Recording on Video - DIY (Do It Yourself)!

This is not going to be a pitch for any particular electronics company. I am just an instructor trying to utlize modern technology for the benefit improving young pitchers. This being said, I'd like to talk about the good things having a camera can do for parents, coaches and players in making a better pitcher.

I have spent a good part of the winter lessons with my video camera watching many pitchers throw from various angles in an attempt to help them better understand and learn what works best for each of them. Many coaches have used video to enhance their teaching ability, I have found this to be the case with my pitchers.

How do you best utilize the video?

1. There is value to on the spot feedback, that is, take footage and replay in on the camera immediately following the pitch. Pitchers focus on the proper form because they know the camera "doesn't lie". I know I often keep my video camera in my pocket and pull it out when needed for emphasis of a point or a change in mechanics.

2. Burn various sessions and outings on a DVD. A great way to build a library of you and your work. Also helpful to compare poor outings or slumps to video of better times as a way of getting back into the groove. It works wonders! But you need to use it often, not only when you throw that shutout!

3. Recording video to send to a coach, scout, or recruiter- a major sign of modern college athletics. there are companies who, for a fee, will record a pitcher in practice or game action. Recorded action can be converted to a beautifully crafted recruiting DVD which can be sent and viewed by many coaches. If you have the ability to digitally record and create a disc, you have everything you need, so DO IT YOURSELF! Enjoy sharing the time together, after all you are making memories by recording, keep the stress levels down. Many, many college coaches will appreciate less "bells and whistles" and more "substance" from you personally. It begins to tell them more about you as a hard working, driven, do it yourself kind of athlete who can achieve success with little or no help.

4. Long Distance Coaching - the digital age now affords people like me to coach people like you from anywhere in the world. A simple upload of footage can enable a coach to view an athlete and offer strong constructive feedback, especially when it comes to the "meat and potatoes" of pitching - balance, rhythm, and timing. I know I have been able to study the movement of a pitcher and solve many control issues by closely studying the movement of the pitcher through the complete delivery. The beauty of this is also in the video feedback you can recieve from your instructor, something you can download and save as a constant reminder and confidence builder throughout your baseball career. Try it sometime, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!