Improving Velocity - Quick Fix

Velocity is constantly on the minds of pitchers at every level. Although velocity is not the most important factor in being successful, it is still a very valuable asset when playing at higher levels. I am going to tell you how you can instantly add a little velocity to your pitches or at least give you a little more life on your fastball by addressing a common issue amongst younger pitchers; getting behind the baseball.

We hear this phrase all the time, at every level, but what does it mean?

Well, to put it simply, it means using ALL the force generated by the body to throw the ball, while taking as much strain off the arm as possible. Oftentimes pitchers generate a lot of power but miss out on using it because the body jumps ahead of the ball too fast, making the arm do all of the work. So how do we fix this?

One simple fix is to separate your hands a little earlier. This gives the arm a head start getting it into the slot easier and allow the body to stay back. Here is a simple drill you can do to teach your muscles the right timing. Get to the balanced position and pause. A split second before you begin to drop your lift leg, begin to separate your hands. Continue your motion until just before you come out of balance and pull your lift leg and arms back up to the balance position you started in. Repeat this 10 times and rest for 30 sec. You should do 2 or 3 sets of this drill every other day.

Remember: nothing can get you to the next level faster than working with a professional. If you, or someone else you know, needs individual instruction please contact me via email at gwhelan@tpgpitching.com for more information.

How To Visualize A Great Performance

This week I would like to discuss visualization.

If you have played baseball at any level, you more than likely have heard Yogi Berra's famous words once or twice: "Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical."

Although this famous Yogi-ism seems to stump the mathematicians of the world, there is something to be said about its meaning. To be more specific, it really stresses the importance of the mental game while not diminishing physical preparation. This obvious attempt at hyperbole has succeeded in getting the attention of the entire baseball community.

The mental side of baseball is the most important aspect of your game. How do you think today's professional athletes can preform in front of 40,000 people? The answer is simple. They have already played the game in their heads. Also, they have imagined every possible situation and having done so, gained tremendous confidence in themselves.

Before your next game, whether you're a starter, closer or anywhere in between, try this:

1 - Go somewhere quiet and where you won't be disturbed for at least 10-15 min.
2 - Lay down with you arms at your side, close your eyes and begin taking deep breaths. Relax.
3 - Now imagine the field you are playing on. Imagine the mound, the smells and the sounds.

4 - When you have a complete mental image of your surroundings you can start visualizing your performance. Start with your warm-up in the pen. Every detail counts. Imagine throwing your warm-up pitches on the field. Then visualize facing a few batters. Righty-Lefty-Righty or Lefty-Righty-Lefty, you choose. By not giving the batter an identity you can prepare for every situation. If there is one batter that you struggle against you can visualize facing him. Remember that every detail is important.

Here are some tips to help you get started:
-Start small. Maybe three or four pitches to each batter and one inning.
-Use all of your pitches.
-Practice makes perfect. The more you do this, the more comfortable you will become.

If you continue to do this, I guarantee you will see results.

Remember: nothing can get you to the next level faster than working with a professional. If you, or someone else you know, needs individual instruction please contact me via email at graigwhelan@gmail.com for more information.