop and his velocity keeps pace while his control is maintained, I would not put him on more than a maintenance program off-season - at a local facility that won't try to cookie-cutter him.

That's not to say that there won't come a time in 3 or 4 years when he'll need more than his team coach can provide in either expertese or one-on-one time.

QReal-World Pitching Cycles

I saw your pitching cycle and I would like to get my pitchers in a routine as well. Our region games are on Tuesdays and Fridays. If a kid starts Tues. what would be his routine from the time he left the mound Tues. night assuming he threw 70+ pitches and then what about the Friday starter that has Sat. and Sun. off from practice and school and then the Tues. starter doesn't see the mound until the next Tues. That is seven days, two with no practice. What do I do there

AThis, I guess, is where life and reality as a youth baseball coach clash with the nice 4-day theory of pro ball. We would always suggest that the day after game day be a rest day and the day before a game include primarily conditioning work, not throwing work.

At least you are giving them 7 days, not 3, but I assume you would not have only 2 starters to consider. These are still young kids and sometimes inconsistent and you need a couple of long-relievers working the same routine. In any suggested cycle, depending on your talent availability... you need to consider which pitchers are self-starters and which need more discipline.

The Friday pitchers are always going to be better monitored... so Monday long toss, Tuesday doing team pre-game and charting the game (and some field time at another position), Weds. mound work, Thurs. fielding practice - plus hitting practice whenever it fits in (even if you can DH them). Long-Toss Monday can be varied with other distance or velocity work. All sessions must include proper tubing warm-up and wind sprints afterwards. You should suggest to them that on the weekend they NOT do even recreational throwing on Saturday - though they could go for a jog or bike ride - and on Sunday they could do another sport recreationally that also uses upper body - swimming or tennis maybe.

The Tuesday pitchers need to be the self starters because they have to do some more rigorous stuff on their own on the weekend. Monday will need to be a light/short bullpen day for tune-up with you, but ask them to find time on Saturday with a friend or dad to throw a complete bullpen. Sunday can be bike ride, jog, other aerobic conditioning stuff. Weds (after game day) has to be their complete off day - no throwing, hitting, etc., but if there is a team practice they can maybe do baserunning type drills. Thursday becomes their long toss day, and Friday they do team pre-game and charting the game (and some field time at another position).

By the way, if I could I would tell all pitchers they are banned from playing video games or cell text-messaging 24-36 hours prior to stepping on the mound for game day. Pitch grips and carpal tunnel syndrome don't mix.

QRecovery Cycle

My son started playing Baseball at the age of 12 years old (now 14). I have him now at a pitching coach who wanted to help him become a more controlled pitcher. This coach has him pitching Monday and Wed. 75 pitches each of those days. What can I do to help protect his arms after practicing? I have him put on a ice pack sleeve 15-20 minutes Then at home he cools down and takes a bath and we put on sports cream and he wears a long sleeve shirt to keep the heat in? is that enough for someone who pitches that much? He has a wicked fast ball that has a lot of movement. They also clocked him at 85 mph.

ATwo 75-pitch outings on 1 day rest is dangerous. Pitchers should be on a 4-day cycle. Game day - rest day - work-out day - body-work day, next game day. At very least 2 days between full pitching sessions which 75 count is. Work-day practice sessions should be 40-50 pitches. And just as important as the 75 pitches in any game are the 40 pre-game throws in bullpen. So the pitch count is not always what you think it is - and intensity is a factor too. Icing after an outing is okay - if necessary. But ask yourself why you or he feels the need to do so much ice - what is not right in the session structure or his mechanics. After any ice, he should go for a 20 minute brisk walk or 10 minute jog - you want to bring back up the core temp of the body. You don't want external heat (bath), you don't want to use sports creams (useless) and you don't want to reheat the arm anyway. Ice is used to stop the micro-bleeding in muscle fibers - so why would you want to reheat the arm? But it is important to get circulation up in rest of body. Also important for recovery is to understand how to get rid of lactic acid build up and nutrition.

QRest Period

Every time I pitch, I only have about 1 day to rest in between the next time I'll probably pitch again. On that day off, should I do things like long toss, or just rest my arm? (Don't worry about that 1 day in between, I'm only in Little League, it's not like I throw 100 pitches a game.)

AI disagree with your comment about only in Little League. You need way more than 1 day between outings. You are still young and your bones and muscles are still developing. Take the time to rest. If you know you are going to be off for a couple of days then fine do some workouts, but always take a day to rest/recover while you are still growing, then a few days before you pitch next. Remember even 10 game pitches requires 40 warm-up pitches.

QRighty vs Righty

Why do right-handed pitchers have advantages over right-handed batters and left-handed pitchers over left-handed batters?

The pitch is coming from off the batter's shoulder more - harder for him to pick up with stereoscopic vision (two eyes). When an LHP vs a RHB for instance, it is much easier to see where the pitch is coming from. Not so for LHP versus LHB. Also the break is harder to read. The worst match-up is Left-Left because kids growing up - whether they bat left or right - are more likely to face righties.

