Mastering Pitching Control: Tips for Better Performance

Many pitchers struggle with control, and it's often the reason for giving up runs, whether it's from issuing too many walks or getting hit due to poorly placed pitches. But control is something you can improve with the right technique and consistent practice. Let's take a look at the steps you can take to enhance your pitching accuracy.

Stable Form and Proper Release: The Foundations of Control

The moment the pitcher releases the ball during the pitch.

To improve your control, you need to return to the basics. Focus on two key elements: stable form and proper release.

1. Stable Form: It's important to throw from the same consistent form each time. When your form changes, your release point will also shift, leading to unpredictable pitches.

2. Proper Release: Applying consistent spin to the ball is essential. When your release point stays the same every time, the results become more reliable.

In this article, we'll break down why these two fundamentals are so important for control and how you can make them work for you.

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How to Improve Your Pitching Control

Improving control requires a focus on two main areas: stabilizing your form and perfecting your release motion. Here's how to do both.

1. Stabilize Your Form

The pitcher at the top of their backswing, preparing to throw.

A consistent pitching form is the key to control. If your form changes, so will your release point, which makes it difficult to control where the ball goes.

・What about varying pitches to different parts of the zone?
Great pitchers throw to both the inside and outside corners without changing their form. They make small adjustments—such as timing their release or adjusting their body position—to control the ball's path.

2. Perfect Your Release

The pitcher at the precise moment of release during the pitch.

Even if your form is solid, an inconsistent release can throw your control off. You need to repeat the same motion with the same strength and angle every time.

Release Checkpoints:
・Ensure your wrist stays in the proper position, without tilting or rotating too much.
・Keep your shoulder aligned for the cleanest release.

Drills to Help You Gain Better Pitching Control

The pitcher following through after releasing the ball.

Now that you know the key areas to focus on, here are some drills to improve your pitching control.

Drill 1: Shadow Pitching

Drill 1: Shadow Pitching

Shadow pitching is one of the easiest ways to practice form. Using a towel with a knot tied at the end, grip it like a baseball, and practice your throwing motion. Since you're not using an actual ball and you're not actually throwing it, this lets you focus entirely on your mechanics.

Recording yourself can also help identify areas to improve so that you can lock in a more stable form over time.

Drill 2: Start Close and Gradually Increase Your Distance

Drill 2: Start Close and Gradually Increase Your Distance

Rather than starting at the full pitching distance, begin practicing from a shorter range. Once you feel comfortable and confident with your control at that distance, slowly increase the distance by about a meter at a time. This approach helps you build a solid foundation and gain confidence before returning all the way to the mound.

Drill 3: Isolate and Focus on Key Parts of Your Form

Drill 3: Isolate and Focus on Key Parts of Your Form

To stabilize your pitching form, it's crucial to repeat certain movements thousands of times. To make this repetition more efficient, try isolating specific parts of your pitching motion, like the leg lift, and focus on practicing that one piece.

When you try to work on the entire pitching sequence at once, you can easily get overwhelmed and lose control of your form. Instead, pick one aspect to focus on and practice it over and over. This targeted approach helps you build better muscle memory and improve your overall pitching technique.

Training Tools to Help You Improve Control

Using the right training equipment can make all the difference in improving your pitching control. Here are some tools we recommend:

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Baseball Samurais

Rocket Release Launch Band(3pcs)

$29.00
$29.00
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"Rocket Release Launch Band" is a tool to improve your release motion which was developed in a professional baseball facility specializing in improving baseball motions.

For both pitchers and fielders, one of the fundamentals of baseball is playing catch.

The ability to "throw a good ball" is essential for every player. 

With the Rocket Release Launch Band, players can develop the techniques necessary to throw the ideal pitch and have a rewarding experience delivering a great throw!

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The Rocket Release Launch Band is an innovative tool designed to improve your pitching release. Developed in professional baseball facilities, this band specifically targets your release motion, helping you achieve a sharper, more precise throw, just like the launch of a rocket. The sensation you'll feel is like a quick, sharp snap, making each pitch feel more explosive.

It improves both the strength and angle of your pitches by strengthening your release technique. It also reduces strain on your shoulder and elbow, helping maintain better mechanics and preventing injury. As you practice, you'll notice your control improving and your pitches becoming more powerful and accurate. This tool is perfect for anyone looking to take their pitching performance to the next level.

Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
Strike Zone Trainer Base
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Baseball Samurais

Strike Zone Trainer Base

$49.90
$49.90
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Strike Zone Trainer Base: Master the Strike Zone

Improve your pitching accuracy with the Strike Zone Trainer Base. This extra-wide home plate helps you visualize the boundaries of the strike zone, allowing you to make full use of it during practice. With a clearer target, you’ll gain precision and confidence in your pitching.

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The Strike Zone Trainer Base is a must-have tool for targeting precision in your pitches. Its bright orange markings make the strike zone stand out clearly, providing a visual guide to help you focus on where to aim your pitches. Teaching kids about the strike zone is easier, too. This tool is especially helpful for practicing both inside and outside pitches, as it improves your aim and enhances your accuracy. Plus, it's made of lightweight neoprene, portable, and easy to store, so you can take it wherever you practice.

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Baseball Samurais

Monster Wall

$199.90
$199.90
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Its shock-absorbing structure is now further toughened, allowing you to throw medicine balls with full force!

The “Monster Wall” is a practice net that can be used to throw any ball with full force.  It is compatible with soft balls, hard balls, plyo balls, and medicine balls weighing up to 3 kg, and can be used for a wide range of training.  Its specialized shock-absorbing structure, which has been improved multiple times, firmly absorbs the impact of full force pitches. It is a reliable equipment that is very useful in a variety of training scenarios, from pitching practice and fielding practice to physical strengthening training.

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The Monster Wall is a heavy-duty practice net designed to withstand powerful throws. With its advanced shock-absorbing structure, it can handle everything from softballs and hardballs to training balls like plyo balls and medicine balls. The net's sturdy design makes it perfect for intense pitching sessions, fielding drills, hitting, and strength training exercises.

The Monster Wall absorbs the impact of your throws, reducing bounce-back and making it safer to train with powerful pitches. Its large frame—about 2 meters high and 1.6 meters wide—allows for a wide range of practice drills. Whether you're working on pitching accuracy or building strength, this versatile tool can handle all your training needs.

Baseball Samurais

If you have any other questions or concerns,

feel free to reach out!

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us! We're passionate about baseball and dedicated to helping players grow. We're here to fully support you in overcoming any challenges you face during training!

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