Expert: Dennis Girardi - 6/1/2009

Question
Hi,

I've just begun to pitch, learning the basic pitches... I'm already 14, but I just want to get a pretty good feel of pitching and the different pitches..

Right now, I'm basically just focusing on fastballs (like two seamers) and curveballs... do you think I should focus on another stuff as well?

Also, I've been a bit sore in my upper arm after pitching against my garage door (about 100 pitches) I made a strike zone and stuff so I'm practicing there. Is the soreness normal?

Also, could you suggest a pitching routinue to follow everyday to warmup and stuff?

Sorry about all the questions! I'll sum it up for you :]

- What pitches to focus on
- Soreness in arm normal?
- Pitching routine

Oh, and one more :P I'm pitching around 70 mph with fastballs, is this pretty good for my age? I just started pitching so..

Thanks a lot!!


Answer
Hey Jeffery,
Concentrate on location, fast ball and change up in that order..
Your arm trouble may be from throwing too many curve balls and possibly throwing it wrong.. Be sure that your arm is bent after you throw the curve ball. Work on the other things first. Location is key to being a good pitcher...
Go online to find out, in more detail, how to throw a curve ball properly. They can also show you a good pitching program for you.
70 miles isn't bad, but you need to get up to 80-85 mph, to pitch in college..
Good luck..
Dennis