QSecond Inning Slump

I'm one of my teams best pitchers, it's just that I pitch great for one inning, then in the next I get really shaky. I walk about three guys, then it's a struggle for me to get it over the plate. Do you have any suggestions or reasons why I'm like this?

ASure. You're human. Seriously, I've seen it happen to almost every pitcher I've ever coached. Before that first inning, you're fully focused - you've come from the bullpen on fire. Then with the inning over, you're on the bench - more involved with talking to your teammates, thinking about other aspects of the game, more relaxed, etc.. So next inning you go out there without the focus you brought from the bullpen.

Some techniques to maintain the fire:

• Sit at the end of the duggout away from the bat rack. Ignore the offensive game and replay your bullpen session in your mind - which pitch did you throw best, how did your arm feel, was your release point perfect, did you fall off your back ankle properly?
• Talk to your catcher - what did he think you threw best, etc.
• Just before you go up to bat in the second or third inning, ask a teammate how he thinks the opposing pitcher is doing. You'll get info to help your at-bat, but you're still coming from a pitcher's perspective.

If this sounds obsessive and lonely, it is. That's pitching. But at least you should only have to behave this way every third or fouth game.

QSingle Battery

I have two players on the high school level who pitch and catch; so obviously, while one is pitching, the other will be catching and vice versa. How do I work these guys in practices and games without wearing them out!?!

AFirst, several spontaneous reactions, followed I hope by some reasoned discussion.

1. You're kidding, right?
2. It's good neither of these guys plans a career in baseball because their arms will be RUINED by the end of this season.
3. Ya, that's the trouble when you only have 7 other guys on the roster.
4. Good thing none of the other parents show up.
5. It's only allowed if both kids are coaches' sons.
6. But hey it's not really a problem - as long as you only have one game and one practice a week.

Seriously, a catcher's arm goes through as much in a game as a pitcher's and while no league/association I know of extends the pitcher inning limit or rest rules to catchers, I wish they would. Obviously you need to immediately start finding a) another catcher and b) at least two more pitchers. Candidates - one of your shortstops (well, you must have more than one of something, right?) or an outfielder with a strong arm. Or just ask the whole team. And don't be surprised if you get more volunteers to try pitching than catching - a) it's easier to teach, b) it looks a lot more fun. Whatever you do, you cannot, must not go through the season with a single battery.

Once you have these other players, great or not, you need to train them - and use them. They aren't backups to the good guys - they have to be made to feel important in their own right. Look at the suggestions for pitching cycle and try to follow the guidelines at least for the first two months till the new guys are comfortably in the rotation (i.e. untill you're comfortable having them there.) And remember nobody has to pitch a full game even on their good days - maybe one top guy is best as a starter (with the right days off) and the other would be a good closer (1-2 innings each game) Have the two new guys experience some starts and some relief work - let them learn, let them play.

QSpecific Long Toss Program

I have started a Long Toss program with my son who is going on 13 years of age. The program has him throw at incremental distances (60-90-120 ft, 6 throws per distance). The first "set" of 18 throws we use a normal 5 oz ball. We then do a second set of 18 using a 4 oz ball. He doesn't like the drill because he says it makes the standard ball seem too heavy. Am I off base with this approach? Also, should there be any "hump" in the throws during this drill? And one last question. Should the effort be at 100% each throw or Lower? I have read 65-70% max.

AFirst, there is a debate going on about things like long toss, weighted balls, etc. But a) we still believe in the programs and b) trust your son's feedback. But don't mix programs. Long toss is for airing out the arm muscles; the weighted ball pyramid program is for ballistics over pitching distance. In fact, I would suggest that the 4 oz ball is a definite no-no in long toss and is only used in short program IF WEIGHTED BALLS ARE ALSO USED. (Some instructors suggest that weighted balls need to be in the 1 to 2 pound class, others suggest that the only weight to throw ever is 5 oz.)

As for the hump, meaning an arc in the flight path of the ball, keep the throws as flat as possible - he should be aiming at a cone on the ground. If they hop, that's better than if they sail.

As for effort, what you refer to is the % of the 1 REP MAX often used as a guide in, say, weight training, etc. (One repetition of the maximum possible effort.) That makes sense when the goal in a sport is to achieve that 1 Rep Max in competition. But baseball, especially for pitchers, is not like that.

Every pitch counts, not just one. So you need to train for the sport's demands... specificity. Still, the requirements of endurance dictate that if a pitcher can throw repeatedly at the same velocity - then that is not truly his 1 rep max. Also the effort to arrive at a 1RM by over-throwing could actually cause injury.

So in this case the % doesn't apply. In any outing, there is a warm up phase, a conditioning phase and what I call a reward phase (followed by cool down, etc). First throws in any session are light and easy - shorter distance, less effort. During the key conditioning phase you want pitches that arrive at 85-90% of peak velocity, but you want to - when warm enough, loose enough, relaxed and confident enough, to get in a few heaters at your best - not in terms of efforts but in terms of results. Those are the 100 percenters and to my mind should be the last pitches you throw that day - just as you want the final 5 pitches during a pre-game bullpen to be your best game pitches - so you are at your peak entering the game. In the practice session you want to end at the peak for another reason - positive reinforcement.

