Thanks for the videos pitched my 1st, 2 games this weekend i walked 1 and gave up 8/7 runs 1and1 not bad for the first time.. cant wait for the new videos on pitches.
Just subbed to your channel. i was forced into pitching ASA and a little in U-trip due to injury of our pitcher last year. this is my 3rd season (fall 2018, spring and fall 2019). They said i was the obvious choice due to my accuracy in cornhole... HAHA. im working on techniques, drills, and exercises you are teaching. Keep up the good work and great videos.
Last year I gave up about 3-6 runs per game but this season I’m giving 8+ runs and HRs. Learned a few tips and see how it goes. I was advised not too throw too many knuckleballs unless it’s a 0-2 count at 6 feet high.
My backspin and screwball are coming along nicely. Slider not so much. My problem lately has been consistency with arc. Many pitches are sub 6' or over 11'. I guess those are ok at times but really need to dial in on consistently hitting the 6-6.5' and 10.5-11' mark. Our first fall ball game is Sunday...hoping to get a few more practice sessions in before then. Thanks again for the video. Makes perfect sense.
Jim, I suspect that the pitches you identify as "sub 6 feet" are actually higher than 6 feet. If you are pitching with relatively constant arm speed, it is unlikely that you can pitch the ball beyond the plate and keep the ball under 6 feet. I've done some investigation into this and will probably address it with a video at some point. The velocity necessary to maintain the distance required to reach beyond the plate exponentially increases as you reduce the arc of the pitch. Most umpires underestimate the hight of low pitches.
@@utah32804 indeed! Not used to throwing with such a high spin rate. Sometimes the pitch comes out of my hands too soon, other times too late. Need to work on the 90 90 rule I guess.
Question: I play in leagues that does the 3 strikes so... Would I need to learn three day pitches? Also thanks for these tips, I'm just starting out pitching, I got some good easy ground outs with your screw ball, but still need more practice as some batters still able to hit those with ease.
This may be a good time for a knuckleball. In a three-strike situation, you need a little more information about the hitter. Is he cautious or a free swinger. If he's comfortable hitting with two strikes, then I would start him out with a knuckleball for a strike; he's not likely to hit it if he doesn't mind going deep in the count. Most cautious hitters won't hit the knuckleball on the first strike. Once you have strike one, then go with the low inside straight pitch for a strike then the screwball off the plate, low and inside. If he's a free swinger, go right after him with the low inside strike first then follow with the screwball down and in. Aggressive hitters are usually not comfortable hitting with two strikes. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Just want to say your videos have been very useful. I started pitching in ASA and now switched to U trip and find more of my pitches are being hit back to me. my question is because of the flatter trajectory i tend to pitch low around knee to belt high. At that height are batters more likely to hit balls right back at me? ive tried missing in breaking balls but they layoff those.
Jon, If you're getting balls hit back up the middle, it's because you're too fat over the plate or outside. Work on your line, your left to right accuracy. Improve to 2"-3" margin of error and stay inside, preferably mixing straight pitches with breakers breaking inside. Make sure your SS and 3B are ready. This usually works for me but not if I can't hit my line. Also, once you get confident with your accuracy, move your 2B over behind you for righties, and you can pick up some easy outs with guys trying to go inside out on your inside pitches.
I’m starting back to pitching again after a 15 year hiatus of playing the outfield! What would you recommend U have a good curve ball but that’s about it Can you help Thank you Bruce
I'm a left handed pitcher, and I'm trying to figure out a 2 pitch combo that works better against right handed hitters. I have limited success with trying to pitch inside to RH hitters since the path of the ball is coming outside/in. This combo works pretty well against LH hitters, but wondered what you do against LH hitters?
Thanks for that.. In your new series Can you film the pitches and mainly the grip from behind like from over your shoulder? I asked this before and you said you would so this is just a reminder. Looking forward to the new series.
