How to Coach an MLB Pitcher

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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One of the most difficult positions in professional sports is baseball pitcher. The narrow confines of the strike zone and the precision that needs to be used in throwing the ball combine to make pitching a highly specialized position. Your role as a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitching coach is to get the most out of your pitchers during a long season.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Clipboard
Baseballs
Baseball Glove
Video Camera
Speed Gun

Step1

Focus your pitcher's attention on the boundaries of home plate. A significant number of pitchers fail at the professional level not because of physical skills but a command of the strike zone. Tools like the Ultimate Pitcher's and Catcher's Plate help focus a pitcher's eyes to the outlines of home base. See the Resources section below for a link.

Step2

Record your pitcher during practice and bullpen sessions. A video recorder placed behind the mound can be used to monitor a pitcher's throwing motion and body mechanics on every pitch.

Step3

Experiment with alternative pitches to the standard fast ball. Most MLB pitchers have three or four pitches that they can rely upon during a game. Work with your pitcher on developing a breaking pitch like a curve ball or slider to change the pace of the game.

Step4

Develop a lower body exercise regimen for your pitcher. Successful pitchers rely largely on a strong leg kick and push off of the mound to gain more power on each throw.

Step5

Observe your pitcher's finger location during practice to ensure accuracy on each throw. As a pitching coach, you need to get your pitcher to throw their specialty pitches the same way each time. A good way to accomplish this is to have the pitcher show you finger location before throwing the ball.

Step6

Help your pitcher get more comfortable by having him work with the same catcher in practice as in games. Pitchers and catchers need to build a close relationship to ensure pitch placement and the ability to catch base runners stealing. Your role as pitching coach is made easier with a catcher who understands a pitcher's particular talents.

Tips & Warnings

Maintain a close eye on the number of balls thrown by your pitcher in practice. The standard pitch limit for a healthy MLB pitcher in a game is 100 pitches. In practice, keep pitch counts to 40 to 50 throws to avoid arm injuries.