Pitching Slump?

Question

I'm in a pitching slump and i can't hit the strike zone.

Answer 1

Jerm---without knowing how long you have been pitching, what slot you pitch from (over top,3/4, or sidearm), I will give the essentials of the mechanics of pitching. Took me several years to profect it but with some hard work you too can get them. I recommend a 3/4 slot for most kids. First things first you have to grip the ball right. Do this, put some black electrical tape down the middle of a baseball, make sure it is down the middle of a 4 seam fastball. Grip the ball by puting your index finger and middle finger on the sides of the tape and thumb directly underneath the ball. Make sure their is some separation between your fingers and the ball. That is the first key. Then follow my steps. Remember this--any good pitcher needs to be able to establish their fastball. Practice the steps and get them down so that you can throw a fastball on the leftside and rightside of the plate. After that I can tell you how to pitch. Perfect practice makes perfect. God Bless you and your dreams!


Instructor: Chad Sadowski
Pitching

1. Balance position-straight up and down with no bend in back leg and front leg at its highest position. Make sure front leg is crossing over back leg. No leaning, all weight over back leg. Head is directly over back foot--Balance on ball of foot not on heel or toe. (Practice by holding position for intervals of 30 seconds.)

2. Hand separation before momentum- Take the ball with thumb down, it should only be about 6inchesout of glove before you start going forward. Glove hand starts to move up--elbow pointed toward target. Pick up target and then onto step three. I like to use reference points. I try to look at a piece of dirt or something and line it up to my catcher’s target, (like bowling lines on lane). Practice step one then right into step two. Make sure no momentum toward plate at this point is the key!

3. Rotation with arm at its highest but strongest position- First lead with front leg keeping torso back and closed onto target. Front foot should land comfortably right in the middle (not on ball or front) at 45 degree angle. Also front knee is bent. Front elbow should be up pointing to plate with no shoulder turn. Back leg is straight with foot still in contact w/ ground not on toe. Fingers are on top of ball and arm is parallel with ground at highest but strongest position. Make sure you have a good arm arc--you started with the slight separation then continue back with thumb always down and fingers pointing toward second base. When landed arm should be strong not completely straight and fingers toward third base on top of ball.

4. Finish explosive/transfer of weight- glove hand is thrusted down, fingers still on top of ball releasing the ball over the front foot. Key to velocity is the transfer of back leg weight to front foot. Front knee was bent on land but now should be straight with front foot flat (never on toe!) Finish through the front foot flat! Don’t collapse back leg. Then pitching arm should finish to the ground and touch your back lat. Your back is parallel with ground. Back leg should not drag but should be thrust into air. End with back leg parallel with front foot in a ready field position. Important that you don't follow-through by thinking finger toward target but rather down and through your target, don’t aim the ball. Make sure you use your entire body to decelerate your arm--For instance--watch major leaguers on their follow through. They aren't off-balance and rarely falling off-either way.

Little keys-

· In Practice, pitch with a purpose- 6 out, 6 in, 2 doubles (same side), 2 hard in- soft away (fb in, ch away or sl away). Follow a routine to get results.
· Always practice slide step. Make sure you use your lower half.
· Practice picking up spot on dirt then target. (Step two)
· Sometimes with two strikes set up next pitch, hard in then soft away or hard in and hard away, soft away hard in. etc.
· Throw with a purpose, 20 pitches at a 100% is better than 50 pitches at 75%

Goal: Practice fundamentals right, which will lead to better game performance. Practicing these steps at home each day getting the correct muscle memory. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Answer 2

When a pitcher goes into a slump and can't get the ball over the plate more times than not it's mechanics. You didn't say how old you are or how many years you have been pitching. If you have been pitching for a while I would suggest you throw 80% or 90% fastballs until the delivery feels more comfortable. When you do get it back make sure you have someone take a video of your delivery so you have something to compare against in the future. It happens to everyone, even the major league pitchers , and you will come out of it. Good Luck

Answer 3

Well then try going into a hitting slump and hit the pitching zone.

Answer 4

Sorry Colton but NEVER aim the ball. Just work on your mechanics and remember to keep your arm up. Just whenever your pitching before every pitch remember to keep your arm in a "L"(90 degree angle).

Answer 5

Listen to your coaches and do what they tell you to. More than likely there is a mechanical problem that you aren't aware of. Just keep throwing and try not to let the lack of control get to you. Eventually with good coaching you should be able to find it again.

Answer 6

Either take a couple days off and relax, or Practice your butt off. Either way will eventually work. When you're on the mound just don't think about it, i know that's easy to say, but the best way to move on is to forget the past.

Answer 7

wel take ur time and aim u got time to pitch the ball and make sure ur wind up is slow