The Components of Pitching with Command
(An Overview)
What is Command?
Command can be defined as "exceptional skillfulness and knowledge of a subject or activity."
Mechanics
This is the heart and soul for success in the game. Being mechanically sound increases the success rate as well as reduces the risk of injury. A pitcher should be relaxed and comfortable to the point where he can pitch a strike with his eyes closed. All other facets of pitching are distinctly related to mechanics.
Control
Pitching the ball where you want and when you want is much "easier said than done". With proper practice, a pitcher can have the confidence to pitch that "behind in the count off-speed/change-up pitch" which enables him "wiggle out" of a significant situation/jam. One of my favorite phrases with regards to pitching is "Pitching is like real estate... Location, Location, Location".
Movement
The ability to make the ball move is an envious trait for most pitchers. The later the ball moves the better. Despite this being more of a natural talent than a learned talent, a pitcher can use the trial-and-error process with regards to various finger placements and finger pressures to aide in increasing this aspect of his pitching repertoire.
Conditioning
An often-overlooked component is conditioning. Arm strength is only a portion of the conditioning/strength equation. Having core strength and balance are vital aspects of a pitcher. If a pitcher is deficient in an area (abdominal or lower body strength for example), then he doesn't have optimal balance or stability. This lack of balance, strength, and stability makes a pitcher more susceptible to control issues (inconsistency) and also more vulnerable to injury. An even more overlooked aspect of conditioning is the mental side/state. This includes visualization and having the ability to relax in high-pressure fast-paced situations.
Velocity
Velocity is a very critical component for a successful pitcher. My use of the term "velocity" is more than just how fast a pitcher can throw the baseball. Although the faster the pitch the less reaction time for the hitter, "faster is better" isn't necessarily the best thing when it comes to pitching. A pitcher should practice to pitch at optimal speed yet with pinpoint control. With this ability, the pitcher can then "set-up" hitters by changing speeds and then mixing in his optimal fastball at the appropriate times (or vice-versa). It's not called throwing, it's called pitching.
Command Summary
Command, with regards to pitching, is the aggregate of mechanics, control, movement, conditioning, and velocity. Any type of pitcher can dominate a game. Whether he is a power extreme (mid to upper 90's) pitcher like Justin Verlander, Roger Clemens and Billy Wagner, or a more middle range (high 80's - low 90's) like Roy Halladay, Zack Greinke and Chris Carpenter, or more of a finesse type like Trevor Hoffman, Greg Maddux or Jamie Moyer. The mastering of the components (especially mechanics) allows a pitcher to be in the best possible position to be successful. Not for just an inning, a game, a month, or a season, but a career.
Comments? Email me at mike@stealthbaseball.net
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