| Over the years, I have counseled a number of | | | | deceptive pitcher. |
| outstanding pitchers who have wanted to take | | | | 5. Know your strengths and build up your |
| their game to the next level. These pitchers have | | | | weaknesses. |
| been professionals, high school players, minor | | | | 6. Speed is important, but having movement, |
| league players, college players and little league | | | | break and variety or pitches are also essential |
| players. | | | | skills for a great pitcher. |
| They all want to get better and they want to | | | | 7. Decide if you are a strike out pitcher, a fly out |
| learn how to pitch in the zone more often. | | | | pitcher or a ground out pitcher. |
| Here are some of the tips that I have | | | | 8. Practice throwing balls as often as you practice |
| communicated to them. | | | | throwing strikes. You need to be able to waste |
| 1. Get some training in self-hypnosis, visualization | | | | pitches and entice hitters into swinging at bad |
| and meditation. These skills will make you a better | | | | pitches. |
| pitcher. Know what you need to do to ease | | | | 9. Work with different coaches, so you can |
| yourself into the zone. | | | | master different aspects of pitching. |
| 2. Use a pre-pitch routine which builds confidence, | | | | 10. Determine if you are better as a starter or as |
| focus and relaxation into your mind and your | | | | a relief pitcher as early in your career as possible. |
| body. Similarly, know how to use time in the | | | | 11. Develop a great rapport and working |
| dugout and the bullpen to stay mentally ready and | | | | relationship with your catcher, coaches and and |
| mentally tough. | | | | teammates. |
| 3. Study hitters carefully and keep accurate | | | | 12. Erase mistakes from your mind. |
| records on what works and what does not work. | | | | 13. Believe it or not, you can learn something |
| Too many pitchers and coaches fail to do this. | | | | from every pitch. |
| Use and analyze video and relevant statistics | | | | 14. Every pitch has to have a mission or a |
| frequently. | | | | purpose. |
| 4. If you can learn to deliver the ball from | | | | 15. The most important pitch you will throw is the |
| different positions. Being able to throw overhand, | | | | next pitch. |
| side and three quarters can make you a more | | | | |