The key to developing good mechanics is to practice. The use of these drills, as well as actually pitching, will help to give a pitcher the repetition that is needed. Try these drills.
ONE KNEE DRILL
Pair your pitchers off, facing each other about 20 feet apart. The pitchers are to rest on one knee and point their lead foot directly towards their partner. Play catch. Emphasize proper grip on the ball. Work on getting the pitchers to get their arms up above the shoulder so that they're not pushing or slinging the ball. Release ball out in front of the face and get the pitcher's chest over the front leg, finishing with the throwing hand down by the lead foot. Concentrate on throwing strikes to your partner, even from this position. Create a mindset for throwing strikes. No "hand grenades"!
FREEZE THE 5 STEPS
This drill can be done with or without a ball. Have the pitchers stand on a rubber or a line drawn on the ground and take them through each of the 5 steps. Do the steps one at a time, in progression. Make the pitcher stop at each step for a second, then let them do the motion continuously. This drill can be done by the kids at home and is especially effective in front of a full-length mirror. In this way, the pitcher can actually see his motion and get a sense of pace and balance.
Step 1: 4 - 6 inches
Step 2: The Pivot
Step 1: Baby
Rocker Step
Step 3: Balance Point
Step 4: Stride and Release
Step 5: Follow Through
(Extend to Plate,
Finish Low)
CHAIR DRILL
Pair pitchers together about 20 feet apart. Put the pitcher's back leg up on a chair or bleacher. Point the front foot directly at the target. Put hands together at the waist and pitch to your partner. Again, emphasize grip and "getting the arm up." Release the ball out in front of the face and bring the back leg around to get into fielding position. This drill is especially effective for pitchers who are wild high, that stand too vertical as they throw and don't follow through. Have the pitcher reach for the plate and finish low.
