Low Net Throws
Purpose: To focus on proper
release and keeping drops low.
Procedure: From a distance
of about 10 feet, the pitcher throws into the bottom of a catch net, exaggerating
her release of the drop.
Basket Throws
Purpose: To focus on making
the ball drop by using a visual target.
Procedure: The pitcher throws
from regular distance and attempts to pitch the ball into a laundry basket
at home plate. This drill helps imprint the image the pitcher should see
before every drop pitch. The pitch can be thrown to a bucket, but the ball
will not ricochet as much off the softer basket.
Football Toss
Purpose: To develop correct
rise-ball release.
Procedure: The pitcher throws
a junior-sized football underhand to a partner. Grip it along the seam
with all the fingers and with the thumb on the opposite side. The ball
should spiral. If it wobbles in flight, the palm has turned toward the
catcher at release.
Long Toss
Purpose: To practice getting
under the ball for rise-ball release. The drill also develops body and
arm strength.
Procedure: The pitcher pitches
to a catcher from second base or farther, lobbing the ball up as if she
is throwing it over a telephone pole. This action forces the pitcher to
get under the ball. To develop strength, the pitcher keeps backing up (from
second base, to center field, to the fence) to see how far she can throw
it.
Bucket Toss
Purpose: To practice keeping
the change-up pitch low.
Procedure: The pitcher pitches
the ball into a bucket two to three feet in front of home plate. She avoids
having a big loop in the pitch.
Fast and Slow
Purpose: To practice changing
speeds.
Procedure: Working with
her catcher, the pitcher alternates fast and off-speed pitches. The goal
is to keep the delivery the same.
GAMELIKE PITCHER DRILLS
Pitchers must do more than
just throw the ball. Work with your pitchers on their fielding techniques
to strengthen your infield, and include conditioning so they have strong
legs they'll need to go the distance in a game. Pitching under pressure
is much more difficult than throwing in the bullpen, so coaches should
use competitive drills to create gamelike pressure during pitching practice.
Pitchers Field and Cover
First
Purpose: To practice fielding
all types of balls after delivering a pitch. This is an excellent conditioning
drill as well.
Procedure: The drill works
best with at least three pitchers, a catcher, and a hitter. If you don't
have three pitchers, another player may play first and pitchers rotate
only on the mound. Pitchers form a single-file line at the mound, and one
pitcher is at first to catch the throw. The pitcher pitches the ball to
the catcher, and the hitter hits a ground ball back to the pitcher for
fielding practice. The pitcher fields, throws to first, and then rotates
to first to receive the throw from the next pitcher. After catching at
first, the receiver rotates to the end of the fielding line. Vary the type
of balls hit, hitting to each side of the pitcher and bunting and slapping
as well. Include a sequence of having pitchers look imaginary runners back
before making the throw.
Pitchers Cover Home
Purpose: To practice footwork
for covering home on wild pitches.
Procedure: Pitchers rotate
on the mound, and catchers rotate at home. The pitcher throws a wild pitch
to the catcher in receiving position and runs home to cover the plate for
the return throw. The pitcher's feet must be well out of the way of the
sliding runner. The pitcher should call the catcher's name and wave her
arms until the throw is on its way.
Play a Game
Purpose: To experience gamelike
pressure during pitching practice.
Procedure: The pitcher pitches
a specific number of innings with the catcher calling balls and strikes.
If you have a batter standing at the plate, she should assume different
positions in the box and stand in as both a left-handed batter and a right-handed
batter.
Three Points
Purpose: To create competition
and pressure for the pitcher when pitching to a catcher's targets.
Procedure: The catcher gives
a target, and for advanced players she may call a pitch. If the pitcher
hits the target, she gets one point. If she misses, she loses a point.
When the pitcher reaches three points, the game is over. Add difficulty
by requiring every fourth pitch to be a change-up.