8 Pitching Drills For Success

There are literally hundreds of drills that have been invented and designed to help with pitching mechanics, and it can be overwhelming deciding which ones are effective. Here are 8 staple drills that should be part of every pitchers routine.

1. Balance Point Drill
The pitcher brings his front knee up and stops at the balance point, holding it for five seconds.

2. Weight-shift Drill
From the first balance point, the pitcher throws his hip, lowers his leg in a controlled fashion and lands in the cocked position.

3. Hand Break Drill
Start with the hands together and practice synchronizing the raising of the glove-hand elbow and the throwing hand into the cocked position.

4. Kneeling Drill
Kneel down and throw to a partner, practicing bending at the waist. Focus on arm position (elbow up, 90 degrees) and following through toward your target.

5. Lead Leg Brace Drill
Kneel down and go through the throwing motion. When the arm is about to release the ball, brace the front leg and stand upright and throw. Bend over the waist with a good follow through.

6. Hand Speed Drill
Start with the stride already taken. Perform the hand break and accelerate the hand after reaching the cocked position.

7. Towel Drill
Use a towel instead of a ball. Have either a coach stand in front of you with a glove, or set up a chair. Wrap the towel so it is tight, get into the stretch position, go through your motion and try to reach out to target (either coaches glove or chair) with the towel, holding on to it all the way through. If you are easily reaching, move target back. The purpose is to work on extension and reaching out toward home plate, getting the most out of your pitches.

8. Back up bases drill
The pitcher stands at the mound, and then breaks to back up either third or home. A coach throws a ball to the appropriate base, the fielder lets it go, and the pitcher has to practice backing up the play.