Control

Question
Larry:

Thanks for the drills on control.  I'll start working on them.  

In regards to a weighted ball. Can I long toss with a weighted ball?  I've been doing this, however it seems that my release point is getting screwed up because the ball is heavier.  We play with a standard clincher which is alot lighter than a weighted ball causing me to release the ball earlier.  Can you give me some info on the long toss and if I should be using a weighted ball.

Thanks

Roland

Answer
Hello Roland

Long toss is intended more as a weight training or conditioning exercise (use only sparingly). Long toss can also help with 'over the plate' control even if you are needing to increase to the arc as you move back.  Don't worry about the release point with long toss.      

The same is true for weighed balls ?use them only as a part an exercise for resistance training.

From the pitching plate the release point will come naturally after a lot of practice and game experience. Feel the ball "snap" from your wrist and "rip" from your fingers to the target versus releasing it.