(Having send that, there are those who suggest training to fatigue on the theory that the body gets more efficient when tired and will learn to overcome and throw with less effort. Still being debated.)

QSqueeze Play

What are strategies for defending against the squeeze play? Throw high and inside to back off the bunter

AThat might work for one pitch or two, but sooner or later you've got to throw strikes or else walk everyone, right?

The other option is to pitch the other way. On "he's going!"pitch out to get the runner high and dry.
But in most cases it is up to the fielders not the pitcher. You need to get your corner baseman (1 and 3) charging harder to the plate. In any mid- to late-inning situation you want the third baseman to hold the runner close or - better yet - be right beside the runner up the line towards home. (Who says 3rd has to stay at the bag to get a putout - I've never seen a runner very comfortable with a baseman only an arm's length - i.e a tag-length away.)

The fielder should charge as hard as the baserunner on the pitch and make sure shortstop and second are rotating as needed, too.

QStarter Routine

Starting Pitcher - should he pitch at all in bullpen the day before his start?

AOur recommended (typical) pitching routine is posted under Pitching Cycle. It also, of course, depends on the time between starts, on his stamina and general conditioning, his recovery routine to break down lactic acid buildup, etc.

QStarter vs Reliever

What is the mentality difference between a starting pitcher and a reliever/closer?

AFear of failure. The starter has time to adjust/correct through first several batters which the reliever seldom does. Reliever also has to be in condition to get to full warm-up quickly where the starter needs greater endurance. So their training programs should be different.

QStretch Position

Everyone tells me about pitching out of the stretch for warm-ups, and I am embarrassed to say that I don't exactly know what "pitching out of the stretch" is. Could you please enlighten me on this.

AThe stretch is the start position used by relief pitchers with a runner on base. Never be afraid to ask questions like this. The sad truth is that many established baseball coaches go about their business with little regard for the newbies. We all started from a place of ignorance - it is a could place to be, because everything will be part of the process of discovery. (I'm still learning every day.) The reality is that few if any coaches are willing to volunteer information. Even we here at WebBall who might know a thing or two (open to debate) don't know what you don't know until you pose the question. So ask away.

QSubmariners

I have a high school pitcher on my team who throws submarine style and he wants to start and frankly I think he has the talent to be a good starter but I've never heard of a submariner being a starter, they all seem to be relievers. Is there a reason for this like arm stress or is it just coincidence.

ASubmarine pitches give the batters a different look - a tough adjustment after an overhand pitcher - this makes them effective in relief. It could also be that the other transitions doesn't work. I did have a submariner I used as a starter sometimes, but after him an OH pitcher was easy pickings.

QSuccess with Weighted Balls

I have had the majority of my juniors and seniors on my high school pitching staff on your weighted ball pyramid program since the first week of the new year and I am very pleased with the results to this point as we still have a little over two weeks remaining in the twelve week program. Our season gets under way the first week of April and I need to know if there is a specific pre-game warm-up regimen and a between-start regimen that you have put in place utilizing the weighted balls for in-season conditioning. Please be as specific and detailed as you can as the last thing that I want to happen is to injure a players arm.

AFirst, in the interest of full disclosure, it is not my weighted ball program but was first brought to WebBall by Coop DeRenne of Hawaii and is now used by almost all respected pitching instructors.

Over the years we have gotten into debates with others over the topic and also seen weighted throwing taken to greater extremes, for instance in the Ron Wolforth Athletic Pitcher Program.

I say "extremes" but in truth given the low injury incident he experiences with his pitchers on an intense program, one could argue that the value of weighted ball throwing is both in the feedback to spot and correct flaws and in the level of conditioning inherent.

Both factors can prove to reduce injury in-season precisely because of the pre-season value. Where this is leading is to caution you to maximize the program pre-season and use it sparingly in-season... only on the alternate or between-game sessions.

For example on a 4-day cycle... (game day, rest day, work day, prep day, next game day)... it would be used on the work day only. I would personally not recommend it as part of a pre-game bullpen, or as part of any immediate-day-prior session. Even then, it might be more important on the work day to focus on other aspects of a pitcher's game, command and control for instance, rather than the more conditioning-oriented pyramid program.

In other words, if done right pre-season, you can pack them away in-season. The only exception might be if you have a pitcher who has missed his previous game day or has a longer than 4-day cycle, then it would be beneficial I believe, to have a pyramid day.

As to whether this comes before or after the other work day, I can't give a definitive answer. Instinct says do the pyramid day before the other work day (which has long toss for instance).

(PS - I know some of you reading this might see it as a cope-out answer, not specific. Understand this, without working day to day with a pitcher, there is always some guess work. What if the weighted balls are exacerbating a problem but the coach doesn't notice and the player masks the difficulty. You really have to know your guys to put them on an elite program, and you have to have a level of trust so they will tell you when something is not quite right. For these reasons we would never suggest a one-answer-for-all approach in any training regimen.)

