"MINNESOTA TWINS PITCHING PHILOSOPHY"
Gary Lucas, Minnesota Twins Minor League Pitching Coach and Former MLB Pitcher
Pitch with a purpose showing little or no emotion. Practice self control to stay within your own capabilities. Do not waste time on the things you cannot control. Showing negative emotions on the mound is a complete lack of trust in your stuff.
Throwing strikes, pitching ahead and working fast are all a result of command. You must develop a comfortable delivery. If you are not comfortable, you will never be confident. Without confidence you will never be consistent. Without consistency you cannot have command.
Always have a plan and stick to it. Realize if it does not work the plan can change. Recognition, execution, and duplication are huge in determining a hitter's tendencies and weaknesses. A plan is a must for success!
Pitch inside for show and outside for the dough! True, but a pitcher must be able to control the inside plate for strikes as well as for balls.
Think positive at all times: you are always just one pitch away from getting out of the toughest jam.
See it, feel it, do it. To acquire a kinesthetic feel for anything, you must first see it in your mind. Visualization is a key, use it to unlock the secrets of feel. Always get as specific as you possibly can. The result will be execution.
Repetition and routine are as unique as the individual. Develop one that fits your style and role. Remember to stick with it or it is not a routine.
Allow yourself to fail. Examine the undesired result, do not dwell on it. If we do not study our past failures we are doomed to repeat them.
Have some fun. The real reason you play the game to begin with.
"THE MENTAL SIDE OF PITCHING"
Joe Marker, Midwest Baseball Academy
The best pitch in baseball - A STRIKE
The best pitch in baseball - A STRIKE
Thrower vs. Pitcher - A pitcher with tremendous velocity, with no control vs. a pitcher who may or may not throw hard but can throw strikes, change speeds and locate.
Playing catch with a purpose - Make sure when warming up before a practice or a game that you take it serious and focus on getting prepared and working on areas of your game with which you struggle. After getting loose, it is a great time to work on location and breaking pitches.
1st pitch strike, 1st batter out of inning - You will be a very successful pitcher if you have a high percentage of throwing first pitch strikes and get the first batter of the inning out. If you walk the first batter, he usually scores. If you fail to get the first batter out, you are set up for a possible big inning.
Important counts - 0-0: you want to get ahead of the hitter; 2-2: you do not want to get to 3-2 to give the advantage to the hitter.
9 vs. 1 rule - You have 9 defensive players, you do not have to strike out every hitter...get them out. Challenge hitters, you don't always have to make the perfect pitch. If you can't get them out, someone else will.
Hitters' tendencies - During the game you want to analyze the opposing hitters' strengths and weaknesses. Look for how they set up in the batter's box...on/off plate, up/back in box, open/closed stance, tall or crouched stance, location of hands, bat head, stride, do they lunge, practice swings, etc.
Fielding your position - You become the fifth infielder. It's important to have good mechanics, especially during the follow through to put yourself into a proper fielding position.
Dealing with umpires - You must always have good body language towards the umpire during the game. You will never get the borderline pitches or any breaks if you direct any negatives at the umpire.
Confidence in your catcher - He is the most important player to you on the field. He will do everything possible to help you. He is the one guy you never want to get on in a negative manner or he will not work hard for you. Every pitcher should catch for one inning to see how difficult it is to play catcher.
6 "C's" of Pitching-
Control -Without control, a pitcher is useless. Having solid mechanics, ability to throw strikes, being able to hit spots and having command of all your pitches.
Concentration -Being able to focus on what you are trying to accomplish, blocking out surroundings and being able to pitch out of trouble.
Competing - Wanting the ball. Enjoying the thrill of the one-on-one game between the pitcher and hitter.
Consistent - Being consistent every time you take the mound.
Composure - Handling failure - walks, wild pitches, fielding errors, umpires, etc.
Confidence - Having a desire to succeed. Knowing it's you against him and you're going to win. Believe you can get any hitter out.
"TIPS FOR PITCHING SUCCESS"
Tom McLemore, "Pitching: A Kaizen Production" DVD
1. Learn to throw straight first. Don't be fooled by movement. Most ball movement is caused by improper mechanics.
2. Divide the plate in half. Learn to throw in and out. Often we get too fine and fall behind in the count.
3. Tempo/Rhythm/Attack. Develop your own attack so that every pitch has a purpose.
4. Make Adjustments. Eliminate panic in stressful situations. Adjust mechanics or timing to find what works.
5. Pitching Patterns. (RH vs. RH): 4-seam away, 2-seam in. Develop command by throwing specific pitches in specific locations. Pitching becomes much easier if you truly learn to make one pitch at a time.
