How To Help Pitchers Who Struggle With Performance
by Dick Mills on May 21, 2009
Many pitchers will struggle from time to time and pitch below a normal performance level. What should parents and coaches consider when this occurs?
Here are some areas to consider when pitcher's all of a sudden start to struggle:
- Since pitching is a skill activity have pitching mechanics changed?
- Have coaches or instructors recently made a mechanical adjustment? Was the adjustment warranted and was it fully explained and did it make sense?
- Are there any apparent slow movements or hesitations or lateral (swinging) actions in the pitcher's mechanics? Is the pitcher landing on the mid-line or off center? Has he shortened his stride?
- Has the pitcher been doing any new pitching drills...added long toss to his routine?
- Has the pitcher pitched less from the mound in practice than normal?
- Has the pitcher reduced the amount of practice pitches?
- Does the pitcher stretch before he pitches which can cause problems?
- Has he added anything to his pre-pitching routine such as flexible tubing exercises...which can reduce the proper feel of pitching?
- Is the pitcher throwing less than game intensity during his bullpens?
- Is the pitcher throwing less practice pitches in between games?
- Is he pitching in games too often and not getting enough practice pitching or rest?
- Is his arm bothering him?
- Is he focusing on making adjustments between each practice pitch (is creating a mental picture in his mind of how to improve each pitch?
- Has he added in any strength or arm exercises to his routine?
There are many things to consider when a pitcher all of a sudden pitches below his potential. Considering what has changed, what has been added or reduced from practice may lead to the cause.
