Keys to Creating Spin and Speed

with Lonni Alameda,
Florida State University Head Coach;
2018 NCAA National Champions;2018 NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year;
Back-to-Back-to-Back ACC Coach of the Year (2013-15);Back-to-Back ACC Champions (2014-15),
2014 Women's College World Series; three straight NCAA Super Regional appearances (2013-15)

Velocity is a big emphasis for every pitcher - everybody wants to throw it 70 miles per hour! This video featuring Florida State head coach Lonni Alameda does a great job of helping you learn how to spin pitches and improve your velocity. However, the techniques shown by Coach Alameda also work to make your pitching as effective as possible even if you're not close to touching 70 on the radar gun. It's all about locating pitches, changing speeds and moving the ball with the speed that you bring to the table - and you'll learn how to do all of that effectively in this video!

Mindset: Varying Speed and Spin

Coach Alameda begins by teaching the mindset pitchers need to possess when it comes to speed, which doesn't always include needing to throw as fast as possible. She describes how pitchers need to be able to vary their speed to keep hitters off balance. By using five of Alameda's drills, your pitchers will be trained to vary speeds and hit their spots while on the mound. She has goals for each of her athletes and a solid understanding of each of her pitchers and teaches how to develop those goals throughout the season.

Drills and Development

The video continues with Alameda teaching how to beat the batter by using your pitches and abilities against the hitter. She shows several drills and competitive games that will help pitchers learn to be accountable for their own results. One of the best ways to build speed is to use Alameda's long toss series that features multiple variations. In all, you'll get eight different drills to help build more spin and help your athletes work on hitting spots.

Next, you'll get a detailed explanation for how to recognize pitching styles for different pitchers. Coach Alameda is committed to a process of growth and development through honest conversations of accountability. She tries to make sure that the bullpen holds the pitcher accountable and speaks in the same way that the results of a game will in real time.

Better pitching comes from how well you spin it and what you can do with your speeds. Transitioning from hard to soft and soft to hard is essential. This video is 100% committed to this mindset. Allow Coach Alameda to give your speed and spin abilities a boost!

49 minutes. 2019.