6. Make Good Hitters Move Their Feet. Hitting is all about feeling comfortable. Make it hard to know where or at what speed the pitch is coming in.
7. Change The Eye Line. It is hard for the hitter to adjust low after seeing high.
8. 66% First Pitch Strike/70% Strikes. Every outing. Track and compare with outcome of the game.
9. Minimize Walks. This equates to success in pitching.
10. Get The First Hitter Out. The odds of them scoring and doing anything offensively (bunting, stealing, hit and run) go down with one out instead of zero out.
11. Strikeout to Walk Ratio. Strive for 3:1.
12. 14 or Less Pitches Per Inning. It helps longevity and will make you better in late innings.
13. Shut Down Your Opponent The Inning After You Score. It helps build momentum. It should be a top priority goal.
14. 0-2 and 2-0 Counts: Shake Off the Catcher's Sign. Make the batter think. The more he thinks, the less comfortable he is. A good hitter is a comfortable hitter.
15. Be A Fielder. As soon as you release the ball, you are a fielder with responsibilities (bunts, cover first, back up bases). DO YOUR JOB!
16. Control the Running Game. Take pride in affecting the runners' timing.
17. Know the Hitter's Weakness. "Every hitter has a hole. Find it and attack it."
18. Use A Counter Pitch Interchangeable With Your Fastball. Usually a changeup, have a pitch to throw in fastball counts to affect timing.
19. Have More Bullets Than The Hitter. Continuously learn about your strengths. Develop new ones. Know your's opponent's strengths.
20. Never Let Them See You Sweat. Maintain your composure -- "baseball is 90% mental." Make hitters think you did something on purpose.
21. A Pitch is a Pitch When it Can be Thrown for 60% Strikes and Can be Used 20% of the time. Don't get bogged down trying to learn too many pitches. Learn them in order (fastball, changeup, cut fastball/breaking ball). A high school pitcher with great velocity, change of speeds and command of location can pitch with just a fastball and a changeup.
22. Throw a Breaking Ball for a Strike on These Counts: 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 2-2. Show confidence in your breaking ball by throwing it on fastball counts. Remember, a hitter is only as good as his comfort level.
23. Come Back With the Same Pitch if You Miss. Develop a feel. This is a good way to build confidence in a pitch.
24. 1-2 and 2-2 Counts: Use Your Out Pitch. Go get him. Develop a strikeout mentality on these counts.
25. Get Ahead and Stay Ahead. There is a .163 batting average difference between 1-2 and 2-1 counts. To put that into perspective: it's the difference between a .250 and a .413 batting average. It's the difference between a hitter thinking fastball and typically getting it compared to not knowing what's coming.
Final Thoughts
Hitters are more likely to swing following a called strike.
The deeper the count, the better the hitter gets.
The odds are 12-1 against the hitter getting a hit if you make a quality pitch.
1. Learn to throw straight first. Don't be fooled by movement. Most ball movement is caused by improper mechanics.
2. Divide the plate in half. Learn to throw in and out. Often we get too fine and fall behind in the count.
3. Tempo/Rhythm/Attack. Develop your own attack so that every pitch has a purpose.
4. Make Adjustments. Eliminate panic in stressful situations. Adjust mechanics or timing to find what works.
5. Pitching Patterns. (RH vs. RH): 4-seam away, 2-seam in. Develop command by throwing specific pitches in specific locations. Pitching becomes much easier if you truly learn to make one pitch at a time.
6. Make Good Hitters Move Their Feet. Hitting is all about feeling comfortable. Make it hard to know where or at what speed the pitch is coming in.
7. Change The Eye Line. It is hard for the hitter to adjust low after seeing high.
8. 66% First Pitch Strike/70% Strikes. Every outing. Track and compare with outcome of the game.
9. Minimize Walks. This equates to success in pitching.
10. Get The First Hitter Out. The odds of them scoring and doing anything offensively (bunting, stealing, hit and run) go down with one out instead of zero out.
11. Strikeout to Walk Ratio. Strive for 3:1.
12. 14 or Less Pitches Per Inning. It helps longevity and will make you better in late innings.
13. Shut Down Your Opponent The Inning After You Score. It helps build momentum. It should be a top priority goal.
14. 0-2 and 2-0 Counts: Shake Off the Catcher's Sign. Make the batter think. The more he thinks, the less comfortable he is. A good hitter is a comfortable hitter.
15. Be A Fielder. As soon as you release the ball, you are a fielder with responsibilities (bunts, cover first, back up bases). DO YOUR JOB!
