Once the motion is smooth, control is the next priority. A pitcher who can throw strikes is valuable. Work on hitting the zone consistently, not velocity.
What you need: 30 soft baseballs (12”), pitcher on mound at 40 feet, catcher with gear.
Setup: Pitcher on mound. Catcher at home plate in full protective gear.
How to run it:
- Cue: Set, Wind, Whip, Release. Focus on Release point.
- Pitcher throws 10 pitches aiming for the middle of the strike zone.
- Catcher calls balls and strikes. Pitcher records the count.
- Do 10 more pitches aiming for low strikes. Do 10 aiming for high strikes.
- Total: 30 pitches. Goal is 20+ strikes. Track the results.
What to watch: Is the release point consistent? If it varies, control will be wild. Release should be the same every pitch.
Pitch count and rest: Track all pitches in practice and games. Max 35 pitches per day. If throwing today, rest tomorrow. No back-to-back pitching days.
If they’re struggling: Throw from 35 feet. Focus on just hitting the zone, not speed. Do 20 pitches, not 30.
If they’ve got it: Work on fastball location (corners, edges). Track pitch count closely. Ice shoulder and forearm after pitching.