Stop Throwing, Start Pitching: The Importance of Location
You can have a blazing fastball, but if you can’t hit your spots, you’re just a thrower, not a pitcher. In baseball, location trumps velocity almost every time. This blog post will dive into the crucial skill of pitching location, giving you actionable drills and strategies to become a more effective pitcher, regardless of your arm strength.
Why Location is King
Think about the best pitchers in the game. They’re not always the ones throwing 100 mph. They’re the ones who can consistently hit the corners of the strike zone, change speeds effectively, and keep hitters off balance. Precise location:
- Reduces Hard Contact: Even if a hitter makes contact, a well-placed pitch is harder to square up, resulting in weaker ground balls and pop-ups.
- Increases Strikeouts: Hitting the corners and working the edges of the zone makes it much harder for hitters to make solid contact, leading to more swings and misses.
- Sets Up Your Other Pitches: A well-placed fastball on the inside corner can make a changeup on the outside corner even more devastating.
- Controls the Count: Consistently hitting your spots allows you to get ahead in the count, putting the pressure on the hitter.
Drills for Pinpoint Accuracy
Here are some effective drills you can incorporate into your practice routine to improve your pitching location:
- The Towel Drill (Modified for Location): Instead of just focusing on mechanics, place targets (cones, tape, etc.) at different locations within the strike zone. Use the towel drill to practice hitting those specific targets, visualizing a real batter.
- Long Toss with a Focus: As you long toss, don’t just throw hard. Pick a spot on your partner’s glove (high, low, inside, outside) and try to hit it consistently. This builds arm strength and accuracy.
- Flat Ground Work with Targets: Set up a net or backstop with multiple targets representing different zones of the strike zone. Practice throwing all your pitches to these targets from a flat ground position. Focus on your mechanics and release point for each location.
- Bullpen Sessions with a Purpose: Don’t just throw in the bullpen. Have a plan for each session. Work on specific locations (e.g., “Today, I’m working on my fastball low and away to right-handed hitters”).
- The String Drill: Have someone hold a string across the strike zone. This is your goal, hit the string! This helps with visual and muscle memory.
The Mental Game of Location
Pitching location isn’t just about physical skill; it’s also about mental focus. Here are some mental tips:
- Visualization: Before each pitch, visualize the ball hitting your target. See it in your mind’s eye.
- Focus on the Target: Don’t think about the hitter. Lock your eyes on your catcher’s mitt and focus on that small target.
- Trust Your Mechanics: If you’ve put in the work, trust your mechanics to deliver the ball where you want it.
- Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself. If you miss a spot, don’t get discouraged. Refocus and make the next pitch your best.
Mastering pitching location takes time and dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By incorporating these drills and strategies, you’ll transform yourself from a thrower into a true pitcher, dominating hitters with precision and control. Become the Ace you were born to be!
