One of the most important pitching tips I ever teach someone is to understand their fastball and not throw it as hard as you can. You must tame your fastball like you would a lion. Treat it with care and know why it reacts certain ways. Some days your fastball might be hopping, while other days it might not be. But, if you are able to locate your fastball, you are well ahead of the game. Make sure you always have control.
Velocity can only get you so far in your pitching career. Once good hitters begin timing your fastball properly, they will hit you hard. If you have total control of the situation and your fastball, the batter will have difficulty hitting you.
The first of the pitching tips in order to better control your fastball is to take control of the inner part and the outer part of the plate. Be aggressive. By using the inner and outer edges of the plate, you will be just as effective, if not more effective than a power pitcher with a 90+ MPH fastball. Once you develop that type of velocity, hitters will never know what is coming because now you will have command of the inner, outer and middle parts of the plate.
Break down the batter’s confidence! Take a look at the batter you are facing. Take notice of how he is approaching his at bat. If he dives into the plate, he is swinging his hips forward and will have to adjust his bat speed in order to hit you. If you see this, go inside with your pitches. If he is the opposite and opens up his stance, go outside and make him reach. Being aware of your component is like any good general on the battlegrounds, and you are no different!
The fastball doesn’t only need to be fast. Varying your speeds will throw he batter off and force him to change his bat swing in addition to guess the location. When I said earlier that a batter can eventually catch up to your hard throwing fastball, this is what I meant. I give you these pitching tips for a reason! If you throw 85, 89, 80, 92 and vary it inside, outside, high and tight and low and away, you will have yourself an out, guaranteed.
Hope you enjoyed today’s information and feel free to send over your comments!
Todd