What kind of pitching strategy do you recommend for a men's unlimited arc ASA league? I have been pitching for a while now and this year has been a struggle with consistency unlike past years
If your league allows an unlimited arc, you definitely have an advantage over limited arc pitchers. Pitch as high as you can and still get them to hit the ball. High pitches with good backspin are more difficult to hit consistently, but also more difficult to pitch. Be sure your mechanics are consistent, break them down, part by part and then drill and drill some more. There is no substitute for repetition to develop accuracy.
I'm not trying to jinx myself but I still have not given up a home-run since changing styles. Especially the pitches that I put even more back spin and speed into. Most of the time they get blooped or lined.
@@utah32804 I have since given up a few homeruns, but man I get a ton more groundouts and deep flyouts than ever these days. Still not very good at the offspeed pitches yet though.
Great question! Throwing an illegal flat pitch at strategic times can be a great "setup" pitch for an out. I can throw any of my pitches flat but my go-to flat pitch is the straight backspin. You have to get used to accelerating your arm quicker on the down swing and releasing sooner.
@@utah32804 Thank you! I will give that a shot. My league only requires the pitch to be thrown 4 feet high with minimal arc. The ceiling is only 10ft, so my backspin is landing chest high to power hitters. If I can flatten that pitch out (to 4 feet), I think it'll throw them off.
I encountered someone in my league that hit three homeruns off of me in 2 games. My solution? Low and away. He's a pull-ball hitter, and he's not pulling those.
As a pitcher myself they make it to easy for the batter. Umpires are scared to make the call. Different rule, 1 and 1 count with an extra foul doesn't speed up the game and gives the batter the advantage when there should be no advantage to the pitcher or the batter.
Rahoul, if your league allows pitches this high, then you should have a blast! I'd be throwing a lot of straight, backspin pitches, way up there, landing right on the back of the plate. These are tough to hit, however, back to your question. No, I would not recommend this approach for high pitches as you want the pitch to come in somewhere mid-thigh high and lower, and this is tough to do with high pitches. Stay with the low pitches for this sequence and mix in those skyscrapers for fun. Good luck!
Willy, there probably is some deception in this two-pitch sequence, but after seeing it a couple of times, a good, left-handed hitter will probably pick up your hard wrist pronation at release on the slider for pitch two. Not so much for the pitch-two screwball to the right-handed hitter, as it looks more like a backspin pitch than the slider does. If well-executed, it is effective not so much because of deception but because the hitting zone is larger with 2 strikes. If the pitch is close, most good hitters will protect and hit it. If the pitch is down and inside, it's tough to hit for a home run. That's the object of this tactic. I've been working on a pitch that I hope to introduce soon that looks exactly like the slider with hard wrist pronation. However, it backs up slightly toward your pitching arm side instead of breaking hard to your glove side. I have the release and break worked out, but my control of the pitch is still not yet up to "game" quality. This pitch will be perfect for throwing to hitters who have picked up on your slider. A batter on your pitching arm side will expect it to break away, and a batter on your glove side will expect it to break in. Of course, it won't. This pitch will open up some interesting new possibilities, but that's for another day.
might i suggest you try throwing your 4 seamer like you throw your slider and screwball... using the same motion but holding it different, you won't get as much movement but the batter will think it will... when i throw my slider, all i have to do is turn it to a 4 seam and i get no break... or i can adjust the grip from the one i use to get the most slide to a grip that gets less... i frequently get hitters swinging at pitches a foot inside because they have it in their head it's going to slide... exact same delivery with anything from max slide to no slide...
@@utah32804... an added benefit that you've discussed before is once they realize you can do that, it makes them have to wait even longer to decide to swing or not since they get no clue from your delivery...
I've been most successful in forcing weak contact by breaking down a hitter's timing. I believe the best way to do this is by using a combination of breaking pitches. If you haven't watched my video on this subject, you can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/IKki3muMY8I/видео.html Let me know how it goes, and good luck!
