RHP General Pitching Program.

Note: Please consult with your Physician before starting a Pitching Program or Strength and Conditioning Program. Student-Athletes should immediately stop any program, bullpen, practice, or game performance if they are experiencing pain. If a Coach tries to convince you to continue playing in pain, you MUST let your parents know. The Student-Athlete needs to develop the skills needed to self-advocate in order to avoid injury.

Communication is not only crucial on the baseball diamond, but also with your Parents, Coaches, Teachers, and Teammates.

Whether you play baseball in high school, college or professionally, it is important to strive for academic success to prepare for the time after your baseball career is completed. Even the Hall of Fame caliber MLB player has a second career after baseball. Prepare now for that career which will generally last for at least 25 years (Few MLB players play past the age of 40).

Baseball Skills + Good Grades = College Scholarships

Commitment to Academics = Success after Baseball

Success on the baseball diamond is achieved by focusing on skill development, physical improvement, mental focus, and the ability to create a personalized passion for the game of baseball.

Skill Development-

1- Baseball specific skills including hitting, throwing, running, and fielding.

2- Time management skills.

3- Learning to balance baseball, academics, family, and social life.

Physical Improvement-

1. Effective Strength and Conditioning program

2. Remaining Drug Free and taking proper care of your body.

3. Learning proper arm care and strengthening techniques.

4. Be active. Play as many sports as you desire.

Mental Focus-

1. Learning from and forgetting negative outcomes.

2. Mental approach and visualization techniques

3. Stress management skills and emotional stability.

4. Learning the game and understanding every detail.

Personalized Passion-

1. Baseball is, and must be, a fun experience that creates positive memories.

2. Building friendships and networking.

As you can see, there are many variables the student-athlete must consider when trying to become the best baseball player they can. The student-athlete is just that, first a student then an athlete. A full baseball scholarship to play in college is rare. Therefore, the student-athlete must attend all classes and find the time needed to complete homework and study. This is true for all levels as if you are not passing your classes you are not going to play. The high school student-athlete must prepare properly for SAT and ACT tests as they are not tests that you can “cram” for.

The student-athlete should set short-term, attainable goals on a monthly basis. This will provide a way to track progress and build confidence. A notebook should be utilized to record goals, progress, advice, and tips that the student-athlete will receive throughout their baseball career. We also want to see the student-athlete be able to advocate for themselves. This means don’t stay quiet if you don’t understand something. If a Coach is asking you to change something, don’t blindly follow or refuse, you are allowed to ask WHY in an appropriate manner if you don’t understand. If a Coach reacts negatively to the question WHY, it’s a problem with the Coach, not you. Remember, if you are not being paid to participate, the environment should be about fun and skill development.

Most parents will support the student-athlete in becoming the best player they can become. Parents will purchase expensive bats, gloves, and provide finances that would usually be covered by the student-athlete having a part-time job (If the student-athlete is old enough to work). In this situation, the student-athlete should consider that baseball is their job and their parents are the employer. This means that the student-athlete and parent(s) should come up with a contract that has the student-athlete completing 20-30 hours of “work” each week. Work should consist of attending all games and practices, scheduled workouts, running and sprinting sessions, following specialty baseball programs that may be provided by a Coach, study time, and anything else the student-athlete and parent(s) negotiate (chores are a common variable).

There are also many variables to consider when choosing a team to play baseball with. A primary variable is the motive of the Coach. Does the Coach only care about winning or is an environment provided that also promotes skill development and an enjoyable experience. Another primary variable is the level of competition the student-athlete will be facing. If you go undefeated and win lopsided games on a regular basis, you may get a trophy, but how much does the student-athlete actually develop the skills that are desired? Ideally, the student-athlete should seek a Coach that develops student-athletes and participates in a league that is challenging, allowing for the student-athletes growth.

A successful Pitcher can:

1. Locate and throw all Pitches for strikes. A Pitcher should be able to understand and recognize the movement associated with their pitches. This is done by developing sound mechanics that create consistency.

- Location; spot where the ball is caught by the catcher or hit (predetermined). The ability to throw strikes is the most important thing for a Pitcher to develop.

- Movement; how the pitches move. This is the tail or run on the fastball/change and spin and break on the breaking balls.

- Velocity; The speed of each pitch. This is not simply how hard you can throw, but also the speed differential with pitches. An ideal velocity for a change is 10-12 MPH off the fastball.

