Why Some Pitchers Improve Faster Than Others

A lot of pitchers are working hard.
But not all of them are truly getting better.

Some throw bullpen after bullpen without much progress… while others make huge jumps in confidence, command, velocity, and consistency.

And most of the time?

The difference isn’t talent.
It’s how they practice.

If your pitcher is showing up but not seeing the progress she hopes for, this post is for you.

Today, I’m sharing three simple (but powerful!) ways to help her get more out of every bullpen. Whether she's working on command, velocity, or confidence with her change-up, these habits can completely change the way she practices—and the results she sees because of it.

1. Intentional Practice = Real Progress

Every practice session needs a clear focus—something small and specific your pitcher is trying to improve that day.

Let’s say she’s struggling with command because she keeps falling to her arm side after release. Her pitching coach may have explained that her drag is too heavy, which is stopping her back leg from moving forward on time.

If she wants to improve her command, then her focus that day should simply be:

Keep the drag lighter so the back leg can move through faster.

That one small adjustment improves balance.
And better balance often leads to better command.

Two pitchers can spend the exact same amount of time practicing and walk away with completely different results depending on how intentional they are with their reps.

The pitchers who improve the fastest usually aren’t trying to fix ten things at once. They’re locked in on one thing they can feel, repeat, and improve.

2. Practice Has to Mean Something to Her

One of the ways I help pitchers stay focused during training is by turning the skill we’re working on into a challenge or competition.

Let’s go back to the balance example…

I could tell a group of pitchers:

“Stay balanced on your stride leg until the ball hits the catcher’s glove.”

A few pitchers will stay focused simply because I asked them to.

But most will do it once… lose focus for the next few pitches… then try again… and repeat that cycle.

Because the truth is:
Just telling her to do something usually isn’t enough.

She has to care about it.

That’s where challenges and competition can completely change the energy of a bullpen.

I might tell the group:

“Alright, we’re doing a balance challenge! I’ll say, ‘Ready… deep breath… GO,’ so you all throw at the same time. After release, I’ll count to 3 out loud. Your job? Stay balanced on your stride foot the entire time. If you fall off early, you’re out. Last pitcher standing gets to pick a consequence for the rest of the group!”

Suddenly everybody is locked in.

It’s amazing how focused pitchers become when something feels like it’s on the line—even if it’s just a fun game with teammates.

That simple shift turns passive reps into purposeful ones.

You can do this at home too.

Let’s say your pitcher struggles to throw her change-up with confidence.

Instead of just telling her to throw ten change-ups… help her feel the moment.

Have her imagine this:

• Her team is up by 1Bottom of the 7th
• Bases loaded
• Full count
• Best hitter at the plate
• She has to throw a change-up

If she throws a competitive change-up, they win.
If not… they don’t.

Some pitchers get sweaty palms just thinking about that scenario.

But that’s the point.

It teaches her how to stay present, compete under pressure, and practice with purpose instead of simply going through the motions.

3. Take Time to Reflect After Every Bullpen

After each session, encourage her to take just a minute or two to reflect:

• What did I do well today?
• What did I struggle with?
• What’s one thing I want to focus on next practice?

I give all of my pitchers a journal with space to reflect like this, but even a simple notebook works great.

And I can tell you this:

The pitchers who consistently write things down and reflect on their practices almost always make faster progress than the ones who don’t.

Because reflection creates awareness.
And awareness helps pitchers make adjustments faster.

To Wrap It Up…

If you want to help your pitcher get more out of every bullpen, remember:

• Intentional practice drives progress
  Focus on one thing she can feel and improve.
• Practice has to matter to her
  Use challenges, pressure, and competition to help her stay engaged.
• Reflection helps pitchers grow faster
  When she learns to evaluate herself and take ownership of her learning, everything changes.

These may seem like small habits… but over time, they create BIG growth.

Not just physically, but mentally too.

And those are often the habits that separate pitchers who simply practice… from pitchers who truly develop.

As always, if you have questions or ideas for future blog topics, I’d love to hear them.

All My Best,
Myndie