Pitching: A Plan for Developing Speed & Control in the Bullpen

with Chelsey Barclay,
University of North Carolina Associate Head Coach/Pitching;,
former Cal Poly Pitching Coach and Marshall Assistant Coach; ,
played collegiately for University of Illinois-Chicago and Oklahoma State University,

In this video, Chelsey Barclay introduces a series of pitching drills and training approaches for advanced level pitchers that can provide ideas and guidance to any coach coach working to develop the skill level and competitiveness of their staff.

Coach Barclay's presentation is from the perspective of a pitcher and what works to refine skills to the level needed to compete at the higher level of collegiate softball. Unlike many learn-to-pitch videos targeted at the basic mechanics of pitches, the drills introduced by Coach Barclay work toward mastering the critical elements of throwing each pitch so they are effective.

This video will help you understand techniques for training in three specific areas:

Development of speed through the proper control of body position and resistance. The drills taught by Barclay integrate the use of training aids such as a bosu ball and radar feedback into a training regimen. The drills included are unique, but simple ways to train pitchers to effectively use their lower half to generate speed.

Control of the key aspects of each of the major pitches (change-up, drop, rise, curve and screw) and drills to enhance the execution of these pitches. These drills are pitch-specific and work on refining pitches for spin, speed, location and break point as appropriate for each pitch. The drills clearly demonstrate step-by-step methods for improvement.

Group and team drills to build competition and add game-like pressure to pitching workouts that will pitchers translate performance in practice to game performance.

Each of the drills are demonstrated by 1-3 pitchers, allowing excellent insight into real life performance in a training situation where not every pitch is perfect. Of particular note, the drills for mastering the proper 12-6 spin for rise balls and maintaining the needed body positioning are both unique and excellently presented.

Overall, this view into pitcher training at a high level collegiate program will offer you fantastic insights into practical methods to build and improve your pitching staff. The techniques and approaches of Coach Barclay's drills can be extended and adapted to build a repertoire of bullpen practices. This video is not a "how to pitch" video and is best intended for the knowledgeable pitching instructor or coach working with advanced high school, older travel ball or collegiate players.

90 minutes. 2019.