Be Aggressive.... Fill it Up..... Know your best Pitch
Buffalo Pitching Philosophy
First pitch strikes and 2 of first 3 pitches for strikes.
Get each hitter out with 4 pitches or less- minimize pitches
Pitch aggressively with FB but mix in other pitches- We are a FB first program
Breaking balls- use “sight point”- “look there, release there,” LET, the ball break do not force it to break. Start it in the strike zone and let it break.
Change ups- same arm and hand speed as FB/ Use it in FB counts to a first pitch FB hitters; use it after a good swing at a FB/ “soft grip” with 100% arm speed
Focus on the process (the execution of each pitch) not the result.
“You’ve got to trust yourself out there. Trust allows you to make the pitch that gets you the ground ball to end the inning instead of the base hit. (trust and confidence is made in your preparation)
Execute some FB’s in, off the plate when a hitter is getting comfortable- must be your best FB, not a guided FB- (Right handed hitter- throw it through their kneecaps)/(LHH- throw it through their hands. They like it low and inside so have to elevate on Lefties)
Minimize the “Big Inning” by staying focused and executing pitches to the next hitter after an error, HBP,BB, or base hit. Have to want the ball in your hands not matter what happens
Remember- you are only 1 pitch away from getting out of any jam- 1 executed, located pitch can overcome a lot of poor ones
Balance/Direction/Release Point/Extension and Finish- head locked on target 90% effort = 100% velocity with command. 100% effort = velocity without command. Throwing should not be a muscled up movement. It should be a long, loose, fluid movement. Put your body in a strong position and let it work for you- not against you.
Control the running game- runner @first- hold the ball, quick feet, walk it off/may need to go over several times in a row depending on the runner. Utilize slide step. Runner @2nd- multiple looks/inside move/daylight picks/ utilize slide step/ make the runner stop their feet before releasing the ball. All good runners want to keep them moving.
Emotions= you are either in control of your thoughts, feelings and actions or you are being controlled by them. – your choice
Play and compete in the present moment- one inning, one hitter, one pitch at a time.