The Most Important Pitches You Will Make

I've had a busy fall with end of season workouts. I have been a proponent of using the fall to better prepare you for the next baseball season. There is so much you can take from identifying what your weaknesses are after looking at the past season and starting NOW to change what needs to be corrected.

One thought I want to pass along to all of you who read this is to use each bullpen session and each pitch during that session as another step to success and improvement. No detail is too small when it comes to being the best you can be. Take each pitch seriously, that is, think about what you want to accomplish with the pitch and if it's not a success, think about what adjustment needs to be made and continue the process for the next pitch.

The most important pitches are the first 20-30 you throw. I'm talking about the very first, as you are loosening up. By the time you are on the rubber and ready to have your catcher crouch down for a pitch you may have already defeated yourself by developing a poor feel or rhythm for that session. Start with the very first toss and throw it for a strike. I frequently say to my students use "super slow motion" when you start. This will make you balance and think about what you are doing more easily. Start out at 25-30 feet, do not concern your self with speed, only location. Split the catcher down the middle, hitting his glove in the middle of his chest. Once you feel the comfort of hitting your target with every pitch you will get warm, confident, and comfortable. A comfortable pitcher is an effective pitcher. There is no excuse for not throwing a strike as you are warming up.

Look for more talk about the importance of the first 20-30 pitches in my newsletters and in the video library at www.pitchingeasy.com