October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Preventative Care for Baseball Players

Preventative Care For Baseball Players

There are some people who see their physician regularly for checkups. Others think they can scoot along and only see their doctor when they encounter a problem. Some do their very best to avoid the doctor at any cost and ensure that nothing bad ever goes into their bodies.

The attitudes in the game of baseball aren’t much different. There are those athletes that take a handful of pitching lessons and think it’s sufficient; maybe it is for their level of play and that’s fine. Others are “finely tuned athletic machines” and never give up soaking up every ounce of knowledge possible. These athletes don’t waste valuable time, their workouts are intense and they put all they have into every practice even if they are just working on another routine ground ball.

However, there are other athletes out there who become complacent and think they know all there is to know about the game. Some may think, “I have taken 45 pitching lessons and pretty much know what I’m doing by now. That’s good enough!” Others get in the habit of not throwing with a purpose so they just casually warm up because everybody else does and it’s part of a routine. Sound familiar?

The problem with this type of attitude in sports is there comes a time when the serious athletes surpass you and leave you in the dust. You know, it’s the guy with much less talent and skill but more heart and determination to succeed. These are the players who really do make it to a higher level in sports and in life.

Long term success is determined by your “everyday decisions”. Are you going to take each practice seriously or just go through the motions? What type of preventative care (healthy activities) are you involved in daily to ensure you reach your goals?

If you make small steps of improvement everyday and focus on your goal you will obtain it. Not just in professional sports, but in many aspects of your life. Take every opportunity to do your very best at whatever task you are working on, even if the rest of your team is casually working; you work hard. It pays!

Start with these Challenging baseball pitching workouts to start off the new season.

Filed Under: General Baseball, General Hitting, General Pitching, Mental Game of Baseball Tagged With:
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Your Best Pitching Performance?

Your Best Pitching Performance?

I have been instructing pitchers now for almost ten years. I have come to learn my students pretty well and have observed how even the best students do not push themselves to their fullest potential every day. There is so much more to give; human potential is limitless.

Let me give you a quick example. Once a student is “fully” warmed up it is necessary to ensure that they are really throwing 100%; giving it all they have. Yes, bullpens are usually used to “feel how to pitch” meaning you can throw 70%-75% of max to ensure your mechanics are up to par and you “feel” each pitch leave your hand properly. However, there comes a time, like the last 10-15 throws, you give everything you can muster with proper mechanics in mind.

Often times students will tell me they just gave 100% on their last pitch; half the time I call bull. I will ask them questions like “what about your stride length?” To me it looks like you can add 2 more inches. What about your explosiveness to foot strike? To me it looks like you could have gotten a split second quicker. What do you think? Then they really start thinking and dig deep, did I really give 100%?; everything I had into that pitch? They also start asking themselves the right questions like, was I balanced when I threw that? Was my equal and opposite in check? Hey Gazaway, will you film me on this one?, I’m going to give all I have this time; I just want to see if my mechanics are in check when I do this. That is what I like to hear.

My point is we can always dig deeper and find more strength if we want something bad enough. We have to keep pushing and make small improvements “everyday” to become great at whatever it is we want to accomplish.

What about you? Are you really giving 100% effort each time you workout? Really? Each crucial conversation with your coach? Each pitch? I guarantee you will take your game to the next level if you continue to question your ability to push a bit harder each day. Dig down deep and commit right now to give 100% effort in each throwing session, workout, conversation etc.

Also, we just got word from our video guy that the final draft of our new pitching and hitting DVDs are on the way for us to finalize. If things look good, we’ll be sending them off for printing next week. It’s our best stuff yet; I mean some serious instruction (somewhere in the ballpark of 5-6 hours of teaching). It will definitely help you get to the next level if you choose to push yourself.

Filed Under: General Pitching, Mental Game of Baseball Tagged With:
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Baseball’s Hustle Award Goes To…

Baseball’s Hustle Award Goes To

I wrote about the Texas Rangers just before the playoffs began saying they were ready to play. Last night we saw another example of that in Vladimir Guerrero. What did he do?

He plays hard.