QTarget Practice

I am curious on the subject of looking at your target before you throw the ball. I have a of trouble doing this. I lose velocity, accuracy and it feels awkward. I have been told by many people I do not look at my target before throwing but rather towards the shortshop, then when i get forward momentum, stare and. I am usually pretty accurate this way but I wondering if there were any problems with me throwing this way.

AIf you find the target late but still find it - what it really means is you have good muscle memory - your body knows how to get you in alignment before the release point. Beside it is very unnerving to the batter and you have good success - so why change it because someone else doesn't like the way it looks.

QThe Worst Cliche

My son is an 11 year pitcher who plays on a very competitive travel team and is one of the younger kids on the team (just turned 11, majority of team that will turn 12 by end of summer). One of the coaches is constantly giving my son a hard time about his velocity saying he needs to throw harder. (My son seems to have average velocity - low to mid 50s - and seems to have reasonably good mechanics and very good control). How much can you determine a pitcher's ultimate velocity potential (or even get a sense) at 11, or is worrying about velocity at 11 years old a waste of time given kids haven't come close to maturing?

AWhat the coach has done most by saying "he needs to throw harder" is shown how little he knows about coaching. Has the coach actually provided any suggestions on exactly how your son might learn to "throw harder"?

From my experience, players who try to throw harder generally tighten up everything, including the grip on the ball. Depending on their finger action on release, that could give a harder backspin to the ball, or just slow it down on release. Or it can be overthrown and go off target.

By using this phrase, the coach is perhaps saying that he wants your son to get better results - perhaps the other batters can catch up with his pitches, or perhaps there is not enough change in effective velocity from one pitch to the next. If not, the batters can time the contact well - too well. (Effective velocity is a combination of location, movement and fade, deception vs expectation.) That said, you need to be careful about what you define as "good control". Control does not mean the ability to put the ball in the strike zone - it means putting the ball where you want it to go. That starts with consistency of foot plant, and moves up the body to repeatable actions on every pitch so that only the last split second on release changes speed, trajectory, and the point of arrival either inside the strike zone, or in the batter's hitting zone, or in what Perry Husband in his new training manual refers to as the "pressure zone" - which is outside the strike zone. (Fact is most strike-outs are on pitches outside the strike zone - pitches that fool batters.)

But the other part of your email, and your real question is very important. age 11 really is very, very early in a pitcher's development. Some kids have growth spurts at different times. Some kids are good after a growth spurt, others suffer - so whatever control or velocity he might have now will fluctuate relative to his past performance and relative to other pitchers for the next several years. The end result - in terms of how he might be at 17, 18, 19 - is going to be a combination of....

• his genetic predisposition (how tall and athletic his parents might be).
• plus his work ethic and commitment and interest level to continuing to learn the finer points of pitching (and/or even baseball in general)
• the quality of instruction he gets over the years (something better than "throw harder" I hope)
• his ability to grasp that pitching is not just a physical activity but a mental one and his approach to pitching strategy and sequence is as important as the physical training
• the support and encouragement he gets from his fan-base (that would be you, Mom & Dad)
• and the results and quality of experience he has by being on a good team, with good memories along the way

Those are not in any order of priority or importance. All matter, and right now at age 11 or 12 it's way too early to make predictions. The fact that he has made a competitive team at age 11, means he has some overall ability and a developing skill set worth nurturing. However, worrying about ultimate velocity at 11 is not a good use of his time, your time, or the coach's time. On the other hand, watching him have fun playing is worth every second of the entire experience - for both of you.

QThinking vs Throwing - Follow up

Today, I had my best session yet. I forgot about the Curveball, and focused on the 2 seam, 4 seam, and sinker. I was hitting the corners, getting movement, and could FEEL the velocity. It's like my 2 seam had eyes. I could feel the pop in my wrist when I snapped it, and where as I normally could only feel my skin tingle on my sinker (because of finger pressure), I could feel it on all my pitches. Today when I threw one of my sinkers, it disappeared past the plate, and I was STUNNED. When I threw the sinker, as it crossed the plate, I blinked, it bounced off the ground... and it was coming in at about waist high! Maybe I wasn't seeing the ball right or something, but I'm almost positive that the ball dive bombed past the plate. By the 30th or so pitch, the skin was starting to come off my fingers. Is this what pitching is supposed to feel like? Having all your pitches jump out of your hand, and 'feel' their movement?

AAbsolutely. That's what I meant when I said it's not an intellectual exercise. You do have to feel it. Now hold that feeling of domination/authority through your next practices and your next outting on the mound. Now that you've unlocked the key, I hope for great things from you in future seasons.

And as for all other pitchers out there, I recommend you read and re-read and practically memorize his description of his pitching performance. Because when you can walk off the mound feeling like that - then you can truly call yourself a pitcher.

