1. Hold the ball so that it feels most comfortable and so that it gets the most life into the pitches.

2. Watch that the pitcher does not choke the ball too much. Think of the ball as an egg while gripping it.

3. The pitcher should hold the ball as far out on the end of his fingers and thumb as he can, and still have good control and command of it (air space).

4. Watch that the pitcher doesn't get fingers spread on the ball as he will lose velocity. Relaxation is a must.

5. Four seam ball fights wind with four seams so you can throw it harder; two seams can only fight wind with two seams so it will move but not come as hard.

Spin

1. Successful pitching demands an understanding of correct spin on the ball.

2. Spin the ball easily and get the ball to spin in the direction you want it to spin--then apply more spin, more speed, more spin and more speed.

3. Every pitcher must have an understanding of the spin he must apply to have the ball do different things.

Hip Rotation And Thrust

1. Open your hips--throw your hips at the batter. Make sure shoulder follows hip. Never let hip get ahead of shoulder. Hips and shoulders rotate together and rotate parallel to rubber.

2. Drive out at the hitter.

3. The entire body goes into the pitch like an uncoiling spring, providing maximum power and drive.

4. Hips should be tilted in such a way that the left hip is higher than the right hip facing second.

Stride

1. A pitcher's stride will determine where the ball will be thrown.

2. Depends on the pitcher's height and how it suits his size and comfort.

3. When pitcher's left foot comes down on the dirt, his right arm should be passing alongside of his head.

4. The knee of the striding leg should remain bent to avoid jarring. Don't swing with leg.

5. The toe and heel should land simultaneously although the ball of the foot should take most of the shock.

6. The pitcher's toe should point toward home plate and go straight to the hole. Pitching is like a ferris wheel, not a merry-go-round. Don't swing with leg.

7. Lift and fall.

8. Take nose right to mitt.

9. Stay boxed up--knees, hips, shoulders.

Release

1. Wrist action and release of the ball imparts good stuff on the pitch.

2. Arm and wrist should be nice and loose.

3. The pitcher should find a consistent point of release.

4. Through practice, a pitcher will develop a "feel" of where he needs to release
the ball in order to throw it in a certain location.

Follow-Through

1. A good follow-through is important for speed, control, and fielding.

2. The pitcher's arm should snap straight across his chest to his left knee.

3. Bury shoulder or chest over knee.

4. Pinch knees and kick back heel up in the air.

5. Don't cost yourself m.p.h. or control problems by not pitching on line.