Get More EFFORT From Your Pitcher
Hey There Friend!
So your pitcher has been working hard on her foundation and all the pieces are starting to come together for her.
That's AWESOME!
Having a solid base or foundation to build on is the most important thing for pitchers of all ages and skill levels.
Now the next question you may have is likely:
How can I get more EFFORT and POWER from her?
The video above shows a fun system that WORKS!
Take a look at the video and make sure to watch the dialogue between the young (10U) pitchers and catchers in this video. (BTW, this works EQUALLY well with older athletes!)
Here are a few KEY POINTS to remember:
- Work to maintain mechanics when doing this drill BUT crank up the effort within those good mechanics!
- Spend 3-5 minutes each workout doing EFFORT work like this.
- Resist the urge to correct mechanics while working on effort during those 3-5 minutes. If you want your pitcher to work on power, you must allow her to just focus on that ONE thing during this part of the workout.
-
Communicating through a perceived exertion scale like this is much more meaningful if you say something like: "You are throwing a lot of 7 and 8's right now. Let's work to get more 8's and 9s and hit a few 10s for the next 2 minutes" INSTEAD of saying "throw harder" over and over again! ; )
- The LOWER BODY is where the WORK happens! Work to improve load and quickness from the waist down.
- The UPPER BODY should remain loose and just keep up with the lower body.
- Getting TIGHT with the arm will cause the ball speed to go DOWN regardless of the effort level used!
-
Remember, this particular drill is ranking your EFFORT only, not location! It's very possible to score a "10" and have a pitch that was not a strike!
- The video shows the catcher ranking your effort BUT pitchers, coaches and other teammates can also rank effort level.
Give this a try if you are looking for ways to help your pitcher figure out FULL EFFORT.
I'd love to hear how it goes for your athletes! Drop me an EMAIL anytime and let me know my friend!
Have a great weekend and I will be in touch again next week!
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!
