The mirror is one of the most basic pitching aids available to athletes. Mirrors are great for practice since you can make sure you are in the correct pitching positions at all times. Unlike cameras and video-recorders, mirrors don’t require batteries and can be used to practice on your own. You also receive clear and instantaneous feedback with every practice drill you do. Mirrors can be placed on the ground at an angle or mounted on the wall with clips and screws.

The mirror pictured below measures 37 inches wide and 42 inches tall. It has what I would consider the ideal size and dimensions for pitching practice. A slightly smaller mirror would definitely be sufficient for your own use. If this type setup won’t work for you try to find a dance studio in your area. Community centers like the YMCA usually have them. Some highschools and colleges also have small rooms with large mirrors in them.

(37inches wide  x 42 inches tall)

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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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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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The books shown above are highly educational and worthy of being listed. Each book addresses a unique aspect of pitching such as mental toughness, mechanics, grips, arm care and preparation. No one book will teach you everything you need to know about pitching. However, every little quality piece of knowledge you pick up along the way will help you improve. The specific books listed above helped me learn what I needed to know about pitching and have directly contributed to my success in baseball. I believe they can do the same for you. Whether you are a coach, player or father these books will help you understand what it means to be a complete pitcher.

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Many pitching aids and tools advertised out there in the baseball world claim to be the best and only product you will ever need for pitching practice. This statement is only a blatant sales pitch and nothing more. To improve at pitching you must put forth hard work on a daily basis to make practice become a reaction – making the mechanics come natural. Repetition and constant focus are the only ways to make this happen. With that being said a few tools exist to help you become a better pitcher. Most of them can be made yourself and all of the products and tools cost under $20.00. Here are my favorite pitching practice aids and the only ones I would feel comfortable recommending.

• 1-3lb Weights (Age and strength based)
• Resistance Tubing (Cords, tubing, thera-bands, surgical tubing)
• Balance Beam
  
• Weighted Baseballs (4oz, 5oz, 6oz and 10 oz only)
• Small Rag or Towel
• Large Mirror
• Stability Ball (aka. Swiss ball, balance ball)
• Jump Rope

Many of the products described above can be found in local sporting goods store like Sports Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I would recommend 1-2 lb weights for ages 8-13 and 2-3 lb weights for ages 13+. You should never use more than 3lbs for shoulder and cuff exercises. Thera-band or surgical tubing may also be used in place of or in addition to 1-3 lb weights. Soup cans or other common household items can be substituted as well. Weighted baseball velocity training only involves the 4oz, 5oz, 6oz and 10 oz baseballs. These drills should not be done by anyone under 18 years of age and should never be used in any other ways than are described in tutorials on this website.

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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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Toss and Balance – 20x Daily

Out of both the windup and stretch get to a balance point and hold for a count of 3 seconds. Focus on chin over your belt with leg raised at waist level – splitting your body in half. Lead side glove should be closed with elbow directed at the target. Ball will be thrown to the pitcher where he will hold for a 3 count. He catches the ball with his throwing arm (not his glove) and gathers his hands together once the ball is caught and again hold for a count of three. Optionally, the pitcher may throw to a partner after the last step described above. This drill is used mainly to help the pitcher get a sense of keeping his weight back. It also helps them feel a proper balance point.

Start out of the windup or stretch as you would in a game.

Get to your balance point and hold for a count of 3 seconds. Your partner should not throw you the baseball until you show you can balance and are in the correct position. Your lifted knee should be a minimum of waist level.

After holding for a count of three your partner should flip your a baseball to your throwing hand. Do not use your glove to catch the ball.

After catching the baseball bring your throwing arm in a slow motion back to your glove.

Hold the baseball in your glove for another 3 second count. Then you may either drop your leg down or throw the baseball to a target. Keep in mind early handbreak and proper arm path.

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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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