Stride + 5

This is a great drill, perhaps one of the best drills a pitcher can do, because it involves all mechanics and teaches the pitcher to stride out as far as they possibly can.

This drill requires two players and a small dish towel (approximately 18 inches would be the best)

The Drill:

The first player should replace the ball with a dish towel, positioning it between their fingers as if they were gripping a ball. Taking his normal position, he should go through a complete sequence, striding out like he is throwing a ball. The second player should mark where his stride foot touches down.

The second player should then count five feet past that spot and take a knee on the ground with his glove palm up facing the pitcher.

At this point, the pitcher should start at the same place as the first time and try to hit the glove with the towel. If he hits it immediately on the first try, the second player should cheat back a few inches.

Points of Emphasis:

1. Make sure the pitcher marks where he initially starts from, so that he may go back to that spot for the actual pitches.

2. If he hits it on the first try, have the second player back up a few inches.

3. Odds are, they won't be able to hit it for awhile. For most pitchers, and especially for young pitchers, this drill is extremely difficult to master without practice.

4. Do not let them forsake mechanics for the sake of trying to hit the glove. Make sure they are performing a proper knee-lift, Rip-T and follow-through.