Pitchers: Has anyone been really wild but pulled it together and become accurate?

Question

If so, what did you do as far as drills to get your accuracy?


Also, as a follow up question...have any of you gotten wild and run into mental/confidence issues? If so, once you are always concerned with being able to throw a strike, how do you get that out of your head and just start throwing again?

I am not looking examples of actual pitchers who have had trouble throwing strikes, who would walk a lot of players, throw too many wild pitches, etc...but eventually corrected it and became capable of going deep into a game.

I appreciate the answers thus far...but I was not asking for names of people who have dont it from the pros...i was looking for advice from people who have done it and HOW they did it. My bad for not being specific :)

In a nutshell, I am looking for drills to get out of my wild slump as my era is going thru the roof right now for not being able to constantly throw that strike on 3-2. I can't seem to get my release point consistant.

Answer 1

You actually answered it yourself.

I was never a pitcher, but experienced confidence issues with my throws from SS. When I was about 15, I got a ground ball at short, tie game, 1 out, men on 2nd and 3rd, play to the plate and I proceeded to throw it over the backstop, we lose.

From then until after high school, if I had to think about the throw, I tightened up. Playing catch, no problem. Accurate as hell. Bang bang play in a game, no prob; 'cause I didn't have time to think about it. But any plays where I had time to think, I would tighten up.

My key was just to relax.

I think for a pitcher, go back to the basics. Start with short (ten feet or less) toss at a target. Hit the target 20 times in a row. Back up to 15'. Hit it 20 in a row again. Then take a break. Go watch someone else play, or grab a soda.

Next day, start at 15', hit 20 in a row. Back up to 20'. 20 in a row. Take a break.

Next time, start at 20, etc. Keep doing this 'til you're at 60'6".

Do this over and over 'til it is 2nd nature again.

Answer 2

Well first of all your are probably aiming the ball when you trow it, don't do that, just throw the ball. As far as mechanics go there could be a lot of things. Here's a short list.

1. Opening your shoulder to much causing you to have to pull your arm across your body as you throw.
2. Incosistent realize point.
3. Striding to far as you thow.

There are many other things, but it is most likely mechanics. If you can try and find a pitching coach to help you with your mechanics.

Answer 3

randy was incredibly wild for his first few years with the mariners, but he's now settled down and perfected his mechanics. most of the problems with being wild are inconsistent mechanic so the pitcher constantly has a changing release. that makes it a lot harder to find the strike zone, the key is establishing consistent mechanics so you're throwing the same way every time

Answer 4

Sandy Koufax

Answer 5

Randy Johnson and of course Lynn Nolan Ryan

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I think the closest to this is (and I HATE to say it) Randy Johnson. He was really wild, but now uses it to his advantage. Batters are always weary of facing him because he can get wild quickly.


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Answer 8

Sure; the Express (Nolan Ryan) did it.