Troubleshooting with the Live Arm

with Byron Embry,
Founder and Lead Instructor of Pitching 101;
pitched 12 professional seasons in the Braves, Royals and Mariners organizations;
Coach Embry has helped develop over 6,000 pitchers worldwide, as well as working as consultant to dozens of high and collegiate programs.

In a highly specialized skill like pitching, it's easy for a pitcher to fall into common mistakes. Learn how to troubleshoot many common mistakes with Byron Embry. Using a progression of pitching practice drills, Embry teaches how to develop pitcher mechanics, pitch command, pitch location, strategy, and mental aptitude.

Overthrown Pitches

All pitchers want to throw the ball hard, so it's common for pitchers to fall into the trap of overthrowing their pitches. Coach Embry introduces six drills for pitchers to combat overthrowing the fastball, curve, or change up. In one drill, pitchers throw with a towel instead of a ball, helping them mimic the flexibility of the towel with the arm itself. Learn how to put pitchers who overthrow in a competitive setting with games to help them become more consistent.

Pitching Strategy

In order for a pitcher to be more than just a thrower, they must understand the strategy of pitching. Learn the difference between the strike zone and the hitting zone, and how to appear to change speeds by changing locations using the concept of effective velocity. Embry also explains how to make batters uncomfortable and expand the plate by pitching inside.

Pick-off Moves

Learn how to neutralize runners on base with a pick-off move that will make even the fastest runners think twice about taking a big lead. Embry introduces a way to disguise your pick move to get runners at first base to start their secondary lead, leaving them as sitting ducks! Also, learn an effective third to second move to bail you out of a jam when you have multiple runners on base.

Embry covers several of the common mistakes pitchers make and how to correct those problems with six drills. He also explains the strategy pitchers need to know for success, and pickoff moves to help shut down the opponent's running game. 'Up your game' and take down your opponents by learning how to troubleshoot common pitching mistakes!

60 minutes. 2017.