Hey There Friend!
Today I'm sharing 3 things that will help your pitcher improve her command of the strike zone.
These are things that will help a young pitcher just beginning her pitching journey as well as experienced pitchers that want help with pinpoint control.
If your pitcher is lacking in one of these areas, improving it will make a BIG difference in her ability to throw the ball where she wants!
Learning the concept of a POWER LINE is something that your pitcher should have been taught at the very beginning of her pitching journey. However, many of the problems your pitcher could experience with her control, may be linked back to her ability to stay in a line to her target with her stride foot, head, body, arm circle and finish.
Some pitchers don't understand that their powerline will change slightly based on WHERE they are trying to throw the ball. This drill, "3-Ball Drop", should help here understand this concept easily!
Many pitchers struggle with command simply because they can't stay balanced through release.
Beginning pitchers may have difficulty throwing strikes and experienced pitchers may miss targets simply because they don't have control of their body as they are releasing the ball.
A "Balance Beam" can be used to help your pitcher understand throwing into a strong front side, driving her back side (right leg/knee on a righty pitcher) towards her target, and staying balanced as she releases the ball.
The pitch doesn't stop at release! It's important that momentum/direction is continuing to be transferred AFTER the ball is out of the hand. Pitchers that don't allow the hand to follow the ball forward will often struggle with hitting spots consistently.
HERE is a drill using a spinner that will help your pitcher understand when she doesn't continue to move her hand/arm forward after release.
Your pitcher can also throw a spinner out in the air from her knees or standing and working back to full distance. If she is unable to keep the spinner in a straight line to her target, it shows her she is not staying THROUGH the spinner/ball after release with her hand/arm and back side (knee to target). Working on correcting this will help both her accuracy AND power!
The next time you throw a bullpen with your pitcher, check out how efficient she is with these 3 things. Improving these critical components will, no doubt, help her get better at commanding the zone!
All My Best,
Myndie
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