QThinking vs Throwing - Part 1

I have an identity crisis. I can't decide on who I am as a pitcher. When I first started trying to pitch, I said to myself, "try and work on movement, don't even think about the 4 seam." But on occasion I'd mess with it and it really stayed level and had some good zip (visually at least). My progress on my 2 seam isn't coming along like I hoped (never been spectacular, but barely moving at all now). My "training grip" cutter does move, and so does the sinker I've been toying with to get ground-balls. I know I'm trying to throw every pitch but if my velocity turns out to be not so great, then I can be a more movement/change of speed guy. Or should I just be a traditional pitcher regardless (Fastball, Curve, Changeup)? One more thing: Should I (right-handed) stand on the 1st base side of rubber to get the most tail out of the 2-seam? So many pitches, so little time...

ASome thoughts that may or may not help you.

Pitching is not an intellectual exercise - in fact it is up to you to get the batter thinking so much that he gets confused while you simply rear back and throw your best stuff - best stuff meaning best mechanics, best grip, best velocity and best surprises (in movement, location, etc.)
You can not be a great pitcher without a combination of velocity and movement. Not knowing how fast you throw, not wanting to develop more velocity is an excuse for avoiding the primary purposes as noted in point 1. Why? Because if a moving pitch can fool a batter, then a faster version of the same pitch can fool a batter even more. If he can't read it in time, he can't react in time. You have got to work on velocity.

One of the best points you make is "I'm trying the sinker to get ground balls". Absolutely right. The purpose of pitching is not to throw strikes, it's to get batters out.

I wish young players should stop thinking that if they do what current pros do they will get the same results as the pros. Sure a finesse pro pitcher can do okay in the mid 80s - because he can outpsych the batter - but that average speed won't get a H.S. pitcher drafted these days unless his control and movement are exceptional. Pros are pros. Period.

Your job is not to be them, it is to GET to be them. And that's an opportunity that doesn't come all that often. There are more than 6 million kids playing baseball and only 600 Major Leaguers, with only some hundreds more each year getting a minor pro opportunity and many of those won't make it all the way. And, of course, only 1/3 of those are pitchers.

You should be so lucky as to beat those odds - which most do with speed. And unlike the pros you don't throw as often or as well or under such tight scrutiny. Which means you don't have time in a week or a season of weeks to perfect 5 or 6 pitches. The mound time isn't there. The coaching isn't there. So you need to concentrate on fewer pitches that you can perfect - at least to the point you get results (meaning "outs") and get noticed - by the coaches of the next higher calibre team and eventually by college recruiters and pro scouts.

Think about this, but not for too long. Mostly get out there and see what you can do to get the seams whistling on your fastball and getting your preferred breaking ball to dive/fade/slide at the last possible split second.

PS: On your positon on the rubber... I would do the opposite - go to third base edge against a right hand batter so that the angle of the pitch coming in and the tailing action are harder to read.

QThrow As Hard As I Can

I am going to be a 8th grader next fall. I have been playing AAU baseball for about 5 years and I have become a great hitter. Next year I'll be able to play high school and I will be able to step right in and play varsity without a doubt, but I want to pitch also. I am a good pitcher but my mechanics are bad and I throw different every time out when I pitch. Sometimes I'll throw as hard as I can and then they will just bloop everything into right or sometimes I'll try to just hit locations and throw off speed a lot. But I want to be able to throw as hard as I can and still hit locations with same mechanics every single time.

AFirst, don't be too sure about your ability to step into varsity all that easily. You are about to encounter pitchers who have some other ideas about your projected success. You are going to encounter hard curveballs that fall off the table or drop into the strike zone from out of nowhere, and sliders that fade from the zone at the last split second, and sinkers that scoot in under your swing, and high heat that you just can't catch up with.

So, I wouldn't take your hitting skills for granted and I would be sure to work on that during the off-season as well. As for pitching, command is everything - the ability to confidently put your pitches where you want them to go, with the movement you want on them. And first and foremost that depends on your mental approach to the task of pitching.

Consistency comes from discipline - from establishing a pre-outing routine which includes the same stretching program, the same running program, the same throwing program, and finally the same bullpen routine... same number of warm-up pitches, including, say, finishing with 10 fastballs in a row, 10 breaking balls in a row, then two or three five-pitch simulated batter situations (each with a mix of pitches, in an attempt to get the "batter" out - not only on strikes but on well-placed balls out of the zone that generate misses or weak hits or pop-ups. Also, and we have talked about this before - and will again - don't be concerned about whether they hit bloopers off you or what the umpire calls.

Your focus must be on the pitch itself. Did you throw it where you wanted to - within one ball width either side of the projected location? If yes, good; if not - adjust! Did it have the movement and break you wanted? If yes, good; if not - adjust! Was it the velocity you wanted - measured on radar - not subjectively by trying to determine how hard you threw it - in fact harder throws are often poorer throws.

Why? Because the first thing we do when trying to throw harder is we tense up and grip the ball tighter - and so it doesn't slip out of the hand as easily

QThrowing Out the Arm

I'm 13 years old. I would like to know how to keep from throwing my arm out. Everyone keeps on saying I will make it to the big leagues if I don't throw my arm out. I throw in the mid 60's and I'm very accurate. Please tell me how to keep my arm healthy.

