1. Geneva High School Pitching Strategies, Mechanics, Philosophy and Defense

2. Philosophy All pitchers are different – treat them that way 1 st pitch strike Keep hitters guessing (3-1 cb example) Use both sides of the plate Work up and down Pitches to teach young pitchers (change!!) Location and movement Pitch count vs. stressful pitch count Trust your catcher – he will be honest with you

3. Pitchers that throw over 100 mph Aroldis Chapman 105 mph Bobby Parnell103 mph Matt Lindstrom102 mph Seth McClurg101 mph Rafael Soriano100 mph

4. Top pitchers with late movement Mariano RiveraCutter Tim LincecumChange Josh BeckettCurve Brad LidgeSlider Cliff Lee "I could probably throw harder if I wanted, but why? When they're in a jam, a lot of pitchers...try to throw harder. Me, I try to locate better.“ - Greg Maddux

5. Importance of 1 st pitch strike According to statistics, throwing a first pitch strike save 12,000 runs in MLB last season. Accord to statistics, pitchers that throw first pitch strike can expect an ERA of around 3.50. Pitchers that did not had an ERA of around 5.50. The same statistics show that less than 8% of first pitch strikes result in a base hit. http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/289359/First_ Pitch_Strikes.jpg http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/289359/First_ Pitch_Strikes.jpg

6. What pitches to teach? "The changeup is the almighty equalizer. If you don't have velocity to beat guys, how do you make your fastball better? By being more effectively slow." -- Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux “A good changeup is the hardest pitch to hit”. Corey Hart – Milwaukee Brewers

7. Should I teach a curveball? Conflicting studies Know your pitchers mechanics, strength, etc. Once they learn, all they want to do is throw it – major abuse Teach cut fastball if they show signs of being ready. Maybe “football curve” Changeup preferred – must play catch with it

8. Mechanics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTXNg2C1 TaM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTXNg2C1 TaM Front shoulder – closed and to the plate Stay back!! Finish your delivery

9. Common Mistakes Fly open Short arm Overthrow Lack of balance Over stride/Under stride Repeating/not repeating the same mechanics

10. Fixing The Mistakes Develop arm strength When talking to pitchers, fix one thing at a time – system overload DO NOT give up on pitchers. One bad outing does not make a career.

11. Holding Runners Effective part of pitching success Vary looks Control tempo Holding runners vs. pickoffs Know situation (Oswego Regional bad pick)

12. Fielding Bunts Your ball until called off Plant right foot beyond the ball (3 rd base)

13. Covering 1st Automatic ball hit to your left Arc to get up the base line Hit base with right foot Know situation – next play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DWTl4yV txk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DWTl4yV txk How not to do it!

14. Backing Up Bases Do not be a spectator Do not dwell on the fact that they hit the ball Leave room between base and foul territory Know situation – 1 vs. 2 bases ahead

15. Come-backer/Start DP Field the ball first Make sure of one out Communicate with Mid-INF before hitter Throw at base Drive the ball to the base If unsure, go to first

16. Contact Info Matt Hahn – Head Baseball Coach (630) 463-3943 mhahn@geneva304.org Open invitation to any game and/or outdoor practice.