Message for all junior players from our club coach

Hopefully by now everyone has settled into the new season and we are working each week to get better at our game.  As a club we have identified that the skill of pitching is one that we need to work on and develop.  Pitching is one of the most difficult positions on the field but it can also be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable.  As a pitcher you are are in charge of the game, you control the tempo and have a huge impact on the result of the game.  For some this can be daunting, for others it is both highly motivating and exciting.  If you are successful as a pitcher you give your team a great chance to win the game.  

To help players learn and improve in the area of pitching we have designed 3 Beginner Pitching Sessions.  The sessions are for any junior player (or Coach) that wants to learn about pitching.  So whether you are a pitcher or would like to be a pitcher (or haven't even thought about it until now) it's a great opportunity to learn.  Knowing what your doing is half the battle.  By attending these sessions you come away more confident and capable as a pitcher.  Then its up to you to put it into practice!

The sessions will be run by a team of Coaches with a wealth of experience and will cover all the basics of pitching (Coaching Staff includes; Chet Grey, Stephen Black, Javan Williams, Ben Utting).  Each session builds on the next and are FREE to any junior members of the club.  Below is an outline of each sessions focus.

Doncaster Junior Pitchers Program
Session 1 - Thursday November 14, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Session 2 - Thursday November 21, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Session 3 - Thursday November 28, 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Session 1 - Basic Mechanics and Delivery

• Types of Grips (Fastball 4 seam, 2 seam, change up, curve ball)
• Basic Pitching Delivery from Set Position
• Proper Knee Lift and Balance point
• Use Your Legs
• Loose Efficient Arm Action
• Good Direction and Focus on Target
• Follow through

Session 2 - Sound Pitching Approach

• Avoid giving the hitter the advantage
• 1st pitch Strikes - they are soooo important!!
• Execution Style Bull Pen
• Changing Speeds and Locations
• Working up and down
• Use Both Sides of the Plate
• Demonstration Lewis Thorpe - Professional Pitcher, Minnesota Twins.

Session 3 - Pick offs and Holding Runners on

• Keep Runners Close, stop them from Stealing
• Pick offs to 1st
• Pick offs to 2nd
• Quick Pitch and Holds
• Baulk Rules
• PFP’s (Pitchers Fielding Practice).  Be a great Defensive Pitcher
• Demonstrate some Intensity in your work, Help yourself WIN!

Hope to see you all at training.

Kind Regards,

Ben Utting
Doncaster Dragons Club Coach