@@utah32804 that is also the way I grip the knucklball. Always the same every time. 5 thread holes between pointer and middle finger 4 then 6. I try not to telegraph the pitch but if I grip it any other way it tends to spin a little.
@@utah32804local guy in my area and to see this in person is special. He once filled a spot on our roster on an afternoon he hit one over a church 3 miles away. lol -absurd power and precision at the plate.
Slow Pitch Softball is not real softball, because of the fact that it is played with 3 balls, and 2 strikes, which makes it an illegitimate game! Now because it is a game of illegal defense, since you can't bunt, steal base, and lead off makes it a game to intentionally strike out when you get up to bat! Yes I am saying that if the rules are so that if you hit 2 foul balls, and then you're out, then that means that there is absolutely no reason to make any attempt to get on base, because Slow Pitch Softball is an abortion of the game, since the pitcher is not a factor! Now that means screwing up the offense when you get up to bat puts the real strategy into the game, and make absolutely certain that you have the lowest batting average for the entire season, which creates defense!
Thanks for the videos pitched my 1st, 2 games this weekend i walked 1 and gave up 8/7 runs 1and1 not bad for the first time.. cant wait for the new videos on pitches.
That is so cool Martine! The best position to play in the field. Keep in touch.
Watching your videos has given me confidence,knowledge that I needed li have cut my walks down to 1 a game!!Thank you!!
Just subbed to your channel. i was forced into pitching ASA and a little in U-trip due to injury of our pitcher last year. this is my 3rd season (fall 2018, spring and fall 2019). They said i was the obvious choice due to my accuracy in cornhole... HAHA. im working on techniques, drills, and exercises you are teaching. Keep up the good work and great videos.
Thanks for the props Shannon!
Last year I gave up about 3-6 runs per game but this season I’m giving 8+ runs and HRs. Learned a few tips and see how it goes. I was advised not too throw too many knuckleballs unless it’s a 0-2 count at 6 feet high.
zack greinke proving your point about breaking pitches are a timing killer.
My backspin and screwball are coming along nicely. Slider not so much. My problem lately has been consistency with arc. Many pitches are sub 6' or over 11'. I guess those are ok at times but really need to dial in on consistently hitting the 6-6.5' and 10.5-11' mark. Our first fall ball game is Sunday...hoping to get a few more practice sessions in before then. Thanks again for the video. Makes perfect sense.
Jim, I suspect that the pitches you identify as "sub 6 feet" are actually higher than 6 feet. If you are pitching with relatively constant arm speed, it is unlikely that you can pitch the ball beyond the plate and keep the ball under 6 feet. I've done some investigation into this and will probably address it with a video at some point. The velocity necessary to maintain the distance required to reach beyond the plate exponentially increases as you reduce the arc of the pitch. Most umpires underestimate the hight of low pitches.
@@utah32804 indeed! Not used to throwing with such a high spin rate. Sometimes the pitch comes out of my hands too soon, other times too late. Need to work on the 90 90 rule I guess.
Thanks I did hear you say that in the next video I watched
Take care
Question: I play in leagues that does the 3 strikes so... Would I need to learn three day pitches? Also thanks for these tips, I'm just starting out pitching, I got some good easy ground outs with your screw ball, but still need more practice as some batters still able to hit those with ease.
This may be a good time for a knuckleball. In a three-strike situation, you need a little more information about the hitter. Is he cautious or a free swinger. If he's comfortable hitting with two strikes, then I would start him out with a knuckleball for a strike; he's not likely to hit it if he doesn't mind going deep in the count. Most cautious hitters won't hit the knuckleball on the first strike. Once you have strike one, then go with the low inside straight pitch for a strike then the screwball off the plate, low and inside. If he's a free swinger, go right after him with the low inside strike first then follow with the screwball down and in. Aggressive hitters are usually not comfortable hitting with two strikes. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Just want to say your videos have been very useful. I started pitching in ASA and now switched to U trip and find more of my pitches are being hit back to me. my question is because of the flatter trajectory i tend to pitch low around knee to belt high. At that height are batters more likely to hit balls right back at me? ive tried missing in breaking balls but they layoff those.
