Pitcher's beware!!

by Garrett Berger

I have been teaching lessons for over 10 years now and my philosophy is very simple.  Teach pitcher's their mechanics, educate them on what their body does, make them feel what they are doing so they can make an adjustment, and most importantly teach them to become their own coach.

There are a lot of guys out there that are teaching the "art of pitching" to young kids with no background of having played or being educated byt the books they read on their kindles.  Our job as pitching instructors is to teach the player what works best for his body, based upon comfortability, and most importantly to teach the player to become his own coach.  There are a lot of foxes in the pitching hen house, and they are looking to steal your nest egg.

You have to use your head and your gut when choosing a pitching instructor.  There are a lot of instructors out there that sell dreams.  They are in it for the money, and could care less about your son.  Some care about your player but lack the knowledge to get them to a higher level.  Make sure the instructor is giving you good information and giving them something to do on their own. If you feel like they are with holding information just to get you back in the door they probably are.  Make sure they are working on all aspects of pitching meaning PFP's, yes they are important just ask the 2006 Tigers Staff, pick off moves (holding runners on), and situational pitching.

Just because you take your child to a pitching instructor does not mean that he will get better nor will it mean he will be a first round pick!  There is a lot of work and accountability associated with making it to that level and going once a week to a pitching instructor is not going to cut it.  You have to put in the time to get better and most of the time its on your own or with a person that shares the same amount of passion you do for reaching your goals.  This doesn't mean you need to be over throwing, working out too much (yes there is such a thing), or going overboard.  You have to be smart listen to your body and know when you've gotten enough work in that day.

It's time to bring the accountability back to yourself.  Pitching instructors can be great resources to help you make sure you course correct and to help get you on a straight path.  YOU are the one that is in charge of your own destiny.  If YOU want to be a play at the next level act like it.  Put in the work.  Throw away the excuses.

The TJPA is here to help.  We will continue to cross the line for the sake of the player.  We want the purity of the game to start in amateur sports and maintain throughout your careers.  Treat the game with respect and it will respect you back.