AWhat you ask is covered in a number of places on WebBall. The number one thing to look up and follow are a couple of pages one on the pitching cycle, another page on recovery. The point of both is to play within your abilities - throw easy, throw progressively, throw while always counting your pitches - in warm-up, in practice, in the game - know your limit and stay under it. At the first sign of soreness - stop. Read carefully the tips in the pitching cycle on nutrition and rest days too. And make sure you pay attention to advice about a full follow-through.

QThrowing Speed

I am a 12 year old and throw about 52 mph. One day my brother wrapped a wiffle ball in tape and I threw in the sixties. My fastest was 67 mph. Then I grabbed a baseball and only threw 52 mph. Do you have any suggestions on how to throw like I did with the wiffle ball.

ANo real mystery - no matter how much tape you wrapped around a wiffle ball it still won't have the 5 oz weight of a baseball so the effort required to throw is less. This thought - that different weight balls produce different results - is behind the pitching conditioning program - which uses heavy and light balls to alternate speed and strength development.

QTommy John

What is the rehab that Tommy John did after his surgery to his throwing arm?

Check out the Jobe exercises. Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first such surgery on pitcher Tommy John and developed this rehab program.

QToo Much Coaching

I'm coaching pitchers and have read a couple of books to learn the best way to coach Little League. I began teaching basic mechanics from the stretch to a couple of boys and for the most part they are improving except for one boy who has gotten worse. He was an o.k. pitcher before but very inconsistent. Now his father is upset that he is not doing as well as he was. The boy seems to be very nervous and uncomfortable with the changes. Is this normal or should I just let him continue to be inconsistent and not try to change his style?

AThere are 2 opposing ways to look at this problem.

1. You absolutely know what you are doing, know that it will eventually help this now struggling pitcher, and that even though he is worse now if he sticks with your approach absolutely, he will get better in time and be a much better pitcher than he was before.

2. All pitchers are built differently, both physically and mentally, and you cannot / should not try to make every pitcher into a cookie-cutter clone of some imagined ideal, and you should only work with those pitchers who ask for help, and make only small adjustments (one at a time) to see what improves things.

You should also recognize beforehand those pitchers who will not take instruction well and leave them alone to enjoy the game as they play it now.

Of course, the greatest challenge with #1 is having absolute knowledge and confidence in what you are doing and truly believe you know more than even the greatest of pitching gurus. And the challenge with #2 (aside from everyone's irresistible desire to tinker with everyone else) is that sometimes kids - and their parents - don't realize the need for improvement. The trouble is you cannot be clairvoyant - you cannot always (can seldom?) recognize beforehand the kids that can be helped and those that will get messed up. At this point, you need to let that kid recapture his old style and self, and hope that you have not ruined him for life. However, should he be later willing to work on getting more consistent - either with you or his next coach - there is a page on "developing consistency" under Pitching.

QToo Much to Think About

I am a 14 year old pitcher. I pitch 3/4 and took your advise last time and I'm doing a lot better. I have a fastball, breaking ball, cut fastball, and change up. My problem is I'm given too much advice which confuses me. So when you're pitching should you focus on your target a lot? And I also have a big thing about relaxing. It's hard for me to do in a game; I just get so nervous. Can you help me?

AGood to know our ideas help sometimes. :) Sounds like you're thinking on the mound too much. The purpose of the rock-back wind-up is to get in your pitching rhythm while focused on the target. This could be the most important part to your pitch - to zone in, remove distractions, and relax in the rhythm.

You need to work on the nervousness in practice and in pre-game bullpen, so it has less impact once you take the mound. Once you are warm, throw the remaining bullpen pitches in your routine as if they are crucial game pitches, i.e. 3-2 count or 0-2, or 3-0 with runner on third. The more you challenge yourself in the bullpen, the less you will feel the challenge in the game.

There is a cautionary tale for coaches in this, of course, a mistake I too have made and a trap which we all fall into - games are for playing not teaching. Please try to provide your mechanics advice in practice only not in the game. You want a confident pitcher not a confused one. Keep your remarks during a mound visit to the kinds of pitch selection to make, to being sure he is checking the runner, or varying his timing. If you notice an elbow below its usual height or some other change in motion that is a result of his getting tired, that's okay to mention - as long as you promise to get someone up in the bullpen too. In other words be a manager not a trainer at that point.

QTraining Cycle

My 11 y.o. son has worked very hard at pitching over the past few years and has developed into a very good pitcher. Last year made All-Stars, named outstanding pitcher of the state tournament. He is constantly throwing, does a lot of long-toss. He also worked with an ex-MLB pitcher on mechanics several times. This off-season we looked at a 12-week program with long-toss (50 throws up to 120 ft.) 3 times a week; weighted ball pitching/pyramid (50 throws) 3 times/week; push-ups/pull-ups (3X10) 2/week; surgical tubing exercises 2/week; and medicine ball training 2/week. He has great control and would like to add more velocity and generally condition/strengthen his arm. Is this too much training? Should he be following recommended recovery periods and not throw weighted ball pitching for three/four days after a previous session, etc. Are the push-ups/pull-ups bad at this age? He has, and is, working so hard - I want to make sure he doesn't injure his arm.

