Expert: John Priest - 3/20/2008

Question
Hi John, i just started pitching but whenever i pitch, the ball doesn't go where i want it to go. How do i aim the baseball and how do i know when to release? Please help me out John. Thanks so much.

Answer
Chris,
One thing you never want to do is to aim the baseball.  Aiming the ball will never work and will make you over compensate and not throw strikes.  

You have to develop your release point.  This comes with repetition and the release point is different for different pitches like the fastball, curveball, and change up.  Make sure you have good mechanics with your windup along with good balance and the release point should fall into place.  The release point of the baseball is just like the contact point of the baseball during hitting.  Contact comes with good mechanics just like the release point with good throwing mechanics.  

A great product to improve speed, mechanics, and control is the Strike Out Strippz.  I met Jack Kucek at the American Baseball Coaches Convention is Philladelphia this past year.  He is a former MLB pitcher and the inventor of Strike Out Strippz.  Every pitcher in  my system uses his products with amazing results.  You can see this product at www.learntopitch.com.  If you do get this product and talk to Jack mention my name (John Priest from Nokona Baseball) and he will get you set up with the proper equipment.  

If you don't get the product make sure you are doing all the pitcher lead up drills.  Use drills like the knee drill, square drill, and "L" drill focusing in on release point and proper mechanics.  

I am assuming that you play other positions.  Your release point from your other position is no different from your release point on the mound.  You just have to get used to the proper mechanics and throwing from the mound.  Practice as much as you can but becareful not to over do it and injure yourself.  

Let me know if I can help you further.

Thank You,
John Priest
Nokona Baseball
Nokona Baseball Factory