How To Be A GREAT BASEBALL PITCHER AND IT STARTS AT EARLY AGE

Owen Kelly, the author of "How to be a Great Baseball Pitcher," has an extensive background in the world of baseball. Starting from Little League and progressing through High School, Pitcher in the Military, and even a short stint with the Montreal Expos, Kelly has gained valuable insights and experiences throughout his career. Additionally, he has worked as a Major League Scout for the Cincinnati Reds, further expanding his knowledge of the game.

Kelly's journey in baseball has taught him valuable lessons, and he emphasizes one crucial point from his own mistakes: never pitch double headers. Having experienced the negative consequences firsthand, Kelly warns aspiring pitchers against overexerting their arms by pitching in consecutive games. His own arm suffered from the strain when he joined the Montreal Expos.

With a desire to guide others and share his blueprint for success, Kelly stresses that his writing is not driven by ego or boasting. Rather, he aims to provide aspiring pitchers with the perfect ingredients for greatness. Drawing from his own experiences, he offers valuable advice and strategies for becoming an exceptional pitcher. Kelly's accomplishments speak for themselves, as he was recognized as a top 40 player in the Northeast by numerous Major League scouts. Even Hall of Famer Tommy Holmes acknowledged his talent and potential.

The series penned by Owen Kelly serves as a personal guide, starting from the fundamentals and building a solid foundation for aspiring pitchers. Through his writing, Kelly aims to provide invaluable insights into the art of pitching, ensuring that young pitchers can avoid the mistakes he made and achieve greatness on the mound. Many Little League coaches put 10-11 year old pitchers right on the pitchers mound, and the balls are all over the place, starting at age 10 its about learning about the pitchers mound and learning to pitch straight and control of your pitchers.

How to Be a Great Pitcher: Part 1 - Mastering Control at Age 10

***NEVER START THROWING A CURVE BALL AT THIS AGE< THE KEY WORD IS CONTROL at AGE 10 to 12 Throwing straight and hitting your targets.

?

The way you should practice:

Becoming a great pitcher requires dedication, practice, and a solid foundation of fundamental skills. In this multi-part series, I will explore the essential elements that make up a successful pitcher. Part 1 focuses on the crucial aspect of control, starting from the age of 10. Developing control at an early stage is paramount for pitchers, as it sets the stage for their future growth and success on the mound.

?

Playing Catch Every Day:

At the age of 10, the journey to becoming a great pitcher begins with daily practice. Playing catch is an excellent way to improve your throwing accuracy and control. Find a partner and make it a habit to throw back and forth. But remember, the key word at this stage is "control."

?

Aiming for the Chest:

When playing catch, aim to consistently hit your partner's chest with your throws. This helps develop your accuracy and ensures that your pitches go where you intend them to. Focus on throwing straight and hitting your target consistently. This level of precision is essential in building a strong foundation for your pitching skills.

?

Utilizing the Pitcher's Mound:

To further enhance your control, step onto the pitcher's mound and take 15 steps toward your catcher. This position puts you halfway between the mound and the catcher, providing an ideal distance for practicing throws. By mastering control from this distance, you will improve your ability to hit the strike zone accurately. Once you are comfortable hitting your targets now move on the pitchers mound and start the process over. Take your time and remember to throw straight and have FUN.

?

Throwing Inside and Outside:

As you progress, it's crucial to expand your range of control by practicing throwing inside and outside. By working on hitting different spots of the strike zone, you will become a more versatile and effective pitcher. This ability to vary your location will keep batters off balance and increase your chances of success on the mound.

?

Emphasizing Control:

While the process of mastering control may seem repetitive or mundane at times, it is crucial to understand its importance. Control lays the foundation for all other aspects of pitching. Without control, velocity and movement become ineffective. Therefore, embrace the repetitiveness and focus on refining your control to become a better pitcher.

?

Mental Toughness Starts Now-YES AT 10

At the age of 10, aspiring pitchers embark on their journey to greatness. Developing control becomes the primary focus during this stage, and it forms the basis for all future pitching skills. By playing catch daily, aiming for the chest, utilizing the pitcher's mound, and practicing throwing inside and outside, young pitchers can hone their control and lay the groundwork for future success. Remember, while it may seem tedious, mastering control is essential, and it will pay off in the long run. Stay tuned for Part 3 of my series, where I will delve further into the art of pitching.