coaches clinic pitching presentation

BUILDING A YOUTH PITCHER: MECHANICS

AND DRILLS THAT PRODUCE RESULTS!

Mike ChurchDiamond Kings Baseball and Softball Academy

mchurch@dkacademy.com

Developing young pitchers

• Throwing and playing catch from a tiny hill• Go to 20 coaches and you’ll get 20 different philosophies.

Listen to them all.• Manage the process and you’ll get results• Be smart, limit innings and pitches thrown

Bottom Line• The team that throws more strikes usually wins• You cant defend against walks

5 Steps for Pitching Success

Pitcher’s Set Up in wind up or stretch1. Rocker step2. Pivot3. Leg Lift4. Landing5. Throw

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Step Pitching Mechanics

Feet•RHP – Typically on right Side of Rubber•LHP -- Typically on Left Side of Rubber•California Style Feet•No “Bowler”

Hands•Glove Hand Up•Chest Height •Face Height•Eventually have to get to Thumbs Together

Getting Started – The Hang Out Position

• Relaxed, Confident, Intimidating

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

And let’s go!!

Deep,

cleansing

breath….

Step 1 -- Rocker Step

• Small step • Rocker step only prepares the back foot to pivot

and square up against the rubber or “hole”• Thumbs together, heart high• Scap pinch, Shoulders relaxed• Head still

5 Steps for Pitching Success

Step 2 -- The Pivot

• Square up the back foot• Parallel with rubber• Against the rubber, hole, or mound• Hands quiet and thumbs come

together• Head Still

5 Steps for Pitching Success

Step 3 – Leg Lift

• Lift with the hip• Knee toward second base• Keep heel close to in-line with

the back leg• Up, Down, Slide --The “L”• Shoulders slightly closed• Head still as possible• Hands stay heart height• Dynamic balance• Lead with the heel to step 4

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

Step 4 - The Landing/Launch Position• Thumbs away• Equal and opposite• Hips cocked• Looking over shoulder• 80 percent • Foot lands slightly closed• Hips, shoulders, knees, ankles lined up

with plate• Start to rotate from the ground up

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching SuccessStep 5 – Throw and Finish

Wait for something to happen Between 1 and 2 o’clock Elbow leads the hand Keep good direction/ head still Where the head goes the ball

goes Wrist action Get strong Late Throw into a firm front side

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

5 Steps for Pitching Success

GRIPS

2 Seam Fastball

4 Seam Fastball

5 Steps for Pitching SuccessGRIPSChange

CurveKnuckle

5 Steps for Pitching SuccessDRILLS

Duct tape, line in dirt Mirror Drills Socks/Straps Metronome App Deep Breath Visualize Hold the Weight Eyes closed Count to 5

Rapid fire Rock and go Leg lift balance toss and go Warmup Target Throwing Wrong foot throwing Softball Throws Simon Says 2x6

5 Steps for Pitching SuccessNow What!?

Give them the plan and work the plan

Be positive and enthusiastic

Teach the solution and you’ll get the result

Have fun with the kids!

5 Steps for Pitching Success

Thank You!www.dkacademy.com