AForget push-ups/pull-ups - these bulk the muscles and do not work on the full range of muscle motion needed for pitching. Also at 11 he may not retain muscle mass. (See Coaching > Grass Roots for details.)

Also be aware that he is still maturing - arm growth plates are in state of change - too much pitching can create deformations. I would work more on core strength - medicine ball training, etc - and also leg work - running, plyometrics (jumping box stuff) etc.

As for the cycle - you need rest/recovery days - so each day's session should mix whatever training elements you think are important - followed by a rest day - in other words - no more than 3 intense training days in a week. So if the cycle is ... long toss day - rest day - weight ball day - rest day - tubing day - rest day - etc. then include core and leg work in each of those work sessions, not on the alternate days.

Remember nutrition is the key to recovery and water prior to training is the key to reducing fatigue. Every session must have a proper warm-up and cool-down component.

QVelocity Drills

I have an 11 year-old who throws with good velocity, but the elbow is always down (below the shoulder) when throwing. Any drills to help improve the throwing motion?

AFirst have a look at the Ron Wolforth page for an understanding of the technique. Backshaping or backward chaining means working from the final action back towards the start point. In this way, the most critical action (i.e. releasing the baseball with max velocity and command) is reinforced most often. To do this, have her stand after front foot plant with back leg rotated but not lifted and body facing forward. Now get arm up so elbow is above shoulder and get her to complete the throw - mostly release and follow through. Work on that for a few minutes, then have her turned with shoulders lined up to target and add the final rotation component (trunk turn) into the throw - still with elbow up. Continue to work backwards to the point where she is bringing arm up - because the final elbow up position has been emphasized and repeated more - it will seem more natural.

QVelocity vs Control

I am a 15 yr. old pitcher trying to make it as a varsity starter this year. The coaches say I will spot start and the only thing that is holding me back is I need more velocity on my fastball and more control of my pitches. What can I do to improve those 2 things?

AThese are questions we get asked a lot. Have a look at a page that might help you with velocity. Now some suggestions for control and consistency...

1. Control has to do with release point - the more consistent the instant when you release the ball from your finger tips the better - 1" difference can mean a 7" difference at the plate.


2. No matter what you do during your throwing motion, all parts of your body are expected to remain attached as per usual - so if the release point is to be out-front in the same spot, then you need to get your shoulders around and your chest over your landing knee the same way every time. The first critical part of that is your foot strike after stride. So if you want release consistency, always land in exactly the same mark in the dirt with exactly the same angle of your foot.

A drill for this starts with first just practicing with the landing foot already in final position and turning the upper body and getting the throwing hand through release point. Best with no ball - do the towel drill - a small face towel noted and held in hand with free end of towel between first to fingers. Have someone hold a glove out front - ahead of your landing foot and on the throwing side, and up where your release point is - flicking the towel at the glove. Now add the stride forward to landing point and flick the towel - always follow through with throwing arm. Now full pitching motion - hit the landing point and towel flick. After a few minutes of that - 10 of each phase, repeat with baseball - each phase, working with a catcher - without full body (from final position only - ball won't travel as far, but work on the landing point and release point.

Now, once you are comfortable with full motion consistency, final stage is to test by throwing with your eyes closed. You should feel your way to same landing point and same release point

QWarming Up

I am 16 years old. How can I take care of my arm and how many pitches do I need to throw to get warmed up?

AWe have this information on the website... look for articles on pitch count and the section on exercises including arm care exercises. In doing your warm-up expect to throw 30 or so regular throws before starting into the catcher-down pitch deliveries. Always end your throwing routing (of about 40-50 pitches) by facing two simulated batters - 5 pitches each. All of this is after your regular team warm up of throws, stretches, running. In colder weather throw more than 30 standing tosses before going all out. Make sure the whole body and not just the arm is loose.

QWatermelons!!!?

My coach says that to the big hitters we should throw watermelons (rainbows). We play in Little League. He will only let us throw some change ups, fastballs and rainbows. We all think he's nuts. We can throw 2 seamers and 4 seamers that really break and they don't hurt our wrists. And he said "I know that rainbows work so I will let you pitch them to each other" and we are good hitter (as good as most of the people in Little League) and we had a field day - we were like hitting homers! Our pitches really work and strike people out. We are going against a good team - what should we?

AYour coach is frankly wrong. He has some notion that a watermelon is like a big overhand curve when it's more - as you say - like a batting practice pitch. 2-seam, 4-seam, change-ups should all be thrown with the same body mechanics and arm action - not ever by arcing / lobbing the pitch in. If he really wants you to get out the big guys, tell him you should throw low and inside - that's the toughest for a big guy your age to hit. Why? Because big is usually the result of early growth spurt and they don't have the muscles to control their body or the balance to hold it together inside. Also try to vary the finger pressure on the fastballs you throw - to get a little side rotation (without turning the wrist - just by pushing down harder with one finger or the other). This will create movement that the gangly kids will have trouble adjusting too.

