Throwing Strikes
By: Scotty Wiffs
Nick T paints the outside corner
I don't care if your riser moves 3 feet or knuckle ball dances like a butterfly. If the junk you throw drops 6 feet at 89mph! Its all useless if you can't throw strikes.
For success on the mound a pitcher needs...
1.) Accuracy & 2.) Knowledge
Among other variables, these two are vital to help a pitcher achieve winning outcomes against any batter. First we focus on Accuracy.
Walking the bases the loaded. A sight all too often seen in WIFFLE ball games. Thanks to the nature of a WIFFLE ball or even mother nature; a good day on the mound can turn sour quickly. Knowing how and when to throw strikes will help shred innings fast and keep momentum on your teams side.
The source for problematic pitching lies in the way we practice. A WIFFLE ball's main appeal is the possibilities for maximum movement. ("It curves")
We all want our slider to move 3 feet, break hard and late! I've personally thrown out my arm in the yard trying to throw an overhand riser. Hyperextension... not fun!!
By focusing our practice time on ball movement alone, we hurt our bodies and overall success rate.
For maximum improvement, pitchers must focus on accuracy first and foremost, then movement. (Know your release point!!!)
A common misconception is to say good pitchers consistently hit the zone; but, this is not always the case as consistency and accuracy don't always go hand in hand.
Good accuracy = the ability to throw strikes when needed.
Inconsistent Accuracy can be an advantage. Being an effectively wild pitcher can have it's benefits. This style of pitching will keep the batter guessing every time. This style is specially helpful against aggressive swingers, but eventually lead to problems down the road. (Damn you Dice-K!)
The opposite style of inconsistent accuracy, (Throwing strikes every pitch) is not effective either, and you will eventually be hit. The secret lies somewhere in the middle. Throw strikes early in the count and use throw-away pitches to keep the batter guessing. The most successful pitchers can throw a strike at anytime in the count, but also know when to throw a ball.
During Pitching practice >> Focus throwing strikes.
1.) Warming Up properly.
2.) Throw 1 pitch only! work for strikes
3.) When accuracy improves change pitch.
Gradually incorporate more movement as accuracy improves.
For more on accuracy see: Backyard Combine Training Guide: Accuracy - Issue 1 Volume 1.
For success on the mound a pitcher needs...
1.) Accuracy & 2.) Knowledge
Among other variables, these two are vital to help a pitcher achieve winning outcomes against any batter. First we focus on Accuracy.
Walking the bases the loaded. A sight all too often seen in WIFFLE ball games. Thanks to the nature of a WIFFLE ball or even mother nature; a good day on the mound can turn sour quickly. Knowing how and when to throw strikes will help shred innings fast and keep momentum on your teams side.
The source for problematic pitching lies in the way we practice. A WIFFLE ball's main appeal is the possibilities for maximum movement. ("It curves")
We all want our slider to move 3 feet, break hard and late! I've personally thrown out my arm in the yard trying to throw an overhand riser. Hyperextension... not fun!!
By focusing our practice time on ball movement alone, we hurt our bodies and overall success rate.
For maximum improvement, pitchers must focus on accuracy first and foremost, then movement. (Know your release point!!!)
A common misconception is to say good pitchers consistently hit the zone; but, this is not always the case as consistency and accuracy don't always go hand in hand.
Good accuracy = the ability to throw strikes when needed.
Inconsistent Accuracy can be an advantage. Being an effectively wild pitcher can have it's benefits. This style of pitching will keep the batter guessing every time. This style is specially helpful against aggressive swingers, but eventually lead to problems down the road. (Damn you Dice-K!)
The opposite style of inconsistent accuracy, (Throwing strikes every pitch) is not effective either, and you will eventually be hit. The secret lies somewhere in the middle. Throw strikes early in the count and use throw-away pitches to keep the batter guessing. The most successful pitchers can throw a strike at anytime in the count, but also know when to throw a ball.
During Pitching practice >> Focus throwing strikes.
1.) Warming Up properly.
2.) Throw 1 pitch only! work for strikes
3.) When accuracy improves change pitch.
Gradually incorporate more movement as accuracy improves.
For more on accuracy see: Backyard Combine Training Guide: Accuracy - Issue 1 Volume 1.
