10 Advanced Pitching Drills to Master the Mound

As a seasoned pitcher, I’ve learned that the key to a killer fastball and a deceptive change-up lies in the drills you practice day in and day out. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refine your skills, the right pitching drills can make all the difference.

In this article, I’ll share some of the most effective pitching drills that have not only improved my game but have also been a game-changer for countless pitchers I’ve coached. From building arm strength to perfecting your control, these drills are the secret sauce to stepping up your pitching game.

So, if you’re ready to throw harder, pitch more accurately, and dominate the mound, keep reading. I’m about to dive into the pitching drills that’ll help you achieve just that. Trust me, your arm—and your team—will thank you.

Building Arm Strength

Pitching revolves around arm strength and conditioning. I’ve personally discovered that stronger arms translate to increased velocity and endurance on the mound. To help you achieve that pinnacle of pitching prowess, here are some key exercises that I’ve incorporated into my routine.

Long Toss: This is a foundational drill that shouldn’t be overlooked. Starting with short distances, progressing to long tosses of about 200-300 feet, and then coming back down in distance can do wonders for your arm. This process, done consistently, not only builds strength but also helps with recovery.

Here’s a quick rundown of how to implement long toss effectively:

• Begin with moderate throws to warm up the arm.
• Gradually increase the distance as your arm gets looser.
• Focus on maintaining good form and a strong follow-through.
• Don’t rush; give your arm adequate time to rest between throws.

Weighted Ball Workouts: Using heavier-than-standard baseballs can substantially increase arm strength. When I started incorporating a weighted ball program, I noticed a marked improvement in my throwing power. Remember to use these carefully, as they can be taxing on the arm and should be integrated into your routine alongside proper rest.

Some key points for weighted ball training:

• Start with lighter weights and gradually move to heavier ones.
• Maintain proper pitching mechanics to avoid injury.
• Limit your sessions; overuse can lead to muscle fatigue.

Resistant Band Exercises: Incorporating resistance bands into my training regimen has been a game-changer for building arm and shoulder strength. These bands provide constant tension, which effectively targets and strengthens the smaller, stabilizing muscles in the rotator cuff. A stronger rotator cuff means better arm stability and reduced injury risk, equating to more consistent pitching performances.

To use resistance bands correctly:

• Ensure that the band is securely anchored.
• Perform exercises through a full range of motion.
• Focus on controlled movements to increase muscle activation.
• Keep your shoulder and elbow joints healthy by not overextending.

Through these drills, arm strength isn’t just about power. It’s also about fostering endurance and resilience to pitch deeper into games. Stick with these exercises, and you’ll notice a tangible difference in your arm strength and overall pitching ability.

Perfecting Your Control

Mastering pitch control is crucial for any pitcher’s success. Precision and consistency are the hallmarks of an elite pitcher. After working on arm strength, honing in on control can make or break your performance on the mound.

Let’s dive into some effective exercises that I’ve integrated into my own regimen to sharpen control.

Bullpen Sessions

Bullpen sessions should be more than just warm-ups; they’re the ideal environment to focus on control. I target specific zones of the strike box, intentionally practicing pitches with pinpoint accuracy. Here’s what a typical session looks like for me:

• Focus on the corners: I’ll throw 10 pitches aiming for the low outside corner, then switch to the low inside corner.
• Change eye levels: After the corners, I work on changing the batter’s eye level, alternating between high fastballs and low off-speed pitches.
• Pitch with intention: Every pitch thrown in the bullpen is with a specific goal in mind, emulating game situations.

Pitching Drills

Incorporating specific drills is a game-changer. I frequently use these two drills:

• Towel Drill: A classic that helps me focus on my release point while conserving my arm. I hold a towel and go through my motion, aiming to whip the towel precisely at a target point.
• Target Practice: Placing a target, such as a tire or a marked area on a net, I’ll spend session time hitting the target consistently from the mound.

Visualization and Repetition

The mental aspect of control cannot be overstated. I spend time away from the field visualizing perfect pitches. By mentally rehearsing, I’ve noticed significant improvements when I step back on the mound. Coupled with physical repetition, this visualization practice embeds the muscle memory needed for outstanding control.

As a pitcher, you’ll find that the journey to impeccable control is ongoing. Each training session, every drill, and the continuous fine-tuning of your mechanics are all pieces of the puzzle. Stick with it, and you’ll see the accuracy of your pitches steadily increase— turning this skill into one of your most reliable assets on the field.

Mastering the Fastball

When it comes to pitching, mastering the fastball is a quintessential skill for hurlers at any level. It’s the foundation of a pitcher’s arsenal and often dictates the effectiveness of their other pitches.

Velocity is critical, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of accuracy. To build up speed while maintaining precision, I’ve found long tosses to be incredibly beneficial. Gradually increasing the distance of your throws can enhance the arm’s strength and reinforce the body’s natural throwing mechanics. It’s vital that pitchers focus on keeping their motion consistent as the throws get longer.

