This drill focuses on the proper alignment and positioning at the pitcher’s balance point. The balance beam will challenge the athlete to maintain balance over the balls of his feet. However, the drill can also be done on flat-ground depending on comfort level. The balance beam provides instant feedback, since poor balance obviously leads to the athlete falling off the board. The pitcher should hold himself in the balance point for a minimum of 3 seconds each repetition focusing on the checkpoints provided in the pictures below. Repetition times can be increased to challenge the athlete as they improve their balance.

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Cincinnati Reds Pin 1988 MLB Baseball Logo

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The balance beam is the best training aid for my own personal practice and lessons for a variety of reasons.  First of all, the beam trains pitchers to use the balls of their feet throughout the delivery. This trains optimal balance and strengthens the leg muscles at the same time. Secondly, the beam gives you instant feedback since it is straight and stationary. Falling off the beam or landing on either side of the beam tells you that something is wrong in your delivery.  Lastly, the beam magnifies every flaw in your delivery. Because of the instant feedback and small margin of error, the pitcher is able to instantly recognize the strengths and weaknesses in his delivery.

Many other reasons exist for the beam being my top training aid recommendation. The beam trains pitchers to take their body in a straight line towards home plate while at the same time training lateral balance. Its practical value like versatility and cost effectiveness also make it appealing. Using the balance beam with my other pitching drills enabled me to achieve maximum efficiency and get the most out of my body. With all of the hype on the balance beam you may now be wondering what its weaknesses are?

The main downside to the balance beam is the fact that you can’t drive with your lower half during your motion. Since the board is flat and can slip, pitchers tend to develop a lazy lower half leg drive when using the balance beam exclusively. To counteract this, make sure you focus on a few of the lower half pitching drills listed on this site. The second and relatively minor weakness of the balance beam is the inability to use it to practice in the windup position. This is a minor flaw since the “step back” and “pivot” are the only steps missing when throwing out of the stretch. Below is a typical balance beam and mirror pitching practice station.

Using the mirror balance beam combination is the best setup for mechanical practice.

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NL Pitching Leaders 1963 Topps Baseball Card #7 Ex-Nrmt

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Baseball Batting Trainer Pitching Machine

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Location: The Fort Myers, FL Area (33966)

Rate: 60-90min sessions – $50.00 per session

Fatigue and concentration limit session length, especially for younger athletes.

Ages: 8-18 years old

*Small group (2-4 people)  sessions are also available

Key Points

1. The lesson covers pitching mechanics, drills and pitch grips.
2. Focus on pitching drills to target specific flaws unique to each individual.
3. Your son should use natural athletic ability with their mechanics (no robotic training)
4. You will need to practice the drills provided between sessions to improve.
5. The drills build on each other – master the drills and you are guaranteed to improve your delivery.
6. You will need to focus for 60-90 minutes each lesson and come ready to work.

If you would like to set up an appointment or inquire further please use the contact form provided.  I look forward to working with you. If you would like to know my background and experience please visit the “About” page.

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Verbal Series of Checkpoints

1. Take the sign
2. Step Back
3. Pivot
4. Leg up (balance point)
5. Break (weight back)
6. Turn
7. Finish
8. Follow Through

Take the sign

Step Back

Pivot

Leg Up (balance point)

Break (hand break & weight back)

Turn (rotate weight and torso)

Finish

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Knee Drill – 20x

This drill is done to isolate the pitchers upper half and forces throwing out front. To set up get down on your right knee (RHP) with your lead foot aligned towards the catcher and back leg parallel. The pitcher should use a short quick arm stroke with a “C” to an “L” arm path (game speed) . Catcher should give pitcher a low target at the tops of the ankles away to a right handed hitter. All pitches can be thrown in the knee drill (especially when working on curveballs). This drill can also be done in a serious of checkpoints as shown below – but preferably in one fluid athletic motion.

Set up with both feet on a line directed at your target.

Turn your torso to load your hips and oblique muscles.

Break your hands while turning using the same arm path described in previous drills. Make sure your glove and lead arm stay closed.

Get into a “L” position with your throwing arm maintaining a closed front side.

As you turn to throw bury your glove side arm into your back hip, while pulling your arm through to a high release points. Your elbow should be above your shoulder, however your hand can be in a variety of positions since pitchers throwing from different angles.

Deliver the baseball with your head focused on the target. Follow through with your chin above your knee cap and your throwing arm on the opposite side of your knee.

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