by Brandon Merrill

Created on: October 31, 2009

Pitching is an art perfected by very few. A pitcher's goal is to make quality pitches and get batters out. That can be as simple as throwing strikes and changing speeds. At a professional level a pitcher must also hit their spots consistently in order to be effective. Missing the outside corner by a couple of inches over the plate could easily be the difference in a broken bat groundout, and an opposite field homerun. The majority of a pitcher's practice is done in the bullpen away from the rest of the team. However, in a game situation once the ball is released, the pitcher then becomes a fielder. Some pitchers have been converted from other positions and pitcher's fielding ability relies heavily upon that individuals natural abilities such as hand eye coordination and overall athleticism.

Generally, every infielder will have priority over the pitcher on batted balls because they are constantly practicing fielding unlike a pitcher whose main focus is on retiring hitters. For Major League clubs a large portion of pitcher's fielding practice is accomplished at spring training. The importance of fielding the position soundly, however, lasts throughout the season. Just ask the 2006 Detroit Tigers whose loss to the St.Louis Cardinals was largely in part to errant throws and fielding blunders on behalf of the pitching staff.

Pitcher's fielding practice ("PFP") can be as simple as fielding a come-backer or as complex as mastering the "hidden ball trick." PFP also consists of knowing bunt coverages, turning double plays, backing up bases, fly ball communication, and pick off plays. Depending on the situation, each can be equally as important. Pitcher's will typically be part of a full team workout or work with infielders as part of PFP.

Pitchers often practice maximizing extension using various methods such as the "towel drill." The pitcher will take a full stride and then five heel to toe steps from that point and place an object such as a bucket, or have someone kneel holding out a glove. While holding a hand towel in the throwing hand pitcher's will practice max extension by follwing through hitting the object (bucket, glove) with the towel.

It is important that pitchers maximize their stride and follow through when practicing fielding comebackers to simulate a live game situation. On a medium to hard hit ground ball, pitcher's should stress the "step and throw" to first base. Proper leg and footwork is essential in throwing strikes whether it be to a hitter or

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