He doesn’t get cheated up at the plate, and he hustles.
If you missed yesterday and the minor whoopin’ the Rangers put on the Rays (behind another great performance by Cliff Lee) there was a play in the top of the sixth inning that deserves some attention.

Let me recap: There are runners on 1B and 2B with one out (Vlad’s on second base). A sharp groundball is hit to the first baseman who quickly fires it to the SS covering 2B. The out is made and there is a brief hesitation on the part of the SS as he waits for the pitcher to cover 1B. The throw across the diamond was close, though a safe call was issued by the umpire. Meanwhile, Guerrero is running to 3B and looking over his shoulder anticipating a bad throw or a safe call at 1B. Sure enough, the pitcher takes a bit too long in looking to see the call at 1B and Vlad breaks for home. The slight hesitation by the pitcher is what Guerrero was looking for. He slid across home plate safe and put the Rangers up 3-1.

There was frustration on the face of the Rays manager, and the crowd boo’d the defensive play of the home team.

Heads up baseball turns heads. Hustle gets you noticed, keeps you off the bench, and adds value to your team. Don’t get sucked into lazy play. Instead, learn to anticipate what might happen and then capitalize on opportunities that develop.

Filed Under: General Baseball
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Playoff Pitching Domination – What the Numbers Show

Playoff Pitching Domination – What the Numbers Show

Could it be that we’re stepping back in time when pitchers used to dominate? Maybe hitters are using The Juice less? Nah.

In talking to my Angels scout buddy recently his theory is that the knowledge of biomechanics is improving each year. Pitchers are being trained better. We’ve seen this with a steady increase in velocity at the Big League level. I wrote on this a couple weeks ago.

Thus far these 2010 playoffs are being dominated by stellar pitching performances each of the first two days. We’re in for some real fun if this continues.

In the first six games, we’ve seen five pitchers have great starts. What do they have in common? What do the numbers tell us? Have a look below:

Roy Halladay (Phillies) – Game 1
104 pitches thrown
79 strikes
76% strikes thrown
28 batters faced
25 first pitch strikes
89% first pitch strike thrown

Cliff Lee (Rangers) – Game 1
104 pitches thrown
76 strikes
73% strikes thrown
27 batters faced
21 first pitch strikes
78% first pitch strike thrown

C.J. Wilson (Rangers) – Game 2
104 pitches throw
65 strikes
63% strikes thrown
25 batters faced
16 first pitch strikes
64% first pitch strike thrown

Tim Lincecum (Giants) – Game 1
119 pitches thrown
75 strikes
63% strikes thrown
30 batters faced
19 first pitch strikes
64% first pitch strike thrown

Andy Pettite (Yankees) – Game 2
88 pitches thrown
58 strikes
66% strikes thrown
26 batters faced
15 first pitch strikes
58% first pitch strike thrown

Five above starts combined:

69% strikes thrown
71% first pitch strike thrown
38.1 Innings pitched
3 earned run allowed
5 wins

During the fall and winter back in college we kept diligent charts of our bullpens. Our goal was to throw 60% strikes with two or more pitches, and 80% first pitch strikes. Our coach explained over and over again that if we could do this during any game we would have a high percentage chance of winning.

Pitching a baseball consistently takes thousands of repetitions. There is a reason more and more pitchers each year are working harder earlier at mastering their craft.

Are you charting your pitches? Do you have some standards to measure yourself against, or are you just throwing for the sake of throwing. Do yourself a favor and start being diligent about your practice. Who knows how far baseball will take you.

If you’re lost as to how to begin mechanically, our Pitching DVD will help you with that.

Filed Under: General Pitching, Mental Game of Baseball Tagged With:
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Roy Halladay’s No-Hitter

Roy Halladay’s No Hitter

I was in my car yesterday driving to some baseball lessons when I tuned into the Phillies/Reds game. I couldn’t believe it, it was the 9th inning and Halladay was throwing a no-hitter. Hope I’m not spoiling your TiVo fun for tonight, but he ended up becoming only the second pitcher in history to throw a no-hitter in the post-season.

