Take Command of the Mound - 4 Simple Tasks for Youth Baseball Pitchers

Pitchers should treat the mound like they own it. The youth baseball pitcher is setting the tone for the game and all eyes are upon him. The first thing a youth baseball pitcher should do when he takes the mound is let everyone know it his. Many parents and coaches are so concerned with winning, they forget something this simple that will greatly enhance the youth baseball pitchers experience, development and maturity.

Here are 4 simple tasks every pitcher should take before throwing the first pitch no matter when he comes into the game.

1) A youth baseball pitcher should first check the surface of the mound before he begins his warm up pitches. Is there any hole or rocks that could interfere with fielding the ball? Look to be sure and throw them out of the playing area if seen. Something this simple can turn a routine play into a hard one. Make sure you have a nice surface to work on.

2) Is the slope for your landing foot acceptable? If it is not it will affect the pitchers release point and ability to get the ball over the plate. We need strikes and balls put in play, not walks.

3) Is the rubber ok? Be sure the length and depth of the divot for your pivot foot are acceptable.(and they will be different for every youth baseball pitcher) they can greatly affect the pitchers balance and the pitcher will have problems right from the start.

4) When the youth baseball pitcher takes the mound and has done these things, before he makes the first pitch to a batter, he should turn and make sure all his defense is ready and in position. As they get older and players know when to play for a right side ball or a left side ball, he can even call defense(which means he is going to pitch and try to get strikes toward that side).

Pitching is not only throwing fastballs and curves. Its about team leadership and commanding the mound. If you start reviewing these things with youth baseball pitchers you will see them develop more confidence and a better attitude as they develop and mature.