16. Control the Running Game. Take pride in affecting the runners' timing.
17. Know the Hitter's Weakness. "Every hitter has a hole. Find it and attack it."
18. Use A Counter Pitch Interchangeable With Your Fastball. Usually a changeup, have a pitch to throw in fastball counts to affect timing.
19. Have More Bullets Than The Hitter. Continuously learn about your strengths. Develop new ones. Know your's opponent's strengths.
20. Never Let Them See You Sweat. Maintain your composure -- "baseball is 90% mental." Make hitters think you did something on purpose.
21. A Pitch is a Pitch When it Can be Thrown for 60% Strikes and Can be Used 20% of the time. Don't get bogged down trying to learn too many pitches. Learn them in order (fastball, changeup, cut fastball/breaking ball). A high school pitcher with great velocity, change of speeds and command of location can pitch with just a fastball and a changeup.
22. Throw a Breaking Ball for a Strike on These Counts: 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 2-2. Show confidence in your breaking ball by throwing it on fastball counts. Remember, a hitter is only as good as his comfort level.
23. Come Back With the Same Pitch if You Miss. Develop a feel. This is a good way to build confidence in a pitch.
24. 1-2 and 2-2 Counts: Use Your Out Pitch. Go get him. Develop a strikeout mentality on these counts.
25. Get Ahead and Stay Ahead. There is a .163 batting average difference between 1-2 and 2-1 counts. To put that into perspective: it's the difference between a .250 and a .413 batting average. It's the difference between a hitter thinking fastball and typically getting it compared to not knowing what's coming.
Final Thoughts
Hitters are more likely to swing following a called strike.
The deeper the count, the better the hitter gets.
The odds are 12-1 against the hitter getting a hit if you make a quality pitch.
"HITTING MECHANICS AND PHILOSOPHIES"
University of Minnesota Baseball
CATEGORY: STANCE OR SET-UP
1. Balanced set-up
2. Feet spread - length of bat
3. Grip - knocking knuckles lined up
4. Elbows down, approximately 90 degrees in front elbow
5. Toes pointed straight ahead
6. Hands at top of strike zone
7. Back arm biceps & forearm touching
8. Chin tucked on front shoulder
9. Eyes both look at pitcher
10. Farther elbows and knees are apart - slower the bat will be
11. Slight knee bend
12. Parallel stance
13. Bat held in fingers
14. Knob of bat points to opposite batter's box
CATEGORY: STRIDE
1. Short, controlled stride
2. Front foot goes forward, hands cock back
3. Keeping hands and weight back enables hitter to swing the same on pitches that have different speeds and location
4. Stride to hit rather stride and hit
5. Front foot is down before ball is released
6. Head still
7. Front foot closed after stride
8. Do not wrap bat around head
CATEGORY: PIVOT - TRIGGER
1. Back knee and back elbow trigger at same time
2. Rear foot cleats should face the catcher
3. Belt buckle turns to point of contact
4. Barrel of bat stays close to ear - no casting
5. On hip turn, front foot opens to 45 degrees
6. Rotation of hips with limited head movement building balance
7. Backside trigger and pivot creates a strong power base
8. Stay inside the ball with the barrel and hands
9. Be able to "hold the angle" on breaking ball away
10. Keep barrel above hands and hands above ball as long as possible
CATEGORY: RELEASE TO SWING
1. Maximize batspeed at point of contact
2. Swing with hands, not shoulders or feet
3. Palm up and palm down at point of contact
4. Let ball come to you - trust your batspeed to make a late decision
5. Sequential unlocking of body parts maximizes batspeed at point of contact
6. Form the "power triangle" at contact point
7. Stay on plane through the ball
8. Proper plane on the swing creates slight backspin and lift on the ball
CATEGORY: GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
1. Avoid "paralysis by analysis"
2. Strive to hit the ball hard - keep well-hit average
3. Be aggressive early in the count
4. Evaluate hitting advice by "easier - tougher" rather than "good -bad"
5. Strive for a high OB% - more walks than K's
6. We want to try to score in at least 4 innings each game
7. 80% of line drives are hits; 37% of ground balls are hits; 18% of fly balls are hits
8. Make the pitcher work hard to get you out
9. 65-70% of pitches in a game are fastballs; hitters swing at off-speed pitches because they are set-up or fooled
10. Toughest pitchers to defeat are guys who throw 3 pitches for strikes. Easiest - 1 pitch for a strike
11. The ability to hit the ball on the ground the opposite way sustains big innings
12. Look to middle of plate and adjust
13. Hitting defined: talent, technique, time
14. Characteristics of good hitters:
a. hands go back before they go forward
b. weight stays between the knees
c. shoulders level and head still
d. back foot pivot
e. quick bat because of snapping joints
