Pitching grips

Question
Well i just got my first win from a comeback of 10-4 in the 5th. I wasn't like going to throw all of the pitches i just wanted to see what the grips were. But you suggest that they are bad for my arm? I am more of a location pitcher but I tend to try to throw hard and be a power pitcher. My velocity on my fastball is about average. I tend to strikeout one batter every 2 or 3 walks. I don't really know if I am a groundball or flyout pitcher it's about the same each way, although i try to strike out every batter which might be bad? I have no idea what my batting average against is because up here in Buffalo, NY we don't really keep that intense of stats or anything. I don't throw the 2 seam fastball at all... right now the only 3 pitches i throw are a 4 seam fastball, curveball, and changeup. I don't really use my changeup that much i dont know why. And to my icing of the arm question...During the win that i got when today, my arm was killing me before hand to begin with. I was able to throw four innings without giving up a run, my coach taught me to slow down my whole pitching process, and I throw from all the way back now. Usually when I throw, it's at a minimum of 80 pitches depending on if I start or relieve. I throw kind of a lot I don't really whip that often sometimes when I play 2nd but only when I'm pitching. What other things do you suggest for me to increase velocity, control, and mechanics?

Answer
Jake,

Thanks for getting back to me with great answers. You are going to be a location pitcher it sounds like so location is what you need to work on.  While working on it, we will build up arm strength which will hopefully lead to more velocity and less discomfort.

You need to learn the 2 seam fastball.  There are a couple of variations.  One is simply hold with the fingers slightly split apart along the seams and your thumb in normal fastball position.  Throw this in practice and see what it does.  It should move into the right handed batter or maybe a bit down.  The second variation is a sinker.  Hold the ball the same way, but run the thumb farther underneath the ball.  Upon release, you point the thumb to the ground.  There should be no torque or pain on the elbow.  You just release the ball with the thumb to the ground and throw like a regular fastball. This pitch should sink some. The velocity will be a bit less, but it is the sink you want.  This is a great ground ball pitch.  Since you are not overpowering, don't try to be.  Be crafty and work locations and go for ground balls outs, not strike outs.  Then your pitch count goes down and you go longer.

My son is a horse. I keep him at about 85 pitches per game, but he has gone up to 108 in our Fall state championship game. He struck out 16 in that outing and we won the Fall state 14U championship.  He is averaging about 13 pitches per inning, but is averaging 2.1 strikeouts per inning. A strikeout pitcher is going to throw more pitches. So far in the spring he has thrown 27 inning and has 56 strikeouts.  This is against high school competition.  The difference is that he has high velocity with pinpoint control.  His low and away fastball cannot be hit hard and his 2 seamer moves away from the RH hitter about 8-10 inches.  He has crazy movement, but this is the case with a lefty. That is why they are in such demand. I have another pitcher on my staff who is averaging only 9 pitches per inning, but doesn't strike out hardly anyone.  Just a lot of ground ball outs and very few walks.  He has 5 walks in 23 innings.  He throws great pitches, great location, not high velocity so batters swing a lot.  Because of his location, they don't hit the ball with much bat.  Therefore, a lot of ground balls.  We have a great infield and get a lot of outs. Last start, he went 5 innings, 2 strikeouts, 12 ground ball outs, 1 fly ball out, 5 hits, no runs.

If you will work on location, you will become very valuable. Nothing drives a coach crazier than walks. My son as a 5 strikeout to 1 walk ratio.  If you are not a strikeout pitcher, you have to cut the walks out.  You cannot put people on base for free.  You don't have to strike anyone out, just make them hit the ball where your defense can get them out.
 
I have a great bullpen session system for control that we do.  Send your email to me at [email protected] and I will email that information to you.  

As for the arm pain, rest, ice, run, stretch. You are responsible for your arm health.  The coach will not stay on you to do this and if you are going to be successful pitching, you have to take responsibility for your arm health.

Have fun and work hard. I will get that info to you.  It is in a Word document so I will email it to you when I get your address.

Boss