Pitching
workout 3
COUNTDOWNS:
Countdowns is one of my students favorite practice drills. It causes
the student to really focus on the ‘purpose’ of pitching and it also
challenges the pitcher to become better with each pitch. It can get
tough at times, but that is part of the mental stage a pitcher must
learn to work through. Make sure you have the time to finish it and do
not give up. For the more advanced pitcher, the targets must be
precise. For the beginner, you may widen the zone slightly to help them
gain confidence. Do not “give in” once you start. Set the boundaries
before you begin the workout. You should have note cards with the
specific pitches you are going to throw written down before you begin.
If you have ample time, you may also count back up the pitches.
The pitcher will begin
by throwing 10 pitches of a certain pitch, then 9 of a different pitch,
then 8 of a different one, etc. The pitches that actually hit the
designated target are counted. You should keep track of the total
number of pitches it takes to reach the required number of pitches. The
pitcher will work all the way down to 1 and then back up to 10. The
next time the pitcher completes the drill, she should try to throw fewer
pitches than the time before.
Sample Countdown
Workout:
Designated pitch &
location:
|
Actual #
of pitches thrown:
|
|
| a. 10
best control pitch |
12 |
| b. 9
low outside |
16 |
| c. 8
high inside |
13 |
| d. 7
low inside |
9 |
| e. 6
change-ups |
10 |
| f.
5 pitchouts to a right hander |
5 |
| g. 4
low middle |
8 |
| h. 3
high inside to a left hander |
14 |
| i.
2 curve balls for strikes |
8 |
|
j. 1 pitcher’s choice |
1 |
|
55 Total pitches |
96 Actual
Pitches |
