For the parents and coaches of pitchers, when we ask young pitchers what makes a good pitcher, most will say “throwing hard and striking batters out!” While at the younger ages, that tends to seem true, as they grow, there’s much more to it. Here are a few things they all should start learning and understanding from day one:
Pitching 101
• Be careful of falling into patterns with pitch selection.
• Command the inside part of the plate.
• Goal = Be able to throw all your pitches in any count to any location.
• Always look at pitch execution before second guessing pitch selection.
• Develop a bullpen routine that gives attention to every pitch type and location you want to be able to execute in a game.
• Become an expert at controlling the running game.
• BACK UP BASES!!
• Thank and respect your catchers.
• Take care of your arm and body.
• Study throwing/pitching mechanics.
• If your team isn’t providing time to throw weekly bullpens, get it done on your own time. NO EXCUSES!
• Play catch with a purpose.
• Be the best at PFP.
• Pick your teammates up when they make mistakes.
• Goal = NO WALKS!
• Attack the zone and make them earn their way on base.
• Hitting is hard, stop thinking they will hit every mistake you make. Challenge them!
• Be the mentally toughest most prepared player on the field.
"I can tell you this I'm not planning on Kevin Schnall leaving, I'm planning on Kevin Schnall being the coach for a long time" - CCU AD Chance Miller in the our conversation today.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” — Proverbs 3:5-7
Dear coach:
Congrats on your playing career. It’s an amazing accomplishment to play at the level you did. All your hard work and perseverance paid off.
Now you’re working with and teaching kids. If you haven’t learned yet, you will soon. Playing and coaching (especially kids) are two very different things. The sooner you wrap your mind around the fact that coaching is ALL about them, their development and their growth, the easier it will be for you. It’s not about your “feelings” or your past accomplishments. All that matters now is how you relate to and with them, your ability to teach ALL of them, your level of patience, your understanding of development, your desire to learn what you didn’t know as a player (because you, nor I or anyone else knows it all), your communication skills, your organization skills and more than anything, the example you are for them everyday, every game, every minute, every pitch.
Coaching isn’t easy but when you are able to make genuine connections with your players, you are in and have the opportunity to make a huge impact in their life. Take this seriously.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” — Psalm 91:1-2
@unchatea@PR927FM I know that statement was hard to say but it’s right. To me Tarheels are the Padres in fan and baseball culture. Just insufferable at times. 😆