Purpose
Pitchers develop forearm and wrist strength. They also improve timing of lower body and upper body.
Drill Setup
- Pitchers stand about halfway from normal pitching distance (15-20 feet) holding a weighted ball.
- Catcher is standing up.
How it Works
- Pitcher makes a half-swing, bringing the pitching arm to 11 o’clock (without the full windup).
- Pitcher releases the ball and follows through.
- Catcher receives the pitch and throws the ball back.
- Complete 3 sets of 5-10 pitches.
Coaching Tips
- The weighted ball can be purchased from a sporting goods store. Or you can make your own by driving finishing nails into a softball.
- Look for good motion fundamentals, front leg up, arms even in the air, good plant, arm whips through. Pitcher should have a nice, short snap of the wrist and a good toe drag.
- Using a weighted ball is key as it will help the player strengthen their forearm, wrist and fingers which can lead to an increase in velocity.
- Pitchers should be pivoting on back toe to open hips – failure to open hips properly can decrease velocity.