2. Field their position. This includes understanding fielding zones, fly ball responsibilities, and backing up bases.

3. Control the running game. This includes pitching from the stretch and looks (LHP) and time variations (RHP)

A successful Pitcher will develop effective mechanics that promote consistency. If a Pitchers mechanics are undeveloped or flawed, consistency will not exist and it will be extremely difficult to command and master pitches. Below is a basic generalized outline for Pitchers to consider when developing mechanics into a sound delivery;

1- Stance; Body upright and relaxed.

2- Transfer; Moving weight from glove side foot to throwing arm foot.

3- Rocker Step; Limited step. Larger steps can reduce a Pitchers balance.

4- Pivot and Lock; The Pitchers must lock pivot foot in position before any weight leaks forward.

5- Balance Point; Pitchers knees brush, lower leg will relax and balance leg is lifted. Shoulders should be parallel to the ground. No body weight leaking towards home plate (Soft center). Head and eyes are locked on target. Foot on the balance leg is directly below the knee.

6- Break; Glove arm gets away from the Pitchers body, but maintains tunnel. The hands will actually lead the “break” stage. Arm swing straight down and back up (W). The Pitchers elbow MUST be above shoulder when stride foot hits ground. The Pitchers fingers should stay on top of ball for duration of arm swing.

7- Stride; Stride foot should go down toward rubber before stride. Continued focus on target. Stride foot lands closed to batter. Body weight back approximately 75%+ when stride leg lands.

8- Power Move and Release; When the stride leg hits ground the power move begins. Chest from third (RHP) or first (LHP) to target. The pitch is driven by body weight (begins with leaking the hips or a “controlled fall”). Gain ground on the batter. From power move take chest out to meet glove (Kill glove). Consistent release point. Stride leg becomes firm (hit lead leg). Back heel pointing toward sky. Chest comes out over stride/lead leg. Glove to arm pit and front shoulder closed (It will open up naturally). Finish mechanics/delivery balanced facing home plate. The Pitching hand should follow through to outside of stride/lead leg.

Game Day Preparation (The Mental and Physical)

Mental Preparation

The evening prior to your start, it is recommended that you take fifteen minutes to a half hour to review your routine and goals for tomorrows start. During this time, imagine the game situation and your desire to compete, obtain a victory, and the feeling of achievement that will result if you have a good performance. Get to bed at a reasonable hour and no alcohol consumption as you do not want to spend your game day rehydrating.

Once game day arrives, utilize all scouting reports to identify hitters and classify each hitters running classification. Most of this information can be obtained by viewing the opposing team’s infield/outfield warm up (If a scouting report is not available). It is your responsibility to post this information in the dugout, so it is available to you, your teammates, and coach once the game begins.

In full game uniform, about an hour and a half before your start, find a quiet place to review your strategy for the game. This should be private time with nobody around. You are encouraged to focus on weather and field conditions, scouting reports, and your physical pregame warm up. You may also want to review the following variables that you can control.

- Positive Attitude “mind power”

- Concentration and Focus

- Stoic with an Air of Confidence

- Emotional Stability

- Staying within your Ability / Trust Yourself and your Defense

- Tempo

- Relaxation

Also review standard game strategies including knowing your strengths, knowing who your catcher is for the game (and their strengths and weaknesses), working to advantage counts (1-2 count), eliminating walks, DP ground ball pitches, plate extension at appropriate times, bunt defenses and responsibilities, and taking it one pitch at a time.

A Pitcher should avoid: WALKING HITTERS

1. Walk the leadoff hitter

2. 0-2 to 3-2 progression

3. Two out walk

4. Three ball count on any hitter

Physical Preparation

With your jacket or hoodie on, walk to the outfield foul pole (review weather and field conditions) with two game baseballs and towels. Begin with a light jog to preheat the muscles (usually two poles depending on your individualized program). Get a good stretch in and make certain you are loose. After stretching, complete another two poles or your individualized program recommendations.

Once warm, jacket or hoodie should come off and bullpen work should begin. Please do not begin throwing at 100%. It is recommended that you begin by throwing fastballs from balance off the rubber, the catcher will shorten up. All fastballs should be away from arm side to stretch lats. If long toss is in your program, it is at this stage you should complete it.

- At 80%, wind up, fastballs (expanded if possible), then stretch fastballs and change

- Spin / Overspin breaking balls

- Full Delivery (FB, CH, CH, FB, BB, BB, FB) X2

- Stretch (FB, CH, CH, FB, BB, BB, FB) X1

- Challenge fastballs X3

- Review pick mechanics

Expand or reduce as needed based on individualized program. This is the time to discuss signals and strategy with your catcher. Put your jacket or hoodie back on and jog to the dugout. It should be about five minutes until game time.

