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I tell pitchers all the time that most of my work is simply getting the athlete inside them to show up on the mound.

The same athlete that can take a backhanded ground ball up the middle from second base and wheel around and throw a strike to first base without any time to think, can certainly command the strike zone when he has all the time in the world.

The key there is not to think at all.

I look at the fastball as the pitcher's "default setting." I can see the relaxation on his face and in his eyes when throwing a fastball. Elite pitchers will throw all 3-4 pitchers with that same "fastball face." It exudes relaxation and confidence.

A good idea is to never let a pitcher throw more than 3 pitches in a row (in a bullpen) without including a fastball. Arms start to slow down and posture can be compromised if they get lost in breaking balls or changes. The athletic and "default setting" for a pitcher is throwing a fastball, which is the same "pitch" all other 8 players throw in baseball.

When a pitcher pitches a couple of poorly thrown breaking balls in a bullpen practice session, "clear his head" by having him go back to a fastball or two. Not only does it immediately clean up his timing and delivery, but it - more importantly - gives them a taste of success and puts confidence back on his face.

danny@arizonapitching.com

www.arizonapitching.com