UNDER CONTROL The Truth About Command
You might have heard the phrase “It’s simple, but not easy,” and nothing could be more accurate about players developing command and control of their pitches. Many experts will tell you that command and control are about developing “good mechanics,” but they’re way off-base. Some of the most successful pitchers of all time used movement patterns that strayed far from the classic model but remained remarkably consistent. Meanwhile, control is one of the most essential components of golf, but swings among the greats often stray considerably from the traditional form.
KEN GRIFFEY JR. HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK This Month in Baseball History Ken Griffey Jr. had baseball in his blood; his father, Ken Griffey Sr., was an All-Star outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds. Expectations were high when “The Kid” was the first pick in the 1987 MLB draft. Griffey proved that faith wasn’t unfounded when he played his first major league game on opening day in 1989. The 19-year-old rookie stepped up to bat for the Seattle Mariners on April 10, 1989, and hit a home run on his first major league pitch. The game took place on his father’s birthday, making the achievement even sweeter. It was clear to everyone watching that Griffey would be a star. The younger Griffey hit 630 homers throughout his 22-year career and holds the record for seventh-most home runs in MLB history. His games were a must-see for baseball fans throughout his tenure, and the first-ballot Hall of Famer remains a legend today. No team wants an unreliable pitcher. The ability to occasionally throw a great curveball will mean little if you can’t do it on command. Raw talent alone won’t cut it. The pitchers with the best control spend thousands of hours working on their craft and engaging in trial and error. Now, you can start to see why command is straightforward yet incredibly difficult. While every pitcher needs a repeatable delivery, “repeat” in this scenario is a verb, not a noun. Repeatability is a constant process, not something you master and then put aside. It takes years of hard work and dedication. At the Texas Baseball Ranch, our team knows that the mechanics of each player’s pitch will vary. Our goal is not to create a textbook-like form but to find the most efficient and effective movement pattern for the player we’re training. Once we discover that pattern, we can begin establishing command or control through diligent practice. Our facility has unique insight into mastering command for all types of pitches. If you struggle with control, you may benefit from our 126-minute training program DVD, “Command Enhancement.” This video and companion manual will help you comprehend command in more detail and understand where many pitchers go wrong. Order your copy at www.CommandEnhancement.com. SAVE 50% when you order by May 31 !
Command is not a technique, and it’s not about perfecting “ideal” movements that look pleasing to the eye. Instead, having excellent command requires replicating movement patterns that work well for the player. And the only way to build that type of control is through good old- fashioned practice.
UPCOMING RANCH EVENTS
ELITE PITCHERS BOOT CAMPS:
SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM (STAY 3-11 WEEKS):
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MAY 27-29 JUNE 9-11 JUNE 23-25
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BEGINS MAY 30TH AND
RUNS THROUGH AUGUST 10TH.
JULY 7-9
JULY 21-23
AUGUST 4-6
SEPTEMBER 2-4
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