QWeighted Ball Timing

When do you stop the weighted ball program? (before try-outs? before your first start? continue it throughout the season?) Just for background, I have a start every 5 days (sometimes 4) during the spring and once a week during the summer, could you give a general throwing program for both situations?

AIn season, some pitchers continue with the weighted program, but only the 6-7 ounce weights as part of their cycle - i.e. after the game day, a rest day, and then the work day with weighted balls. In fact I believe you could be a little more intense - but limit your pitch count. On game day you might even want to use the 6 or 7 as part of the bullpen. If you are on an intense pre-season program, 7-9-10-11-12 increasing a weight every 2 weeks, then I would suggest a rest day the day before tryouts.

QWeights at 22

I'm 22 yrs old and I was just wondering how much is too much in the weight room for a pitcher, I love to lift weights and had my fastball clocking in at around 84-86 mph consistly when I tried out a couple of weekends ago and that's with me not throwing basically at all in about 3 years, and I contribute that to my weight work and feel if I get myself and arm back into baseball shape I can consistly throw in the 90-92mph range. Please if you could give me some info or direct me to the right information on how to go about really preparing myself without going overboard and hindering my flexibility I would really apreciate it!

AI think if you read through WebBall's Training section you'll see the general feeling we have (our own opinion and from some of the trainers we respect) about weight lifting - we hate it.

Unless, that is, you can be working on apparatus that is baseball specific - i.e. flexibility - as you point out, and the full range of motion required by baseball mechanics. You would be better working the pyramid system with weighted training balls into a catching net, or working with any of the resistance type equipment - from simple surgical tubing and those gadgets that hang on door frames to the flex-type equipment in a gym.

I would avoid free weights as the weight is not going to be consistent over the full range of motion - an overloaded muscle is not going to maintain its flexibility.

The other aspects of a serious training program (as WebBall outlines) would involve everything up to the post-work-out wind sprints and jog - this is what helps the body start to rebuild overworked muscles.

Reading this or all of WebBall for that matter, won't get you in shape, you've got to follow the program. By the way - I always like to remind people of Pedro Martinez and Greg Maddux. Neither is what I would call a bulked up pitcher, but they have the mechanics and the control that REALLY make good pitching. (Pedro also has some nifty grips for cut fastballs, but that's another story.)

QWhich Coach to Listen to?

My son is 11 and for the last 9 months he has been seeing a coach that was a division 1 pitching coach. He teaches Tom House's program and it has improved my son's pitching and accuracy 3 fold. We do towel drills weights and band work. He has learned to keep the ball down and away from hitters. His top speed is around 54-55 mph at the plate with Glove Radar. He has also learned to throw the overhand curve at about 42-43 mph and for strikes. He has pitched several times this season with his rec team & travel team and never been hit hard, i.e. a lot of ground balls & strike outs. But his travel-team pitching coach (no college or pro background) wants him to start using body [tug/tuck] and said the reason he can't throw faster is because he is falling off the mound from the loaded position towards home. My son was taught this so his release point is out front and the batter has less time to pick up the ball. What should I do or say to this youth league coach

AYour youth league coach clearly does not have some current information that has nothing to do with his background or lack of it. (College or pro background makes someone neither right or wrong, although in this case, he's right.) Yes, getting a release point forward is important - towel drill is good, and we stress getting forward with our kids by trying to get them to lock their glove out front and pull their chest to the glove, rather than old-school "tuck and pull" bringing the glove to the body.

Bottom line: Tom House is right, the Div 1 instructor is right, WebBall is right, your youth coach is misinformed. Your son's speed is great for his age, the differential to his breaking ball ideal, and the results speak for themselves.

Unfortunately a preponderance of evidence is seldom enough. And it's hard to be tactful. So approach it as positively as you can. Point out to the coach that while you appreciate the work he is doing with the team, your son is pitching well, and you don't want to risk what he has developed so far. Tell him that you also have gotten valuable professional instruction for your son, and have checked with some leading resources and they all believe that the way your son is throwing is how he should continue. According to the experts "glove tuck" is just no longer the best way to go.

QWho Needs Practice?

The other day I pitched 4 innings and gave up 0 earned runs, but after the game and continuing I have had pain when I throw on the back shoulder area. I was wondering if you could tell me what I should do to get this pain to go away. This was only the 2nd time I have pitched in my life, and the first time in 2 years.

AWhat were you thinking? What was your coach thinking? You don't go onto a game and throw 40-50 pitches without building up to that in practices, the bullpen, a longtoss program. etc. You probably didn't know enough to ice the shoulder then do windsprints afterwards either. Or to do carbo loading before, or fruit high in potassium like bananas afterwards either. I can't tell how serious the muscle pull might be from here - I suggest you get in contact with a local physiotherapist (your family doctor will probably tell you to just take some Advil and rest it - so get to the physio.)