The Mound Visit
Do you struggle to play catch?
October 21, 2024 · 2 min read · Jared Gaynor
It has been almost exactly a year since I started training pitchers in the private sector (in-person).
I couldn't be more thankful and blown away by the players I've had the privilege to work with.
I've noticed something interesting though.
A large amount of them started working with me with a pre-existing catch play issue.
For some, they struggle to throw the ball accurately at short distances. For others, they have to throw hard all the time or they have no feel for the ball.
As I talk to more players and coaches, this seems to be a growing issue.
In some cases it can lead to a serious yips issue.
While this can be a very deep issue, I want to talk through some ways I try to help my players with this issue.
1. Accelerate the arm through release
The main reason I see players struggle at short distances is because they slow down their arm into release. This usually leads to very high throws or pushy arm actions.
The key is to still accelerate your arm into release.
How do you do that at a lower intensity?
Your starting intensity needs to be slower in the delivery. Instead of building from let say 30% effort to 100% in the delivery. Build from 10% to 50%. You can still accelerate without throwing max effort.
Another simple way to think about it, is to throw with rhythm.
2. Be athletic
Players that struggle with this typically need to move their feet more and be less robotic.
Pretend to field it like a shortstop or to turn a double play.
Keep moving and give yourself less time to think.
3. Long toss more
While there are arm health benefits, it is also great for increasing feel and freedom.
The issue with most training facility environments, are most of your further throws are into a net. While this can be fine for the throwing aspect of it, it isn't great for accuracy and feel.
Get outside and throw when possible.
4. Aggressive mindset
When players struggle with this, I'll often ask them what they are thinking or telling themselves before they throw it.
It usually involves the word don't.
Don't make a bad throw. Don't spike it. Don't embarrass yourself.
The list could go on.
Rather than telling yourself what you don't want to happen, tell yourself what you do want to happen.
Aggressive through the glove.
Rhythm and flow.
You'll be amazed how much this helps.
While this isn't a complete list, I hope it provides a few good ideas you can start to implement.
That's all for today.
See you next week!
Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
1. Remote Training: a personalized throwing and lifting program built for you and your goals.
2. In-Person Training: Work with me in Phoenix, Arizona. Personalized training program to help you reach your goals. Trackman and edgertronic for bullpen sessions.
3. Pitch Design "U" Course: A complete blueprint for developing nasty pitches and optimizing how you use your stuff. 3+ hours of easy to follow video lessons.