MMV #033: 4 Levels of Fastball Command Training

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Read time: 3 minutes

Fastball command is an important ingredient of success for most pitchers.

While this shouldn't be a surprise, most don't know how to train it.

Today we want to walk you through 4 levels of fastball command training, using differential balls.

But first, what are differential balls why do they work?

Balls that vary in size and weight from a regular baseball. 

Because of the different sizes and weight, you are forced to make minor adjustments from pitch to pitch.

This increase in proprioception (feel) is what we are all after.

By increasing proprioception, you should be more aware of how the ball is being released and as a result increase your ability to make adjustments.

For more details on differential learning, Rob Gray's website and podcast are great resources.

You can also purchase differential balls through Driveline Baseball (we are not associated with Driveline in anyway).

When using differential balls, it’s important to start at an appropriate level of difficulty.

While this should be difficult, too much failure is not good.

General rule:

<35% strikes = too difficult

>65% strikes = too easy

Have feel with this as you develop programs.

One bullpen might not tell you if it’s too easy or too difficult.

How close to 35% were they?

How much higher than 65% were they?

Have them perform a couple bullpen before determining if you need to make an adjustment.

Now for the bullpens:

Level 1: Introduction to Differentials

• All fastballs
• Blocked Format
• Blend a 6oz and a 4oz ball

Level 2: Oversized and Undersized

• All fastballs
• Blocked format
• Blend +5% and -5%

Level 3: Randomized Differentials

• All fastballs
• More randomized

Level 4: Blending OS

• Mix of pitches
• More randomized

These are just 4 examples of progressing from easier to more difficult.

You can tailor the differential work to the players specific needs.

If he misses consistently up and arm side, using heavier and oversized balls would be good.

For guys that miss consistently glove side and down, use lighter and undersized balls.

RECAP

Differential balls for command:

• Start at appropriate difficulty
• Aim for success rate between 35-65%
• Tailor program to players specific needs 

That's all for today.

See you next week!

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