How do you coach pitching???

[jbolt_2000]

OK, I know how to pitch and I know the fundamentals and all the basics of learning how to pitch. THe problem I have is teaching/coaching it so that the kids are successful.

I have coached most of our kids into pitching and all do 'OK', but when I had one of my assistant coaches work with the pitchers they all seemed to pick up dramatically. Now I have a good 3-4 studs for pitchers, when before I had about 6-7 descent pitchers under my coaching.

So, I need some help. What could I be doing wrong? Obviously I am doing somethign wrong. What could it be? How do you experienced coaches out there, coach pitching? What do you look for? How do identify problems, etc????


Aside from experience, are there any definitive books out there I can learn from? I have heard of the Art and Science of Pitching, by Tom House. Is this the best? Are there better ones out there?

I really want information/book suggestions on how to coach pitching, not just how to pitch.


Thanks for any suggestions!!!!

[TG Coach]

What age group?

[jbolt_2000]

Sorry, for the long delay in responding. I had a game yesterday and couldn't log back on until now.

The age group is 9-10 y/o. This is Little League. Most of the have some background in pitching (understand the basic movements), and a few have never done it before.

[CoachHenry]

I'd say your best best is to hang out with the assistant coach and see what he does. Also when I first started working with my son on pitching I would take him to lessons and pay close attention. I pitched plenty and did ok but knowing how and instructing it is different. However by using my personal knowledge with what I picked up form the various instructors (camps, etc) I was able to get by. In time I got better, etc.

So I could give you several things to look for but as for how to better instruct that is going to take studying others, reading, watching during games, etc.

[jbolt_2000]

I'd say your best best is to hang out with the assistant coach and see what he does. Also when I first started working with my son on pitching I would take him to lessons and pay close attention. I pitched plenty and did ok but knowing how and instructing it is different. However by using my personal knowledge with what I picked up form the various instructors (camps, etc) I was able to get by. In time I got better, etc.

So I could give you several things to look for but as for how to better instruct that is going to take studying others, reading, watching during games, etc.

I plan on sitting in next time my asst coach goes with the pitchers, but it is hard as I have the rest of the team to work with. I can probably do this when I have more coaches at practice sometime.

Are there any real definitive coaching books I could read up on? I know there are alot out there, but I want something that has been tried and true. Something that the majority agree with. Are there any books/DVDs you like?

[CoachHenry]

I plan on sitting in next time my asst coach goes with the pitchers, but it is hard as I have the rest of the team to work with. I can probably do this when I have more coaches at practice sometime.

Are there any real definitive coaching books I could read up on? I know there are alot out there, but I want something that has been tried and true. Something that the majority agree with. Are there any books/DVDs you like?

It's been a long time and I don't coach pitching anymore. I mostly did it then to help my son and along the way helped a bunch of other kids as well. Usually on the teams my son was on I handled the pitchers because there wasn't anybody else more qualified. Now that my son is in HS I help HIM get ready for the season and also a few of his friends but I don't studying it like I still do hitting. For hitting I give instruction and stay current with all the nice arguments for and against this and that and so on. With pitching once I found my son's tendencies I just study within them with occasional other reading here.

To sum up: There are several on here that will have some opinions on some books. I would suggest even reading some of the more controversial ones as there is some good information in there. Paying attention to BOTH sides of a heated discussion can sometimes reveal a hidden gem that you can use in certain situations.