What I wanted to talk about was Halladay’s ball/strike ratio. Those who have watched Roy pitch know he’s got some naaasty stuff. He’s got a sinker, cutter, curveball, and changeup. None of his pitches are straight which makes it hard enough as a hitter. Combine the variety of pitches with the ability to locate… well, I guess that’s why he’s got TWO no-hitters this season. It took Halladay only 104 pitches to complete the game. Here’s a breakdown of his performance.

104 pitches thrown
79 strikes
28 batters faced
25 first pitch strikes

What can you take away from this performance?

Learn a good sinker.

Just kidding. Though that might help.

As pitchers it’s so valuable to get ahead of hitters. It’s no secret that hitters love to hit in counts in their favor. Challenging hitters early and keeping the ball out of the middle of the plate wins a lot of games!

So what should you be working on this offseason? Learning how to keep consistent and effective mechanics that allow you to work both sides of the plate. While we can’t help you become Roy Halladay (though we’d like to), we can help you understand pitching better. Our Pitching Mechanics DVD will teach you that.

Now, I want you to watch closely Halladay’s 27 outs from yesterday. Look at the location and the movement on each of the pitches.

Roy Halladay Article and Video

Filed Under: General Baseball, General Pitching
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It’s Playoff Time – The Rangers Are Ready!

It’s Playoff Time – The Rangers Are Ready

Vladimir Guerrero will have a huge playoff series for the Rangers this year. He’s prepared and he plays hard. I’m bummed that the Padres didn’t quite make it, but what a great run out of a low payroll team.

I wanted to share with you a couple articles on being prepared. One is an article about Vladimir Guerrero, Michael Young, and the Texas Rangers and their readiness for the playoffs. The second article was written by one of our Advisory Board members, Justin Su’a. Both worth a read, especially if you like Vlad like I do.

Leading Men: Young, Vlad set tone for Rangers

“Surprise!” – A Baseball Player’s Worst Enemy

Filed Under: Mental Game of Baseball
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pre Spring Training – Can’t Get Enough Baseball

Pre Spring Training: Can’t Get Enough Baseball

Yesterday evening I got off the phone with one of the coaches whose team I’m working with this upcoming season. We were booking some Oct. and Nov. times to work on building better and more effective hitters. When I was asking about the names of the kids coming to these optional workouts, there were a few names I was expecting to hear, but didn’t. Later I thought to myself, why do some gifted athletes “get it” and other gifted athletes fail to really understand what it takes to be a great player. While I’m sure we could trade emails back and forth on this subject, (and I wouldn’t mind hearing your thoughts/experiences on this), it all boils down to DESIRE.

Either you want to get better or you don’t.

Either you want to work on your pitching/hitting mechanics or you don’t.

Either you want to get stronger and quicker or you don’t.

Which ever it is, make up your mind will you.

Have a look at this video clip. For those professional baseball players serious about getting in shape and doing the most they can in the off-season, there is a camp that is offered prior to spring training. Yes, you read that correctly. Pre-spring training. These guys have made up their minds…

Pre Spring Training Camp Video

While we can’t offer you the crazy spin wheel eye training system you see in the clip above, we can get you on the right track with your pitching. Do yourself a favor and take a minute to explore all you get with our pitching mechanics DVD.

Filed Under: General Hitting, General Pitching Tagged With:
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Tired of Not Hitting the Inside Pitch?

Tired of Not Hitting The Inside Pitch?

I was working with a couple hitters this past weekend on hitting the inside pitch better. What we worked on plagues most youth hitters. And while the error these guys were trying to fix was small in movement, it makes a huge difference in the ability to cover the inside part of the plate.

Sooo, if you’re tired of watching your kid get jammed, ground out weakly, or swing and miss on the inside pitch, you’ll want to keep this email.

First, I want to show you how the hips are supposed to work through the swing. In the below clip watch closely for the following:

1. When Joe Mauer’s front foot hits the ground his hips will stop moving forward towards the pitcher.

2. The hips will then begin to rotate just ahead of the hands. This small delay in the upper body gives the hips time to open up freely. The benefit to the hitter is that his hips will be opened and allow his hands to move into the strike zone unobstructed.