Between Innings on Starting/Pitching Days

Between innings, it is beneficial to adopt a consistent routine. Find a “corner spot” in the dugout and make it your spot on days you start a game. You should have your jacket on and a towel available. Remember to stay hydrated especially on very hot days. REMAIN FOCUSED and review the charts available to you. If you had a rough inning, FORGET about it. You need to stay in the game mentally and you cannot change what happened. Discuss next inning strategy with your catcher and ask coach for any needed adjustments.

Post-Game / Active Recovery

After each start or outing, there are many components that go into breaking down and recovering the arm correctly and safely to ensure there are no problems down the road. These include completing ROM (Range of Motion) exercises, accelerating the heart rate, icing, heavy Vitamin C and water intake, and the mental preparation and review.

Immediately following live work, you should begin your Active Recovery and/or ROM (Range of Motion) exercises. These are to be completed with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 pound dumbbells. The actual weight will be recommended on an individual basis based on age and physical strength. These exercises are intended to speed up the rehabilitation of the arm. These exercises are a single set of eight to ten repetitions based on the Pitchers personalized program. The exercises include:

Internal Rotations
External Rotations
Front Raises
Side Raises
45 degree Raises

After completing these ROM (Range of Motion) exercises, accelerating your heart rate is very important to help repair and rehabilitate your arm. You should not look at running as punishment, but instead as something that will help prevent injuries. Make it fun; find creative ways to get your cardio in, it can be done in several ways. Running and jogging are the most common ways to increase your heart rate. For example, this can be ten non-stop poles OR fifteen minutes on an elliptical OR twenty minutes on a stationary bike (Times may vary based on age and other factors). Some other ways to accomplish this could be basketball, riding a bike, swimming, soccer, hiking, paintball, tennis etc. Make sure to ice after running and rehydrate (Water; sip, not gulp) as well as Vitamin C intake (oranges, berries, Papaya, etc.).

Once you complete these ROM (Range of Motion) exercises and accelerate your heart rate, it is now time for mental preparation and review. This will be when you take out your notebook and record the areas you were successful, as well as, identify the areas that need improvement. If you have any questions about pitch sequences, reads, and batter zones, this will also be where you record them. Identify Day One goals and review the recommended activities. After live work, make sure you always check and write down what your pitch count was and also make a copy of the game book to review and see what needs to be done the next time you face this team.

Starters Weekly Pitching Program

The following outline is designed to assist Starting Pitchers available every fifth day. Adjustments to this general outline will need to take into account the student-athletes age, physical ability, skill development plans, and overall ability. Pitcher programs are generally completed in addition to practice during the student-athletes free time. However, some of the program can overlap with practice and therefore doesn’t need to be completed twice. Pitching programs are designed to limit soreness after starts, prevent injuries, improve recovery time, avoid a loss of arm strength as the season progresses and strengthen the student-athletes ARM – BODY – MIND.

The following is a general outline for the little league age student-athlete;

Day One (Day after Start) Game of Catch and cardiovascular activities

Day Two Long Toss and cardiovascular activities

Day Three Work on Pitches (8-15 pitches total)

Day Four Long Toss and cardiovascular activities

Day Five Cardiovascular Activities

Remember, especially with the younger student-athletes, that cardiovascular activity doesn’t just mean running, jogging, or sprinting. This can be fun activities like previously mentioned. Pitching programs for student-athletes this age should be creative, entertaining, and a model of training to utilize and adapt as the Pitcher gets older. A primary focus within this group should be balance, direction, and extension.

The following is a general outline for the High School and College age student-athlete;

Day One (Day after Start):

- Normal Dynamic Preparation

- Weight Room (Heavy Leg Day)/ Medicine Ball Routine

- ROM Throwing

- 30-45 minute jog OR 10-12 Sprints (60s) (Accelerate Heart Rate)

Day Two:

- Normal Dynamic Preparation

- Long Toss (Time and distance based on individual program)

- Flat Ground Delivery Drills (Generally 45 feet)

- Abdominal and Dumbbell Weight Room Program

- 4-8 Pole Sprints (30-45 second recovery time)

Day Three (Skip to Day Four if starting on short rest):

