The Official ASA Pitching Thread! ( For Pitchers only )

[tapatio711]

This thread is only for ASA Pitchers only. If you don't pitch, please don't be a little nosy girl and post here! We don't need your comments. Thanks!

lets share tips and tricks on how to get outs, hitters have the edge with all these new bat technology. It's time to unite and share our knowledge.

Feel free to Post any pitching question that you have, we have a lot of great pitchers on this board that will share their knowledge.

[eddieq]

My biggest piece of advice that I always give to new pitchers:

Pitch the ball and get ready to field. If you stand there posing after you have released the ball, you're gonna get drilled sooner or later. Trust me, I know.

Also, don't over think the position. Throw strikes. If you can put a wicked spin on it that will cause grounders or pop-ups, great, but don't sacrifice accuracy for trickery.

[tapatio711]

^^^ Great Advise here! Thanks!

I find myself backing up too much and not being ready to field, these delays my reaction to the ball ( im not set ) and some grounders get past me. I recommend 2 steps back and getting ready to field.

[SouthernSwing]

Originally Posted by eddieq

My biggest piece of advice that I always give to new pitchers:

Pitch the ball and get ready to field. If you stand there posing after you have released the ball, you're gonna get drilled sooner or later. Trust me, I know.

Also, don't over think the position. Throw strikes. If you can put a wicked spin on it that will cause grounders or pop-ups, great, but don't sacrifice accuracy for trickery.

I agree. When I started pitching I found myself posing after release..until I almost got lit up. Then I started backing off and that's too much. I agree with ^ to take a step or 2 back and get your glove up. You don't want to be caught with your glove down is the main thing.

Also...be smart! Watch what hitters do. If they are strong pull hitters, stay away from the inside...they like to shoot middle or go backside, put it on their hands...etc.

[eddieq]

The last time I got drilled on the mound was batting practice. Got one of my 14 concussions when I was very casual about it (nobody shoots middle in BP, right?) Kid with no bat control hit it right on the screws (with my Envy, no less, to add insult to injury) and it got me right above the left eye on the forehead. Ever since, I'm always ready to field. Sure, I might get drilled by a hot shot (especially one at the knees/shins), but I am more likely to be able to field it.

So, more advice - if you're struggling a little, don't get frustrated. If you cop a tude about a close pitch you didn't get, I guarantee you're not getting the call on the next close one.

[SouthernSwing]

Originally Posted by eddieq

So, more advice - if you're struggling a little, don't get frustrated. If you cop a tude about a close pitch you didn't get, I guarantee you're not getting the call on the next close one.

haha I never understood why people argue with umps so much. I know how it feels in the moment but geez. They don't realize (as most pitchers should) that the strike zone tends to shrink the more you argue with blue. Argue enough...and I promise you won't throw a strike the rest of the night!

Sometimes if I have a late game I watch the one before me on the same field I'm playing to see how the ump is calling the balls coming in and try to adjust accordingly.

[eddieq]

I remember one game, I was having a hell of a time and the umpire was definitely squeezing the zone. I understand, you're struggling, you don't get the benefit of the calls. Our "coach" calls from the bench, "C'mon Eddie, throw strikes!" I shouted, "I am throwing strikes, this guy can't see them, though". I got a hairy eyeball and a "watch it" from Mr. Blue. Next guy up popped up with the bases loaded, though, so it's all good

[gfunk]

question , i have 4 you guys , when pitching do you guys use other gear ???
haven't pitch lately due to my work .

helmet
mouth piece
cup-check ----what brand ???

[tapatio711]

Originally Posted by gfunk

question , i have 4 you guys , when pitching do you guys use other gear ???
haven't pitch lately due to my work .

helmet
mouth piece
cup-check ----what brand ???

I use a worth helmet, cup, thin mizuno knee pads. no mouth piece.
ive thought about buying some sort of chest protector, like a lacrosse shirt.

[blakcherry329]

Originally Posted by gfunk

question , i have 4 you guys , when pitching do you guys use other gear ???
haven't pitch lately due to my work .

helmet
mouth piece
cup-check ----what brand ???

Nope, not yet. I still think I can get my glove on anything, above the waist that is.


Advice:

1. Throw strikes
2. Always expect the ball to be hit back at you
3. Always be ready to field
4. Once you can throw strikes consistently, work on different pitches(backspin, knuckleball, etc.)
5. Back ups and cutoffs, be in the correct position. This varies from team to team, so you can figure that out.
6. Cover first on grounders to the right side.
7. Keep a level head. Don't get pissed at fielding errors and don't have Rabbit Ears(if the other team is talking sh*t). Stay focused and do your job.

[Pretty]

I have been pitching for three years and this is how I approach it:
1. Get strike one until they start swinging at the first pitch, then start mixing it up.

2. Never throw two strikes in a row unless a ball would be a walk.


3. Miss deep not short. Walking the box makes a short pitch a strike to a good hitter.


4. Stay mid to outside on power lefty's. For some reason if the guy has any pop at all and it is inside they seem to put it about 315'.


5. Throw a knuckleball in windy conditions, it is the only time it actually works.

[tapatio711]

Originally Posted by Pretty

I have been pitching for three years and this is how I approach it:
1. Get strike one until they start swinging at the first pitch, then start mixing it up.

2. Never throw two strikes in a row unless a ball would be a walk.


3. Miss deep not short. Walking the box makes a short pitch a strike to a good hitter.


4. Stay mid to outside on power lefty's. For some reason if the guy has any pop at all and it is inside they seem to put it about 315'.


5. Throw a knuckleball in windy conditions, it is the only time it actually works.

great tips here!

[tapatio711]

I seem to have issues with these hitters.... and I know where the focker wants to hit it

What do you guys recommend? deep/short inside? I have pretty good control, knuckle, backspin, low and high.

[tapatio711]

Originally Posted by tapatio711

I seem to have issues with these hitters.... and I know where the focker wants to hit it

What do you guys recommend? deep/short inside? I have pretty good control, knuckle, backspin, low and high.

Any advise on this matter?

[hinzy]

Originally Posted by tapatio711

I seem to have issues with these hitters.... and I know where the focker wants to hit it

What do you guys recommend? deep/short inside? I have pretty good control, knuckle, backspin, low and high.

Originally Posted by tapatio711

Any advise on this matter?

I use all of the pitching rubber... I'm a right handed pitcher and when pitching to a right handed hitter that I see wants to go oppo, I either move way to the right side of the rubber with my left foot barely touching and pitch outstretched and try to get it to just come to the inside of the plate. Many times it will land behind the plate without even crossing above it and some umps will give ya that. The other thing I like to do is move way to the left side of the rubber and turn my body as much as i can as to almost pitch behind me so as I'm pitching into his hands. I try and use angles more that I really try to use trickery.

I always try and keep the ball inside on oppo hitters. Not really a secret though....