Jon, If you're getting balls hit back up the middle, it's because you're too fat over the plate or outside. Work on your line, your left to right accuracy. Improve to 2"-3" margin of error and stay inside, preferably mixing straight pitches with breakers breaking inside. Make sure your SS and 3B are ready. This usually works for me but not if I can't hit my line. Also, once you get confident with your accuracy, move your 2B over behind you for righties, and you can pick up some easy outs with guys trying to go inside out on your inside pitches.
I’m starting back to pitching again after a 15 year hiatus of playing the outfield! What would you recommend U have a good curve ball but that’s about it
Can you help
Thank you Bruce
Can you show me a picture how you hold the screwball I want to learn how to throw it and slow pitch softball thank you and have a safe day
I'm a left handed pitcher, and I'm trying to figure out a 2 pitch combo that works better against right handed hitters.
I have limited success with trying to pitch inside to RH hitters since the path of the ball is coming outside/in.
This combo works pretty well against LH hitters, but wondered what you do against LH hitters?
Learn to throw the opposite direction curve ball. So instead of a slider throw a screw ball
Thanks for that.. In your new series Can you film the pitches and mainly the grip from behind like from over your shoulder? I asked this before and you said you would so this is just a reminder. Looking forward to the new series.
Yes Duane, will be showing from behind, the side and hitter's angle, all in slow-mo.
What kind of pitching strategy do you recommend for a men's unlimited arc ASA league? I have been pitching for a while now and this year has been a struggle with consistency unlike past years
If your league allows an unlimited arc, you definitely have an advantage over limited arc pitchers. Pitch as high as you can and still get them to hit the ball. High pitches with good backspin are more difficult to hit consistently, but also more difficult to pitch. Be sure your mechanics are consistent, break them down, part by part and then drill and drill some more. There is no substitute for repetition to develop accuracy.
Could you do a live Q&A video?
Sure Justin. Sounds like a great idea. I’ll look into setting it up. Thanks!
I'm not trying to jinx myself but I still have not given up a home-run since changing styles. Especially the pitches that I put even more back spin and speed into. Most of the time they get blooped or lined.
That's awesome Virgil. I wish I could say that.
@@utah32804 Well it is REC league, let me reassess after playing in uppers for a few seasons.
@@utah32804 I have since given up a few homeruns, but man I get a ton more groundouts and deep flyouts than ever these days. Still not very good at the offspeed pitches yet though.
Which pitch do you throw flat? I have trouble throwing the backspin pitch without an arc.
Great question! Throwing an illegal flat pitch at strategic times can be a great "setup" pitch for an out. I can throw any of my pitches flat but my go-to flat pitch is the straight backspin. You have to get used to accelerating your arm quicker on the down swing and releasing sooner.
@@utah32804 Thank you! I will give that a shot. My league only requires the pitch to be thrown 4 feet high with minimal arc. The ceiling is only 10ft, so my backspin is landing chest high to power hitters. If I can flatten that pitch out (to 4 feet), I think it'll throw them off.
@@arfindlan wow I’m jealous. Ours is 6’-10’ and half the time they call 7’ illegal.
I encountered someone in my league that hit three homeruns off of me in 2 games. My solution? Low and away. He's a pull-ball hitter, and he's not pulling those.
As a pitcher myself they make it to easy for the batter. Umpires are scared to make the call. Different rule, 1 and 1 count with an extra foul doesn't speed up the game and gives the batter the advantage when there should be no advantage to the pitcher or the batter.
My league I can get away with 15-18 ft high pitches , can this same strategy apply to high pitches as well?