- Normal Dynamic Preparation

- Flat Ground Delivery Drills (Generally 60 feet) OR Managed Bullpen (Limit Pitches, 12-21 based on individual program) + Active Recovery Duties

- 4-8, Non-recovery Poles

- 4-8, 60-yard sprints (normal recovery)

- Weight Room if NOT Pitching a Bullpen

Day Four:

- Normal Dynamic Preparation

- 6-12, Non-recovery Poles

- 6-12, 60-yard sprints (normal recovery)

- Modified OR Heavy Leg Day Weight Room Option

- Review or Create Scouting Report and Card for tomorrow’s Start

- Determine Tomorrow’s Forecast and expected field conditions

- Hydrate and get enough sleep

This is a general outline to assist and remind the student-athlete of what activities should be considered during the time between starts. A normal dynamic preparation includes running poles, stretching, tubing and band work, and the mental preparation needed to prepare for the day’s activities. It is the student-athletes responsibility to discuss their Pitching Program with their Doctors, Coaching Staff, and Strength and Conditioning coordinator.

Relief Pitchers

Coming out of the bullpen should be viewed as a compliment as your coaching staff believes that you are the best option to get an important out. Mentally, a relief pitcher should want the ball, love the pressure, and be ready to challenge the hitters they will be facing. Before the game, the Pitcher should identify their likely role for the game and prepare accordingly. When you are called on to pitch, you need to understand the situation you are in. Do you need to hold the lead, need a double play ball, a pop-up, or are you up or down several runs? Visualize success and show the umpire immediately that you can throw strikes. As a relief pitcher, you will need to anticipate pitching changes. Below is a recommended warm-up for relief pitchers (This will vary based on many variables)

1. Stretch

2. Always warm up from the Stretch

3. On rubber from balance, catcher will shorten up

4. Locate fastball, spin breaking balls, and then quality breaking balls.

5. Mix pitches

6. Once warm, Stay warm. Do not waste pitches.

Hitter Identification

The first thing a Pitcher needs to do when identifying hitters is to determine what type of Pitcher they are.

RHP Type A- This is a Power Pitcher. They often are successful pitching inside and have the ability to overmatch hitters.

RHP Type B- This is a Location Pitcher. They often don’t rely on arm strength and have the ability to throw three or more pitches consistently for strikes.

There are many variables pitchers, catchers, and coaches consider when looking for a hitters weakness (holes). However, we always pitch to a pitcher’s strengths and abilities first and to the hitter’s weakness second. We know more about our pitcher’s strengths than the opposing hitter’s weakness. Pitchers are encouraged to attend hitter’s meetings to gain insight on how coaches teach proper swing mechanics and determine what pitches to look for in different situations (counts). Hitters are encouraged to attend Pitching meetings to learn how Pitchers attack Hitters.

When classifying a hitter, we are interested in stride, body type, and swing plane. The most important aspect is determining a hitter’s stride. Does the hitter stride in, out, or straight? The hitter’s stride will help us determine quickly what classification hitter they are likely to be. Where are the hitter’s hands and body (drifting)? Is the hitter’s body type strong or weak? What is the hitters swing plane? Is it long, short, or have a loop?

Dead Pull Hitters-

This hitter’s stride foot often will step to their pull side. This hitter will often “hit around” pitches no matter pitch location.

Generally- Can expand in; Fastballs, Change, and Breaking balls in zones 3 and 6.

Hitter Pitcher Target zones Avoid zones

RHH-DP RHP-A FB(4+); SL(3) (1,4)

RHH-DP RHP-B CH(3,6); BB (3+) FB2(4,5,7)

LHH-DP RHP-A FB2(3+,6+); CH(3) BB(1,4,7)

LHH-DP RHP-B FB2(3,6); CH(3,6) FB2(1,4,5)

Upper Cut Hitters-

This hitter has a long loop in their swing and the bat head will drop on approach. A possible sign is their front shoulder may lift.

Generally- Fastballs in zones 7, 8, and 9; nothing in zones 1, 2, and 3.

Hitter Pitcher Target zones Avoid zones

RHH-UC RHP-A FB4(7,8,9); bounce BB FB,BB,CH (1,2,3,5)

RHH-UC RHP-B FB(7,8,9); BB(3+) FB (1,2,3,4,5,6)

LHH-UC RHP-A FB(7,8,9) FB (1,2,3,4);

BB(1,2,3)

LHH-UC RHP-B FB(7,8,9); bounce BB FB (1,2,3); BB (1,2)

Breaking Ball Out Hitters-

This hitter’s hands often drift with their stride. This hitter must use their body to swing bat. This means that their swing must start much sooner.

