3 Game-Changing Tips To Help Your Pitcher's Accuracy
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!
1. Staying on a LINE to her target
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!
2. Staying BALANCED through release
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.
3. Following the ball THROUGH release with her hand and back side
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
Let's GET BETTER together!
Join the BreakThrew Fastpitch mailing list to receive the weekly blog posts, and updates about new in-person and virtual training opportunities for pitchers, parents and coaches!
Myndie Berka
Author
Hi, I'm Myndie. Welcome to my weekly blog! I'm the founder of a training company called BreakThrew Fastpitch and I love helping softball pitchers and their parents, catchers and coaches GROW. I blog about ALL THINGS PITCHING - from mechanics, skill development and workouts TO habit building, growth mindset and competitive practice games. Watch video, listen to audio content, and download PDF files to use during your at-home or team practices. I try to give you something a little bit different each and every Thursday morning!
Understanding the Training Seasons
Need some help understanding WHAT to do with your pitchers during each phase of her training?
How about some instructional videos, downloadable workouts and mindset challenges?
You will get all this a more in your FREE "Training Seasons" guide!
Guide to Improving Radar Speed for Pitchers!
This guide includes 7 PROVEN ways that I've been using with pitchers that will help improve pitching speed! Get access to instructional videos, sample workouts and training tools to help your pitcher start getting stronger and faster today!
Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding Pitching Mechanics
Want to do something TODAY to help your pitcher get better? Would you like some FREE pitching instruction on exactly HOW you can help improve your pitcher’s mechanics?
Check out this FREE checklist that I use with my pitchers and learn HOW to submit your pitcher's video for side-by-side video analysis. After your pitcher completes her checklist, you will get some feedback directly from me! All of it FREE - I promise! : )
Creating A SPARK!
Need some ideas to help GROW the bond between your pitchers and catchers? How about some activities they can do together that will grow their skills both physically AND mentally?
I've got some FREE tools to HELP you!
Join The BTF Family!
Get my weekly blog post link sent directly to your inbox AND be among the first to find out about all training opportunities with BreakThrew Fastpitch!