Another drill that’s greatly improved my fastball control is the “bullseye” challenge. Set up a target, such as a strike zone net, and mark smaller areas where you’d like the ball to hit—essentially creating a “bullseye” within the strike zone. Start at a comfortable distance and work your way back, striving to hit these targets repetitively. Here’s my routine:

• Begin at 20 feet, aiming for the lower corners.
• Move back to 40 feet, now targeting the upper quadrants.
• Finish at 60 feet, focusing on hitting any quadrant consistently.

Incorporating a weighted ball program has also been instrumental in gaining fastball prowess. Despite the initial awkwardness, gripping and releasing heavier balls can condition the muscles and improve arm stability. When transitioning back to a standard baseball, the arm feels lighter and more powerful, potentially increasing fastball velocity.

Engaging in these practices regularly has been a game-changer for my pitching, boosting both the speed and accuracy of my fastball. Remember, it’s not about how quickly you can throw once but how consistently you can deliver high-velocity strikes when it counts.

Developing a Devastating Change-Up

Perfecting a change-up can drastically elevate a pitcher’s game. It’s not just about slowing the pitch down; it’s about deceiving the hitter, making the change-up look like a fastball until it’s too late. To refine this pitch, consistency in arm speed and delivery is key. I’ve found that the best way to develop a devastating change-up is to focus on grip and practice.

Let’s talk grip first. There are several grips available for a change-up – the circle change, the palm ball, and the three-finger change to name a few. I personally like to start with the circle change because it encourages the same arm action as a fastball. The thumb and index finger form a circle or an “okay” sign on the side of the ball, while the other fingers rest on top. The goal here is to maintain fastball arm speed while the grip naturally slows down the ball, creating a differential in velocity that catches hitters off-guard.

Onto the drills. There are a multitude of exercises designed to enhance a pitcher’s change-up:

• Pitching from Short Distance: This drill emphasizes the importance of arm speed. Throw change-ups from a shorter distance to a catcher or into a net, focusing on maintaining that fastball arm action.
• Change-Up Bullpen Sessions: Allocate a portion of bullpen sessions solely to throwing change-ups. This will help develop a feel for the pitch and allow adjustments to be made in a controlled environment.

In addition to drills and exercises, I highly recommend video analysis. Today’s technology allows pitchers to analyze their mechanics in slow-motion, ensuring that the arm speed and release point for the change-up mirror those of their fastball. The smallest discrepancy can be the difference between a successful pitch and one that gets crushed.

Working on a change-up takes patience and repetition. Just like any other skill on the mound, it’s a process that demands diligent practice and a sharp focus on the subtle details. Pitchers should aim to integrate their change-up into their regular pitching routines, gradually increasing its use in scrimmages and live game scenarios.

Remember, a good change-up doesn’t just happen overnight. It evolves through continuous refinement and attention to the intricacies of pitching mechanics.

Advanced Pitching Techniques

As we progress deeper into the art of pitching, mastering advanced techniques is key to elevating my game. One such technique I focus on is the pitch tunneling concept. Pitch tunneling is all about making different pitches look the same coming out of my hand. This strategy confuses batters because they can’t distinguish between pitch types until it’s too late.

To implement pitch tunneling, I concentrate on replicating the exact arm angle and release point for all my pitches. The goal is for my fastball, change-up, and breaking ball to follow the same initial path, diverging only as they approach home plate. I integrate several drills into my practice routine to hone this skill:

• Mirror Drills: I stand in front of a mirror to analyze and tweak my arm action and release points. This helps me achieve a consistent delivery across all my pitches.
• Video Feedback: Recording my bullpen sessions allows me to review and adjust the subtle differences in my motion for each type of pitch.

Another advanced technique I’m keen on developing is the backdoor slider. The backdoor slider starts outside the strike zone but then breaks back in, catching the edge as it crosses the plate. It’s incredibly effective against opposite-handed hitters. Here’s how I work on perfecting it:

• Repetitions: I throw hundreds of sliders, starting them off at the same spot and focusing on the late break to clip the zone.
• Spotting Drills: I place a target on the outer edge of the strike zone to practice hitting that precise location regularly.

In addition to these techniques, I ensure that my mental game is as sharp as my physical one. I study hitters’ tendencies and develop a strategic approach to each at-bat. Keeping a journal of each outing allows me to note what’s working and where I need to improve.

Building an arsenal of advanced pitching techniques doesn’t happen overnight. It requires dedication, smart practice, and a constant thirst for knowledge. As I incorporate these skills into my repertoire, I’m able to keep hitters guessing and gain a competitive edge on the mound.

Conclusion

Perfecting your pitching skills is a journey that never truly ends. I’ve shared insights on advanced techniques like pitch tunneling and the elusive backdoor slider, alongside drills that can help you master consistency and deception. Remember, it’s not just about physical repetition but also about sharpening your mental game. Keep studying, practicing, and refining your approach on the mound. Embrace the process and you’ll see the difference in your performance. Whether you’re a budding pitcher or looking to add new weapons to your repertoire, the path to excellence is paved with dedication and smart practice. Stay curious, stay committed, and let’s keep those strikeouts coming.