Generally- Breaking balls ahead and Change behind.

Hitter Pitcher Target zones Avoid zones

RHH-BBO RHP-A FB/BB (1,4,7); SL (3,6) FB (5)

RHH-BBO RHP-B BB (2,3,6); CH (2,3,6) FB (5,6)

LHH-BBO RHP-A BB; CH (2,3,5,6) FB (1,4,5)

LHH-BBO RHP-B CH; BB (2,3,5) FB (1,4,5,7,8)

Slow Bat- Hand Separation-

This hitter’s hands often separate from their body.

Generally- Fastballs in zones 1 and 4; Bounce breaking balls away.

Hitter Pitcher Target zones Avoid zones

RHH-SBHS RHP-A FB (1,4,7) CH (3,6,9)

RHH-SBHS RHP-B FB4 (7,8,9); FB2 (1) BB; CH (1,4)

LHH-SBHS RHP-A FB4 (4,7) BB; CH (3,5,6)

LHH-SBHS RHP-B FB4 (4,7) BB; CH (3,5,6)

Slow Bat- Rotary-

While many variables can cause a rotary swing, the result is always an extreme lack of control over the outside part of the plate.

Generally- Fastballs away and breaking balls in zones 3 and 6.

Hitter Pitcher Target zones Avoid zones

RHH-SBR RHP-A FB4 (3,6) CH (1,4)

RHH-SBR RHP-B FB (3+,6+); BB/SL (3,6) BB (5,8)

LHH-SBR RHP-A FB4 (4,7); FB2 (3,6) BB; CH (1,4,5)

LHH-SBR RHP-B FB2 (3,6) FB/CH (1,4)

Skilled-

These are mechanically sound hitter’s and the best on their team. They are usually batting in the two, three, and four spots in a line-up. These hitters have specific holes which may change over time.

Generally- Located fastball ahead and controlled breaking balls when behind.

Hitter Pitcher Out zones Avoid zones

RHH-SK RHP-A FB ahead; BB (3,6) behind 5

RHH-SK RHP-B FB (1,3,4) ahead; BB behind 5

LHH-SK RHP-A FB (2,4) ahead; BB behind 5

LHH-SK RHP-B FB ahead; BB behind 5

Make Hit-

These players are likely in the line-up due to their defensive abilities. They are usually located in the seven or eight spots in the line-up. Statistics tell us to go at them with your best stuff. You should never walk this hitter.

Generally- Be aggressive and only throw strikes.

Hitter Pitcher Out zones Avoid zones

RHH-MH ALL Challenge Balls

LHH-MH ALL Challenge Balls

Challenge Hitter means ATTACK the strike zone. You want them to put the ball in play for statistical and pitch count reasons.

Controlling the Running Game

Physical (pick moves, pitching from the stretch, break times) and Mental(identify running counts, who runs, why do they run, when to pick or pitch) abilities are equally important when trying to control an opponent’s running game.

Before each start, you must classify runners on the opposing team. You can do this by sight (athletic during warm ups), lineup (where do they hit, 1, 2, and 9 are the most likely to be runners), and/or position (shortstop, center field, second base). We classify runners into the following three categories,

1- likely runners; stolen bases are their big weapon, look to run regardless of score, more likely to run early in count

2- count runners; pick their spots (counts), hit and run

3- non-runners; “play it safe” players

Classifying runners helps to avoid picking at unnecessary times.

Pitchers and catchers predetermine, before the Pitchers becomes set, if they are going to pick or pitch. This avoids a division of focus while in the set position. The pitcher needs to be able to fully focus on the pitch or pick. This will also guarantee pitchers have a four seam grip when picking.

The goal is not to pick runners off, but to reduce leads and create poor jumps by using quickness to disrupt the timing of runners. The following actions will assist you in being successful.

- Come set quickly with minimal body movement. The “set” position is identical whether you are pitching or picking (feet should be shoulder width apart, flexion in both legs, weight balanced on both feet). Head and eyes need to be on the catcher’s glove. Tuck chin to front shoulder (lead runner at first).

- Vary the amount of time before pitching or picking. It is important for a pitcher to learn to hold the ball for an extended time (1-5 seconds). A runner will quickly read hold times if they are consistent.

- Work on improving break times to the plate (vary based on age) and quickness to pick. Never sacrifice pitch location or pick accuracy for quickness.

