Stop Throwing, Start Pitching: The Power of Location
You’ve got a decent fastball, maybe even a nasty breaking ball. But are you truly dominating the strike zone? Many pitchers focus solely on velocity, forgetting the single most crucial element of pitching success: location. Throwing hard is great, but hitting your spots consistently is what separates good pitchers from great ones. This post will give you actionable strategies to improve your pitch location and become a more effective pitcher.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Think about the best pitchers in the game. Do they all throw 100 mph? No! But they all possess pinpoint control. Here’s why location is king:
- Disrupts Timing: Changing speeds *and* locations forces hitters to constantly adjust, making it harder for them to square up the ball.
- Exploits Weaknesses: Every hitter has hot and cold zones. Knowing these and consistently hitting the cold zones minimizes hard contact.
- Sets Up Your Best Pitches: A well-placed fastball on the inside corner makes that slider away even more devastating.
- Reduces Hard Contact: Even if a hitter makes contact, a perfectly located pitch is less likely to be driven for extra bases.
- Increases Strikeouts: Painting the corners and changing eye levels leads to more swings and misses and called strikes.
Drills to Develop Pinpoint Control
Improving your command takes dedicated practice. Here are some drills you can incorporate into your routine:
- Towel Drill:
- Set up a target (a chair, a bucket, or a specific spot on a wall).
- Go through your pitching motion without a ball, snapping a towel at your release point, aiming for the target.
- Focus on consistent mechanics and hitting the same spot repeatedly.
- Long Toss with a Focus:
- Instead of just throwing as far as you can, pick specific targets during your long toss sessions.
- Imagine the strike zone and work on hitting different quadrants (high and inside, low and away, etc.).
- Have a partner call out locations before each throw.
- Flat Ground Work:
- Throwing from flat ground allows you to focus solely on mechanics and location without the added pressure of a mound.
- Use a target and work on hitting different spots in the zone.
- Really focus on repeating your delivery.
- Bullpen Sessions with a Purpose:
- Don’t just throw in the bullpen; have a plan.
- Work on specific pitch sequences and locations.
- Imagine different hitters and game situations.
- Have your catcher give you feedback on your location.
- Visualization:
- Before you even step on the mound, visualize yourself hitting your spots.
- See the pitch in your mind’s eye, from your grip to the catcher’s mitt.
- This mental preparation can significantly improve your focus and execution.
The Mental Side of Command
Pitch location isn’t just about physical mechanics; it’s also about mental focus and confidence. Believe in your ability to hit your spots. Stay calm and focused on the mound, even after a bad pitch. One pitch doesn’t define you. Trust your preparation, trust your stuff, and attack the zone!
Start incorporating these drills and strategies into your training, and you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your pitch location and overall pitching performance. Remember, it’s not just about throwing hard; it’s about throwing smart. Become a master of location, and you’ll become a master of the mound!
