Complete Defensive Training for Pitchers

with Steve Smith,
Tennessee Tech Head Coach;
former Auburn University Assistant Baseball Coach;
coached Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 MLB Draft;
former Baylor University Head Coach; inducted into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame (2006);
5x Big 12 Coach of the Year; 2012 Midwest Region Coach of the Year;
President of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) in 2008;
over 740 career wins; USA Baseball National Team Head Coach (2005), USA Baseball Pitching Coach (1998)

Coaches often get so caught up in teaching pitchers to pitch better that they forget to adequately train their hurlers to field and throw out baserunners. This video from Auburn's Steve Smith will ensure you don't make that mistake. Coach Smith will give you everything you need to teach pitchers to field from the mound, how to hold runners and keep the opposing team's running game from hurting your team, and, how to spark competition between your pitchers to help them get better.

Pitcher Fielding

Begin by learning drills that teach pitchers to defend the bunt and keep runs off the board. Smith shows how to develop a system to help players understand the proper approach to getting lead runners out. He also explains how to use reaction drills to improve the athleticism of your pitchers.

Holding Runners

Coach Smith has multiple techniques that he teaches his athletes that can be used to control a runner at first and keep opposing players from easily getting into scoring position. You'll learn multiple pick moves, including:

• Comfort pick
• "Leather" pick
• Hold pitch or hold pick

Additionally, you'll see some of the nuances to holding a runner at second base, including how to utilize the jump pick and inside move.

Creating Competition

Smith shows you how to run timed competitions that force players to find ways to become their best. By implementing competition regularly at practice, you'll help your pitchers get better once they are inserted into high-pressure game situations. You'll see exactly how to develop mental toughness in athletes to ensure they are ready to combat every past-paced reaction scenario without skipping a beat.

Coach Smith has a proven track record of success as a pitching coach and as a head coach. Watch him interact with pitchers and develop the necessary skills for high level athletes in this full-length instructional video. His straightforward and fair approach to teaching and coaching is on full display - don't miss a chance to learn from one of the best!

50 minutes. 2019.