A pitching chart should be kept for the pitcher's use. The chart will help pitchers become more aware of the percentage of strikes they throw for each type of pitch, how many innings they successfully get the lead batter out, what type of pitch each hitter hit, and what happened to the hitter.

Every pitch should be recorded on the pitching chart. After a few innings, the chart will begin to show certain information about the pitcher. It will reveal how consistently the pitcher throws strikes, the percentage of strikes for each type of pitch, which pitch the pitcher prefers to throw and which pitch he is throwing following a ball or strike on the previous pitch.

Charts should be kept on file so that pitchers can track their progress as the season continues. This procedure tends to encourage pitchers to set standards of excellence for themselves for each game, such as delivering 70% strikes, getting the leadoff batter out 70% of the time, and allowing fewer hits each game. If pitchers combine these statistics with their bases-on-balls total and ERA, soon they will be able to figure out just how well they are pitching.

Pitchers and coaches can use this information to discover pitchers' trends, characteristics, and pitching effectiveness.

Coach JP Tip
Pitching charts can yield a tremendous amount of information and are equally important to hitters, as they detail a pitcher's tendencies.

For example, big league hitters know that from charts compiled in 2003 that of all the pitches Pedro Martinez threw, 55% were fastballs, 18% were change-ups, 15% were curveballs, and 12% were sliders (cut fastballs). Furthermore, lead-off hitters hit .211 against Martinez and all hitters hit .306 against Pedro on a 1-1 count, but only .131 on a 1-2 count, when 81 of 145 struck out.

As you can see, pitching charts will also help coaches in making informed decisions. Plus, in today's computerized age, it's the way baseball is being played.

Coaching Baseball Skills & Drills by Bragg Stockton This is a great book for anybody involved in baseball. You'll learn in-depth aspects of hitting, defense, and planning, plus baseball-oriented conditioning drills.   264 pages, includes over 600 illustrations, and a team practice chart. Only $24.95 or Free with purchase of the Skills & Drills video series "The information in Coaching Baseball Skills and Drills will surely help coaches at all levels prepare their players for success. Bragg Stockton's knowledge pertaining to skill development and practice organization is unparalleled." - Rayner Noble, University of Houston - Head Coach

Point Hitting Drill
From Gordie Gillespie's Baseball Drill Book

Purpose: To have a coach or partner help in checking the mechanics of the hitter.

Players and Equipment Needed: Partners, coach and player, bat.

Description: Coach gets 10 feet in front of hitter and says "ready," then points to a location in the strike zone. The hitter swings the bat through the location pointed to. The hitter should swing at 25 pitches with the coach concentrating on his mechanics of each location and swing. If there is a mechanical flaw in one zone, the coach constantly points in the trouble area.

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Baseball Tips for the Holidays

Gift Ideas for Coaches, Players & Dads Place your Christmas orders by December 17 We have over 300 possible gifts at Baseball Tips. With prices as low as $17.95 and Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to consider the gift of baseball for your favorite baseball coach, dad, and player. Coach JP's Gift Ideas for: Youth Baseball/Softball Players and their Coaches Competitive Players and their Coaches Coaches specifically Questions? Call us Toll Free at 1-800-487-7432 Coaches are around to help you between 9 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time Be sure to visit our website at www.baseballtips.com often during this holiday season.

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Baseball Tips Christmas Sales

The Zooka Portable Pitching Machine December Special:  Now Save $90 and get Free Shipping!   Who needs the traditional motor turning a wheel to propel a ball? Not users of the Zooka pitching machine, which uses compressed air to push a ball out of a long muzzle (thus the name shortened from "bazooka"). The Zooka throws real baseballs, dimple balls, tennis balls, and most safety balls at speeds between 25 mph and 65 mph. Portable (35 lbs.) and fully rechargeable, it will throw almost 600 pitches at over 50 mph between charges. The Zooka is even digital and has a readout that converts each pitched ball into miles per hour. Now Only $599 - Zooka FAQ Wheeler Dealer Soft Toss Machine - Save $60-$90   Soft toss, toss drills, whatever you want to call them.every player will take countless thousands of hacks in toss stations over the course of his career. What if your player could do this by himself at home in the basement, garage or in the backyard? The Wheeler Dealer tosses 24 baseballs or 18 softballs from 1 to 6 feet every 1 to 6 seconds. Very portable (19 lbs.) and folds up to easily fit in the trunk of any car. Available in corded or rechargeable unit, which runs for 12 hours! Free drills video included. Now only $299 - Drills for the Wheeler Dealer Personal Pitcher Pitching Machines New 2004 Models at Lower Prices - Save $10-$44   The only golf wiffleball machine that is fully portable and rechargeable. The Personal Pitcher holds 48 balls and throws a very straight pitch every 6 seconds, unless you prefer the brand new curveball model. Great for pre-game warmups, hitting stations, or in the backyard. Zero set-up time. Use any bat. All 2004 models include dual pitch speed and pitch release indicator light. Eliminate fear of the ball and build confidence! Now only $189-$259 - Personal Pitcher FAQ Practice Organization Video  -  Limited Availability Showcasing 50 Drills   "This video is a must for every coach and parent's library," says former Cubs great Ron Santo. Pete Caliendo's tape will assist you in making your baseball practices organized and fun. Regardless of limited space, minimal equipment, or a shortage of coaches, this proven program will help you get the most out of your practices. Learn how to coach the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, base running & more. Now only $29.95 Video also available in combo with Coaching Baseball Skills & Drills book Pitching Machine and Batting Cage Combos We specialize in putting together pitching machine and batting cage combos. You have many options at varying price levels. Give us a call at 1-800-487-7432 to discuss.