MMV #029: STOP Aiming for the Glove When You Pitch

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Read time: 2 minutes

Most players aim for the glove on all pitches.

That sounds good in theory, but does it work?

Maybe, maybe not.

Try this instead:

Throw the pitch where you want it to START, not where you want it to finish.

The glove is the end point, but you likely will have to aim somewhere else for it to finish there.

This requires you to understand the shapes of your pitches.

Let’s look at some examples:

4-Seam Fastball

Start it middle to finish at the top of the zone.

Curveball

Start it at the catchers mask to finish down and away.

Slider

Start is at the catchers left shoulder to finish down and away.

Changeup

Start it at the catchers chest to finish down over the plate.

This is just a general guideline.

Find what starting points work best for YOU and the way your pitches move.

It’s also important to understand that starting points can change from day to day.

If you’re throwing your curveball in the dirt you might have to think about starting it above the catchers helmet.

If you’re missing up with your fastball, you might have to try to throw it in the dirt.

When you’re consistently missing in one direction, exaggerate the target in the opposite direction.

This is the fastest and easiest adjustment to make in game.

Keep your focus external.

The second you go internal and start thinking about your mechanics, you’re in trouble.

RECAP

• Don’t aim for the glove

• Throw to the starting point

• Adjust starting points as needed

• Starting points are based on pitch shape

We hope todays message was useful and actionable.

See you next week!

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