#longtoss

For this week’s post, I would like to share a video about long toss from Jaeger Sports. While watching the video, pay close attention to how Bauer and McCarney take their time working back to get to their maximum distance. Just as important, watch how they translate this long toss into throwing the ball on a line once they are working their way back in.

When asked what role I should have on the pitching staff on my college baseball team, I immediately thought of myself as a closer. I didn't throw very hard, but I could locate both of my pitches in order to get three outs. I only threw a four-seam fastball and a change-up. That was the extent of my pitching repertoire. Although I pleaded to be a closer, my coach made me a starter. My dream of being Trevor Hoffman was short-lived.

Due to my success as a starter, I now consider the change-up as the best pitch in baseball. As a coach, I vow to have each of my pitchers value and master the art of throwing a change-up.  Here is a quick video on throwing a change-up from Memphis pitching coach Fred Corral:

  There are various ways to throw a change-up, but the key is to keep everything in the pitching delivery the same as if you were throwing a fastball. The best way to practice this is by throwing the change-up during long toss from a distance of 100 feet or more. Just grip the change and let it rip. This way, the pitcher will have to keep his arm-speed in order to get the ball to his partner.