Expert: Dennis Girardi - 10/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hey
My name is Irfan and i am a pitcher i throw a nasty sinking cutter mixed with a filthy two seam and four seam. I cant seem to control it some times and hit people. I can throw 70-75 and im 12 years old. How do i boost my velocity?
Thanks

ANSWER: Hey Irfan,

The best way to control this pitch is to start by throwing across the seams, then with the seams, etc.... Throw about 20 pitches to see what it does.. Keep changing the grips until you find one that can be controlled.  Always use a league ball , not a rubber or coated ball. Only the ball that you would use in a game.  
In order to throw harder, you need to work on strengthen your legs as well as your arms.  Do this with weights and running.. (You throw pretty fast for a 12 year old..)  Try to throw at least every other day...
Good Luck....and let me know what happens.
Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey how are you ding sorry to bother you again but I have tried what you said and it doesnt work. Um I was wondering how to control my pitches more. I am trying to add a 12-6 curveball which is going amazing. I have struck out 12 guys out with that. I want to also know how to stop the blisters.

ANSWER: Hey Iran,

It's kind of hard to help without actually seeing you pitch, but I'm trying.  What part are you having trouble with? Is it the control?

Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey dennis it is certainly the control. My troubles are the control and blisters. I'm trying to develop a 12-6curve.

Answer
Hey Irfan,

You need to work on your control before you work on anything else.. Can you get your fast ball over? outside corner, inside corner....  You have to be able to throw this pitch where you want to 85% of the time to be successful.  If you just can throw a fast ball alone, and keep it on the outside half of the plate on a regular basis, you WILL be a successful pitcher, no matter how hard you throw... Look at Tom Glavin, Jaymie Moyer and Greg Maddox....

Let the blisters  heal totally, before you start pitching again... You are probably getting them from throwing your nasty curve.. You must be holding the ball too tight, eh?

Dennis