Private Lessons

Private lessons are the best way for hard working students to improve their skills. I successfully teach students from 7 years old through college by working on the basics keeping in mind that what is "basic" for a varsity pitcher is far different than that of a 10U player. All of the basics learned by a 10U pitcher are employed at the high school level but more advanced "basics", like sequencing, axis of rotation and finger pressure take on more importance after 55 mph is achieved. The "basics" for a 10U beginner are presented with an eye towards developing what is considered to be important later on. For example, sequencing is vital for power pitching. The single most important part of the energy transfer sequence (power moving from the legs to the arm) is making sure that the forearm whips through release with the upper arm stabalized against the body. At 10U and even 12U a pitcher ignoring that part of the sequencing by having her arm fully extended around the circle, may be just as fast or faster than a pitcher working on the standard technique of keeping the elbow flexed until release. But we work on standard technique from the very first lesson so that the student will be ready once the brain is sufficiently developed to allow sequencing to click in.

At PitchingMagic, "beginners" are those throwing less than 45 mph. Beginners focus on skills such as getting good 12/6 fastball rotation with a high rps rate, balance, pitching posture, keeping the ball on the power line on the back half of the circle and holding the elbow flex all the way until the upper arm is vertical. Speed is always taught before focusing on accuracy as the technique used to generate speed is the same as that for accuracy. At 40 mph the students start learning a change up or two.

"Intermediate" pitchers are those throwing roughly 45 - 54 mph. Generally these students work on generating power with the legs and the part of sequencing that transfers that power to the upper body. Refining the timing of hip and shoulder rotation is another part of sequencing and of certainly the elbow whip prior to release is as well. At 45 mph students begin throwing a 2 seam fastball and at 50 mph breaking pitches are worked on with an emphasis on the axis of rotation. Location within the strike zone is critical. Pitchers are exposed to many breaking pitches to find what might be her dominant pitch. A rise ball with 6/12 spiin is one of the pitches introduced.

"Advanced" pitchers are those throwing roughly 55 - 60. Pitchers focus on their dominant breaking pitch and continue making strides with fine tuning sequencing and accuracy. Change ups are stressed. A secondary breaking pitch is usually in the mix. The 6/12 rise ball is worked on. Pitchers work on throwing the ball through an intermediate target to help develop late break.

"Elite" pitchers are those beyond advanced and we keep nibbling away at spin, speed, location and the change up. Private lessons for hard working students who come on a weekly basis to me are offered at no charge. Yes, free. My "compensation" is watching the girls compete, and dominate, as their pitching journey progresses from 10U through college (no Olyimpic or pro pitchers - yet). Donations are accepted but not expected. At indoor lessons parents are expected to do a few minutes of cleaning of the Pitching Place (dust settles everywhere as you might imagine with the girls pitching indoors on dirt). The students are responsible for getting the pitching lanes ready for the next student.