Purpose
Pitchers work on extension, right to left action and getting a good release point.
Drill Setup
- Pitchers line up anywhere on the field.
- They each have a ball and a glove.
How it Works
- Pitcher gets into load position with throwing arm raised and front glove hand approximately shoulder height.
- Pitcher then goes downhill and simulates a throw to the target.
- He repeats this process until coach says “Stop.”
- Next, have pitcher break his hands before going into the load position and then simulating the throw.
- To work on balance even more, have the pitcher follow-through on the simulated throw and lift his back leg. He should then hang in that position (with back leg up in the air) for a three-second count.
- You could also have the pitcher work on the heel over after the throw. You could also have them take a stride step at the beginning of the drill. then you could add a leg lift so that they leg lift, stride and heel over all together.
Coaching Tips
- The goal of this drill is for the pitcher to get a feel for having the ball back in a good load position and then extending and coming forward. Look for good balance on the feet and for proper weight shift backward and forward.
- Pitcher must keep knee inside on the stride and follow-through.
- Also, make sure pitcher is getting a good push off with back foot during the throwing motion.