Total Reading Time: 5 minutes

Happy Monday! The season’s getting closer and arms are starting to feel it. Discover some ways to train and rest. Plus why those paper charts need to go!

So let’s Go!

Table of Contents

• Ditch Your Paper Charts

• Simple Ways to Train and Rest Your Pitchers

Ditch Your Paper Charts

I love me a good chart. It took me a long time and a lot of experimentation to arrive at just the right game chart showing me just the right information ad detail.

And yet, in an age of electronics we still chart by hand. All that time spent scribbling and we’ve got to process and accumulate it all by hand. Not only does that take time - a lot of it, but it’s not always accurate.

Please know I AM NOT trying to sell anything with this article! Anyone who knows me knows I’m not like that. I have no stake in this product except to say that I use it almost daily - and I love it!

I spoke previously about NextPitch Analytics. It’s an amazingly simple-to-use touch-based app that works on your table or phone. Not only does it replace your pitching chart but it immediately accumulates all the data and ranks and grades your pitchers based on all the crucial pitching analytics.

It was created by a former UCR baseball pitcher , Fareed, who felt that using paper charts was not only dated, but inefficient. So, he built this app, and continually improves it.

Recently we requested he add the ability to start Live sessions or Scrimmages on certain counts instead of always 0-0. That’s been a game changer!

Again, I’m not trying to sell anything but simply sharing an amazingly simple, effective and affordable app that will make your pitching coach life A LOT easier!

Some screenshot samples to show you what you’ll get from both Team and Individual Stats:

If you’re curious, check out NextPitchAnalytics 

Website: NextPitchAnalytics.com
App Store: NextPitch Analytics
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 650-430-6639

Simple Ways to Train and Rest Your Pitchers

We’re entering that time of the season when we’ve been pitching for awhile - with awhile still to go. Weights and practice can start taking their toll on our pitcher’s arms so managing workload becomes important while still training those younger pitchers for what lies ahead.

I’ve made 3 simple adjustments involving the 9-ball net that allow pitchers who need to limit their workload or intensity, while also getting some work in. As well as helping limit pitchers over-throwing in warm ups.

It’s not ground-breaking, but it’s been super helpful for us:

1. Move the 9-Ball Up - Instead of having your pitchers warmup by moving closer to the catcher or the 9-ball, put the pitcher’s on the rubbers and move the 9-balls up to the pitchers.

   This picture shows the 9-ball about 15-20 feet in front of the pitcher which allows her to warmup or pitch hard without the wear and tear of pitching the entire distance the entire time.

   Sometimes our pitchers puts the nets this close just to warmup, and other times, when we need a lighter day we’ll throw the entire workout with the 9-balls this close.

   

2. Kitchen Sink It - The picture should give you the idea…it’s basically everything including the kitchen sink. Well, almost.

   With your 9-ball close to the pitcher, place your batters on both sides, the pitching sticks for Curve and Screw forward direction and pitching strings for the Rise and Drop.

   

3. Show the Zone - Using the 9-Ball is only a help if it accurately shows your pitchers the real strike zone. I simply spray paint the zone onto the net so your pitchers don’t get comfortable hitting just any part of the 9-Ball thinking they’re throwing a strike.

Thanks for reading this week’s Curveball Chronicles. I hope you gained some insight, some encouragement, some knowledge or some grace.

Go make this a Great week!

Missed some previous issues? Don’t worry, I’ve got them all on my website: https://pitchingcoachcentral.com/curveball-newsletter/