Developing the Youth Pitcher

In many leagues across the country youth players make the move from machine or coach pitch baseball to kid pitch baseball at 9 years old. So, what is pitching? How do we train a kid to throw the baseball across the plate with some regularity?

I'm sure you have been witness to many kids over thinking "pitching" and many coaches "over-coaching" the position. In the early years of learning to pitch the focus should not be on pinpoint, beautiful, mechanics but rather on utilizing their current step and throw motion and incorporating it on the mound. It is easy to confuse a young kid by introducing a wind-up, or balance points, or follow through, to soon. A simple slide-step from the stretch position works exceptionally well. By keeping it simple you will see your player maximize velocity and gain confidence on which you will be able to build upon.