Notes: (By now you should understand how to hold runners at first base)

Inside Pick (2nd) - Use at first movement or jump. We will use to read bunts or catch runner leaving early on 3-2 counts since pick “looks like a pitch” initially. Like all picks, this pick is predetermined. For this pick, you will need to move your heel slightly off the rubber to assist you in putting yourself in a favorable throwing position (allows you to get front shoulder around easier). Initially this pick will look like a pitch as you come to balance, but you will also begin to turn your upper body away from glove side and toward second base. If you turn toward the hitter, a balk will be called. The initial movement of your front leg needs to be quick to give the impression that you are pitching. This pick will assist in cutting down jumps and disrupting the timing of runners.

Jump Pivot (2nd) - From set position with flexion in legs (normal position) you will jump and turn toward glove side so your feet will hit the ground splitting the rubber. Your glove side shoulder will be pointed directly at second base. It is extremely important to get the ball up out of your glove so you do not throw with your arm slot “dropped”. If your arm slot drops, you will likely cause a run on your throw, causing it to end up in the outfield. Remember that all picks are predetermined. Timing with your infielder is crucial.

Pick at 3rd- Similar to LHP pick at first base. Come to your balance point quickly leaking and bringing glove toward hitter as if you are pitching. During your leak to home plate, step to a 45 degree point between home plate and third base. This pick is used to read for squeeze bunt.

Remember that all picks are predetermined and a balk or poor throw in this situation will result in a run.

Fielding the Pitcher Position

Game Situation A- These baseballs are fielded near the base path or home plate. The Pitcher should go full speed to the baseball and will chop steps upon approach bending at the knees. If the baseball has stopped moving (bare hand) the Pitcher will field the ball by pressing firmly and picking up. The hand then goes immediately to the power position (elbow up above shoulder) to make the throw. These are going to be close plays so the glove is not used. Throw quickly and accurately. If the baseball is still rolling the Pitcher should use both hands to field. The Pitcher will have time to set feet before the throw. A rolling ball should not be bare handed unless the game situation forces (squeeze or winning run about to score).

Game Situation B- These are baseballs hit back to the Pitcher. The Pitcher should have glove out and flexion in the knees to avoid the baseball getting in or “eating the Pitcher up”. This is an easy out if nobody is on base. If there are base runners, look them back as necessary. Keep your feet moving (shuffle towards first base) until the first baseman shows you a target. The Pitcher then throws firmly and accurately to first. The Pitcher should never lob the baseball (underhand flip if close to the bag).

Game Situation C- These are double play opportunities. A Pitcher must know the game situation in these instances. In anticipation of a double play ball, the Pitcher must know the type of runner at first. Communication (coverages) must take place before the first pitch in the at bat. Once contact for a double play is made the first baseman should be communicating with the Pitcher. The Pitcher should attempt to get open (turning glove side) upon fielding ball to gain time with the throw. If the bases are loaded and the baseball is hit to the Pitcher the play will be (going with momentum) to the plate.

Game Situation D- Duties of a Pitcher when the hitter pops up;

1- Point out the location of the pop fly.

2- Pitcher should not catch pop ups (This general rule varies based on age).

3- The Pitcher overrules nobody on pop ups.

Imagine there is a line from the rubber to first base. If the baseball is hit between this line and home plate a Pitcher needs to be moving. Generally a few quick steps toward first base until the game situation is evaluated. If a baseball can be fielded before getting to this line, the Pitcher calls out “mine, mine mine”. This will tell the first baseman to get to the base. After securing the baseball the Pitcher has three options;

1. Set feet and make a strong accurate throw to first base.

2. Underhand flip to first baseman if close.

3. Continue moving and beat the runner to first base.

If a passed ball or wild pitch occurs the Pitcher must loudly shout where the baseball has gone to help the catcher.

- Back, back, back = behind the catcher

- One, one, one = towards first base

- Three, three, three = towards third base

- Ball, ball, ball + point = Catcher blocks ball in front (bounces in fair territory)

As the Pitcher approaches home plate to cover, it is important to chop steps and have flexion in the knees to avoid overrunning home plate. The Pitcher should cover the front part of the plate to receive the throw. It is wise to allow the runner the back part of the plate because in a collision the Pitcher is extremely vulnerable.

Aspects of backing up a base;

1- Get as much depth as the field will allow.

2- Have flexion in the knees and prepare for a bad throw.

RHP General Pitching Program.

This website uses cookies.