Joe Mauer Clip

What happens to most young hitters is that when their foot hits the ground on their stride their hips keep moving forward towards the pitcher. Whereas Mauer opens his hips immediately when his foot lands, younger hitters will open the hip a fraction of a second too late. This miss timing forces the hands away from the hitter’s body. The hitter will then come into contact with the ball on the wrong part of the bat and trudge on back to the dugout frustrated.

If you’ve not studied many hitters, you’ll want to pick up a video camera that lets you slow down a swing frame by frame. I use the Kodak Zi8 and it breaks a full speed swing down amazingly well. The best part is you can replay the swing on the camera instead of having to upload it and slow it down. Once you capture swings on film you’ll begin to see what I’m talking about.

It’s worth the time it takes to identify and fix this problem. To assist, I’ll have a good segment on this in my upcoming Hitting Mechanics DVD which will be out in a month.

Filed Under: General Hitting, Hitting Mechanics Tagged With: ,
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pitches That Hurt You?

Pitches That Hurt You?

Are some pitches actually dangerous to throw?
Do certain grips increase your chance of arm injury?

To begin with the overhead throwing motion is not “good” for your arm. Our arms were made to work in an underhand (more fast pitch-like) motion. There are many things that can go wrong for pitchers and their arms. Quite a bit of the ability to stay injury free has to do with genetics. The rest has to do with your mechanics and proper usage of your arm.

Having said that, sure, there are different pitches that have potential of putting more strain on the elbow than others. The slider is tougher on the elbow as compared to a curveball – assuming they are both thrown correctly.

I’d rather not discourage you from experimenting with different baseball pitches. Instead, I want you to understand that most injuries don’t occur because of the grip itself, but the wrist and forearm angles (along with poor mechanics).

To illustrate this point further, here is a video for you.

You might want to also take a look at our Pitching Grips 101 ebook. It’s a bonus product when you pick up our Pitching Mechanics DVD. We cover most all grips in that PDF file.

Filed Under: General Baseball, General Pitching, Pitching Grips Tagged With: , , ,
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

How To Get Hitters Out Before You Throw A Pitch

How to Get Hitters Out Before You Throw a Pitch

Got a good pitching and hitting combo Q and A today.

Question:
Are there ways to tell a hitter’s weak spots in his swing? When facing a hitter for the first time, are there some things that can help a pitcher know where the batter is most susceptible?
Yes!
The more familiar you are with hitting mechanics the easier it is to determine what pitches and locations each hitter will have a hard time with. Let me give you a couple things to look for as a pitcher or coach looking to gain the edge on a hitter before a pitch is thrown.
1. Watch his weight balance when he swings. If you see that he’s got a narrow stance, (and often ends up on his front foot a little each swing) he’ll most likely have a tough time with:
- Any off-speed pitches, especially those that are thrown away from him on the outside part of the plate. This is because guys who drift forward are often timing fastballs only. Therefore they have a tough time waiting for anything slow (especially straight).
- Fastballs inside. Hitters who float forward onto their front foot often have trouble opening their hips. This is because their weight is distributed forward and opening the hips effectively with all the weight on the front leg is impossible. If a hitter can’t open his hips, he will not be able to hit an inside pitch well.

2. Take a look at his bat path as he swings. Does he let his hands stray away from his body a lot like he’s swinging in a giant circle? Hitters who have a poor bat path will have a problem with:
- Inside pitches in general. Though he may come in contact with inside pitches, there is a good chance that he will pull the ball severely all the time. Just move your guys in the middle of the diamond to compensate for his flaw.
- Outside pitches with a variance in speed. Because of the long bat path, the hitter’s barrel of the bat will only be on the outside part of the plate for a small period of time. If he doesn’t time the pitch properly, his bat will be cutting across the strike zone instead of moving through it. With outside pitches you’ll get him to pop up a lot to the opposite field because of the side spin generated on contact. I tend to avoid fastballs out over the plate as long swing guys tend to hit this pitch pretty well.
Lastly, a great way to pick up how to throw hitters is to watch the playoffs this October. Because there are multi-game series on TV, it’s a good time to watch pitcher/hitter confrontations.

Get Hitters Out!

Filed Under: General Pitching, Mental Game of Baseball Tagged With: , ,
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