How many times within a game do you as a coach ask yourself this question? Why is my pitcher throwing that pitch in that situation? We wonder numerous times throughout games how can pitch selection be so misguided.Therefore, a generic "pitch plan" is important, not only so the correct pitch is called in greater frequency, but also so the pitcher and catcher's collaborative thought processes remain constant. With this "plan," the involved parties gain further comprehension of how to aggressively attack hitters. Coaches also get less gray hair.

The Change Up

The development of pitchers and the change-up takes time, and lots of young pitchers won't stay with a grip long enough for it to feel good. A pitcher should play catch using the change-up grip almost daily, and a coach (or parent) should insist that his young pitchers throw 20-30 percent change-ups in games until they see the results (pop-ups, weak ground outs, and strikeouts) and start to believe in the pitch.

For the drill, you can simply use a 6' to 8' length of 2" x 4" lumber. If you want to get fancy, you can screw a 1” x 6” x 2' piece perpendicular across one end, forming a letter "T". Then, cut two pieces of 2" x 6" and screw each one beneath the 1 x 6, perpendicular to the 2 x 4. What you have, is a 2 x 4 with a 2 x 6 base, topped by a 1 x 6 forming a pitching rubber. (This would be simple with a pencil sketch!)

Thrive on Throwing

Pitchers actually work two shifts. Their first shift is throwing strikes. Their second shift begins with the release of the ball. They then become a fifth infielder. Their ability to moonlight as an infielder can impact the game as much as anything they do from on the mound. Their fielding duties will change with the situation and will be guided by the following principles.