GHS Baseball Pitching Program

For Players and Coaches

This program is for intermediate to advanced players that are learning to perfect their pitching. The use of the tee and this program is an effective way to improve pitching mechanics and increase their accuracy, velocity and consistency.

Have the player throw 3 sets of 3 dry reps for each of the eight steps, evaluating and correcting after each set. In the final step, the player will perform 3 sets of 4 live throws, again evaluating and correcting after each set. The program takes a player approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Step 1 - Proper Alignment

Step 1 uses the Pitching Tee (base unit) to align the player’s front side and head to the target and also serves as the attachment base for the additional steps in the program. Proper alignment is the basis for correct form, throwing accuracy and reduces arm stress.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Pitching Tee Assembly

Additional Set-up Notes:

Set the pitching tee base 8-12 feet in front of the mound or for flat ground pitching.

The following alignment and the correct release over the boom (just above the head) to the target is required for pitching accuracy.

Step Instructions

Instructions and video: Pitching Tee Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

The player in either the windup or the stretch and in the knee lift position align the front shoulder with the center line of the yellow boom marker with the target, the players eyes should now be aligned with the red marker on the boom. In the players stride to the target just as the pitching motion begins forward the players eyes will automatically move from the red marker to the yellow marker, for perfect alignment players must not let their eyes/head move past the center line on the yellow marker. The player must hold this alignment until the ball is released. For accurate and consistent throws player releases towards the top of the target.

Step 2 - Proper Knee Lift

Step 2 uses the Knee Lift Position Bar to show the player where to create a consistent knee lift height for their delivery to the plate. The proper knee lift will create proper balance and allow them to complete the remaining steps properly.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Knee Lift Position Bar Assembly

Additional Set-up Notes:

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Knee Lift Position Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

Players with little to no pitching experience should place the knee lift position bar at the belt buckle in order to create proper balance to successfully complete the remain steps.

Experienced pitchers will set the knee lift position bar at their knee lift height (Ex. Belt buckle. Belly button, or chest). If you are thrown off balance trying to touch the bar with your knee then it should be lowered to a more comfortable height where balance can be achieved.

Note: The lifted knee should only lightly touch the bar.

Step 3 – Proper Load

Step 3 uses the Power Position Bar to guide the player to properly load the backside before driving to the target. This helps increase the player’s velocity of the pitch/throw.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Power Position Bar Assembly

Additional Set-up Note:

From the set position, the Tee will be set up on the pitchers back should.

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Power Position Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

The back knee will slightly bend (approx.. 30 degrees or ¼ bend) until the player touches their bottom to the bar. This creates power through the target which will increase velocity.

Step 4 – Proper Stride

Step 4 uses the Knee Lift & Pass Under Bar to guide the player to stride square by not swinging the lead leg outward toward the bar but directly down and under the bar, aiding in directing the lead foot straight to the target. This helps the player with the timing of the pitch/throw and increases the velocity of the throw.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Knee Lift & Pass Under Bar Assembly

Additional Set-up Note:

From the set position, the Tee will be set in front of the pitcher’s chest.

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Knee Lift & Pass Under Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

To set the position of the Knee lift and pass under bar have the pitcher go to the knee lift position and set the bar approx. halfway between the bent knee and hip.

Once the position of the bar is determine move the base forward towards the target approx. 2-3 inch.

Depending on the set position the base may need to be moved further forward.

Finally adjust the height by having the pitcher come set and place the bar height halfway between the knee and hip.

Step 5 – Proper Lead

Step 5 uses the Hip Lead & Drive Bar to guide the player to lead with their hip/lower half while keeping the upper body back. This increases the velocity of the pitch/throw by training the player to use their lower half to generate power.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Hip Lead & Drive Bar Assembly

Set the Tee behind the pitcher. Then from the set position, have the bar touching the pitchers lead hip with the front of the bar extending 1-2 inches past the hip. There will not be any space between the bar and the pitchers hip before they move into their knee lift.

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Hip Lead & Drive Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

Creating separation between the upper and lower half allowing the player to stride to a consistent spot. This will give a slight angle to the hip and help striding square.

