How to Pitch a Baseball

So you've got the job of teaching a kid how to pitch a baseball. But the problem is you're not quite sure how to break the various steps down. Here are some tips on how you, the coach, can teach a young pitcher the proper way to pitch a baseball.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baseball
• Glove
• Someone in the catching position (optional)

1. Measure the correct distance for the youngster to learn how to pitch a baseball. From eight years old until 12 years of age, kids pitch from a mound that is 45 feet from the plate. 13 and older, they pitch from the professional distance of 60 feet 6 inches. Measure or mark this distance so that the young pitcher is throwing the baseball from the appropriate distance.

2. Face the catcher and place the baseball in your glove. This is your starting position.

3. Step backward with the opposite leg of whichever hand you use to pitch. If you are right-handed, you step back with your left leg. If you are left-handed, step back with your right foot.

4. Raise your hands either above your head or in front of your face as you step back. This is a comfort and style choice for the pitcher. But the important thing is that the ball is still inside the glove and it is counteracting your leg motion backward by moving up.

5. Turn and tuck your opposite leg into your body. If you are left handed this is your right leg and if you are right handed then it is your left leg.

6. Balance yourself on the same leg as your pitching arm as you come to the "top" of the pitching position. You are in the midst of building momentum toward the plate. Reaching a balance or "fulcrum" or physicality is essential before pitching the ball toward the plate. Some pitchers momentarily pause here.

7. Drive toward the plate pushing off your back leg. After you have reached the balance point, push off your back leg with force and drive toward the plate using as much momentum as possible.

8. Pitch the ball toward the plate using your throwing arm. All of your momentum is going directly toward the plate. As your pitching arm naturally comes over top of your body, release the ball when it is even with your shoulder. If someone can instinctively throw the ball, they will be able to feel the point at which they should release to throw a pitch.

Tips & Warnings

• To pitch "out of the stretch" when a runner is on base, place your back foot against the rubber and your other foot in front. (You will feel as if you are standing sideways to the plate.) Place the ball in your glove, start at the top of your head and bring the glove and ball down until your reach your belt. Pause here and then pitch the ball to the plate using the previous instructions. Great pitchers are effective from the "wind-up" and "the stretch."
• Avoid pitching curve balls until you are at least 13 years of age. Many a pitcher has worn out their arm by throwing too many curve balls at a young age.

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