Rahoul, if your league allows pitches this high, then you should have a blast! I'd be throwing a lot of straight, backspin pitches, way up there, landing right on the back of the plate. These are tough to hit, however, back to your question. No, I would not recommend this approach for high pitches as you want the pitch to come in somewhere mid-thigh high and lower, and this is tough to do with high pitches. Stay with the low pitches for this sequence and mix in those skyscrapers for fun. Good luck!
is there deception here? can the hitter tell from your delivery what pitch you're throwing?
Willy, there probably is some deception in this two-pitch sequence, but after seeing it a couple of times, a good, left-handed hitter will probably pick up your hard wrist pronation at release on the slider for pitch two. Not so much for the pitch-two screwball to the right-handed hitter, as it looks more like a backspin pitch than the slider does.
If well-executed, it is effective not so much because of deception but because the hitting zone is larger with 2 strikes. If the pitch is close, most good hitters will protect and hit it. If the pitch is down and inside, it's tough to hit for a home run. That's the object of this tactic.
I've been working on a pitch that I hope to introduce soon that looks exactly like the slider with hard wrist pronation. However, it backs up slightly toward your pitching arm side instead of breaking hard to your glove side. I have the release and break worked out, but my control of the pitch is still not yet up to "game" quality.
This pitch will be perfect for throwing to hitters who have picked up on your slider. A batter on your pitching arm side will expect it to break away, and a batter on your glove side will expect it to break in. Of course, it won't. This pitch will open up some interesting new possibilities, but that's for another day.
might i suggest you try throwing your 4 seamer like you throw your slider and screwball... using the same motion but holding it different, you won't get as much movement but the batter will think it will...
when i throw my slider, all i have to do is turn it to a 4 seam and i get no break... or i can adjust the grip from the one i use to get the most slide to a grip that gets less... i frequently get hitters swinging at pitches a foot inside because they have it in their head it's going to slide... exact same delivery with anything from max slide to no slide...
Good tip Willy, I’ll give it a try.
@@utah32804... an added benefit that you've discussed before is once they realize you can do that, it makes them have to wait even longer to decide to swing or not since they get no clue from your delivery...
wgat are the best pitches to initiate weak contact?
I've been most successful in forcing weak contact by breaking down a hitter's timing. I believe the best way to do this is by using a combination of breaking pitches. If you haven't watched my video on this subject, you can watch it here: ruclips.net/video/IKki3muMY8I/видео.html
Let me know how it goes, and good luck!
@@utah32804 thank you
I’m one of those hitters
Also curious on how you grip/throw your knuckleball. Everyone seems to do it differently.
Jim, I grip it across the seams with all 4 fingers, fingernails into the seam. I'll be making a video on it as part of my "PITCHES" series.
@@utah32804 that is also the way I grip the knucklball. Always the same every time. 5 thread holes between pointer and middle finger 4 then 6. I try not to telegraph the pitch but if I grip it any other way it tends to spin a little.
I'm distracted by the guitar in the back. I wanna play it lol
right in the wheel house - pitch them deep Period ...
a very obvious footnote here is dont pitch to big Harv here because he will hit it to the moon regardless of what you throw him..
Your probably right Lee. Fortunately us weeknight pitchers don't have to face batters like big Harv very often.
@@utah32804local guy in my area and to see this in person is special. He once filled a spot on our roster on an afternoon he hit one over a church 3 miles away. lol -absurd power and precision at the plate.
OUT!!
Slow Pitch Softball is not real softball, because of the fact that it is played with 3 balls, and 2 strikes, which makes it an illegitimate game! Now because it is a game of illegal defense, since you can't bunt, steal base, and lead off makes it a game to intentionally strike out when you get up to bat! Yes I am saying that if the rules are so that if you hit 2 foul balls, and then you're out, then that means that there is absolutely no reason to make any attempt to get on base, because Slow Pitch Softball is an abortion of the game, since the pitcher is not a factor! Now that means screwing up the offense when you get up to bat puts the real strategy into the game, and make absolutely certain that you have the lowest batting average for the entire season, which creates defense!
Can u just give info and not ramble on and on
What are you trying to say????? Get it out man. This is unwatchable