AboutJack Elliott Expertise I can answer all baseball training related questions. In particular, questions on hitting, pitching, instruction, strategy, and choosing the right equipment.
Experience I am former baseball player and fan of the game of baseball. I have played in high school and college and participated in MLB tryouts. My total years of baseball experience covers some 20 years.
Question Hey Jack I just turned 15 and i had a few questions about pitching. 1st of all I am about 6'4 and weigh 180. I haven't been put to a speed gun lately but I think I'm throwing around 70-72 consistently. Is that how hard i should be throwing? I feel like I should be throwing much harder for my size. I have been working out but it just seems like I'm throwing slow. I have a good 4-seamer a decent 2-seamer a good change-up and a hard tight curveball. Is that enough pitches? What other pitches would you recommend? I can also throw a knuckleball that is about 50 mph but it needs work. Thanks for your help,
Nathan.
Answer Hi Nathan,
Based on your age and size, I definitely think that your fastball's speed will improve. I would continue to focus on three things to keep this improvement going:
1. Keep doing a weight training program. Choose one that is made for baseball pitchers as it will put extra emphasis on the muscles need to throw harder.
2. If you are not already, start throwing long toss and begin a running regimen. These things will help with your longevity and the log toss will also help strengthen your arm's strength and allow you to throw farther.
3. Begin to take pitching lessons from a baseball instructor in your area that has experience training high school, college and major league players. By learning the correct mechanics, you can increase the speed of your fastball and remove other mistakes from your pitching motion.
As far as pitches go, I recommend that high school players focus on three pitches: a fastball, changeup, and one other breaking pitch. This is usually a curveball or slider. Although it is good to throw more pitches than this, most pitchers find greater success by concentrating on only a few and keying in on refining those pitches. This is why I recommend you stick with these three: fastball, changeup, and curveball.
In the end, it sounds like you are in good shape. Just keep practicing and applying these tips and you should be in real good shape by the time your senior season rolls around.
Best,
Jack Elliott
www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com