Step 6 - Proper Extension

Step 6 uses the Backside Drive Bar to indicate to the player if they are driving off their back leg and getting proper extension. The higher the leg kicks over the bar, the flatter the back should be, causing more extension toward home plate. This helps the player get maximum extension, increasing velocity and power.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Backside Drive Bar Assembly

Additional Set-up Notes:

Place the Backside Drive Bar (attached to the Pitching Tee base unit) half way between the push-off foot and where the front foot lands (this is their stride length). Have the player do a dry throw to determine their stride length.

Set the extension bar to knee height. It can be heightened to a maximum of hip height as the pitcher grows and progresses.

Place the end of the Backside Drive Bar so that it extends 6 to 10 inches in front of the player.

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Backside Drive Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

Step 7 - Proper Follow Through

Step 7 uses the Arm Path Follow Through Bar to guide the player to keep their glove up, stride in line, and create a proper arm finish. The proper follow through increases consistency and velocity of the player’s pitches/throws.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up instructional video: Arm Path Follow Through Bar Assembly

Additional Set-up Notes:

Set-up the Arm Path Follow Through Bar along the player’s backside (in set position).

Place the rail support of the Arm Path Follow Through Bar half way between the push-off foot and where the front foot lands (this is their stride length). Have the player do a dry throw to determine their stride length. From there going toward home plate, attach 3 extension bars to the boom attachment on the Pitching Tee base unit.

Adjust the of the bar to just below the player’s hip.

* If the assembly is being used on a mound, the angle of the guide rail needs to match the slope of the mound.

Step Instructions

Instructional video: Arm Path Follow Through Bar Instructions

Additional Instructional Notes:

The proper arm finish is important because it helps the player understand that if they hit the bar, they are “slinging” or side-arming the ball, which puts extra stress on the elbow possibly leading to arm injury.

Step 8 - Proper Form Repetition

Step 9 - Proper Pitch

Step 9 uses the Pitching Tee (base unit) to guide the player to stay inline as they throw live pitching reps.

Set-up Instructions

Set-up the Pitching Tee as explained in Step 1 (also previously set-up in Step 8).

Step Instructions

Have the player live throw using all the steps for a total of 12 pitching reps.

Note: For player’s pitch delivery, see Step 1 Step Instructions (or click Pitching Tee Instructions) including both the General Instructions and the Video Instructions.

For Group Instruction

General Overview

Form the players into groups of 4-8 per tee. Explain each step to the group and then visually demonstrate it to each player as they cycle through. Have everyone in the group perform each step with 3-4 dry throws.

Players in group settings learn from performing the reps themselves, as well as by watching other players perform them and listening to instruction from the coach.

It should take approximately 1 hour to do a full rotation with 4 players, or 2 hours with 8 players in a group setting with a single tee.

Detailed Instructions

The program was designed for team use to teach players in groups of 4-8 players.

Place the Pitching Tee the appropriate throwing distance in front of any type of a net style backstop. Attach 2-4 inch target towards the center of the net. Tape any color works well and stays attached.

Adjust the boom height 10-15 inches below the target and adjust the yellow boom marker directly under the target by moving the tee base to be in line.

Position the group behind the Pitching Tee 10-12 feet.

Explain to the players:

How the boom and foot markers are used to keep their front shoulder inline with the target
How the yellow foot marker guides the players front/lead foot to the target
How the player is to align the player’s front/lead shoulder with the yellow boom markers and when aligned correctly that the head/eyes are automatically inline with the red markers
How the eyes/head, during their stride, are not to pass the center line of the yellow marker until the release of the ball while also keeping the back foot toe on the ground until after the release
How the term square (that is used throughout the program) is when the players shoulders and feet are inline vertically when the player is in their stance or stride

The program consists of 3 dry reps per player as players rotate turns through 3 sets of the steps 1-8. Step 9 consists of 4 live pitches per player in 3 sets.

Explain each step and then visually demonstrate it to the group.

Players learn faster in a group setting as they learn by performing the drills, watching other players perform theirs and taking repeated instructions from the coach.

Suggestion: Have a coach or parent video record the player from behind during step 9 so the player and/or coach can review the pitches.