The internal disciplines (Mechanics, Speed, Control, and Precision) should be
mastered one at a time, and are designed to build sequentially upon each other. The
external disciplines (Strategies, Trouble Shooting, and Flatline) represent the mental
process pitchers experience throughout the training program. Both categories, and their
associated disciplines illustrate the mental and physical path coaches and pitchers travel
during training.

MECHANICS

The cornerstone to a successful training program is a solid foundation to build upon. The mechanics discipline offers a starting point for coaches and pitchers to
construct this very important foundation. Improper training techniques may create design
flaws in a pitcher, which, if not recognized early, can make future corrections difficult.
Construction and concentration on a solid mechanical base will help alleviate future
pitching deficiencies that may be experienced. Starter pitchers should use this discipline
to master the fundamentals, while advanced pitchers may concentrate on more difficult
techniques. No matter what the skill level of the pitcher, the mechanics discipline is a
crucial point in their training.

Any pitcher working mechanics should construct a blueprint to guide her through
her training. Start by formulating a written plan of the mechanics you want to improve
upon. Next, set priorities by deciding which skills need conditioning before others.
After your plan is organized, begin working on one mechanic until you and the coach
decide the skill is fully and properly conditioned. After a mechanic is conditioned, move
on to the next mechanic on the blueprint. Condition the new mechanic until ready and
then integrate it with the first. Working both mechanical skills together allows for better
timing and overall strengthening. The building of individual mechanics and integrating
them with others previously learned has proven a very effective training technique. Build
a link, then construct a chain. Like they say, you are only as strong as your weakest link.

SPEED

One of the most debated issue in fastpitch pitching today is which to instruct first, speed or control. Speed and control work hand in hand and require mechanical
excellence and mental and physical timing. Mental and physical timing demands a
strong dose of confidence that must be harvested early in a young’s pitchers career. It
takes time to build the confidence a pitcher needs to throw with speed, and delaying
speed training only postpones what must eventually come. Introducing speed early helps
condition the mechanical timing associated with increase body speed. The speed
discipline is not designed for teaching pure speed tactics, but represents a way to help
build much needed timing and confidence.

When a solid mechanical discipline is established early in training, then speed can
be introduced at an earlier age. Speed comes from a solid mechanical base, positive
ground resistance, experience, confidence, and a relaxed body. Introducing speed early
starts building confidence, but early introduction of speed with apparent mechanical
flaws, may have to opposite effect. Many pitchers can throw a well-controlled strike at
lower speeds despite some mechanical flaws, but increasing speed with those same flaws can have a disastrous effect. This results from over-accentuation of the mechanical flaws as velocity is introduced into the pitch. For example, a pitcher that goes behind her back(off line-of-force), during the windmill can pitch with control until she tries to increase
arm speed for a faster ball. This alignment problem is difficult to correct during high
velocity arm speeds, thus producing a very inside pitch that sometimes hits the batter.
Like in the mechanics discipline, work speed training with one mechanics at a time.

Establishing a firm mechanical foundation early will alleviate the pain and
suffering pitcher's experience when trying to pitch with speed. Gaining confidence and
learning to pitch in a relaxed motion are hallmarks of the speed discipline. Coaches that
try to establish control first are often working with a pitcher that may have pre-existing
mechanical problems. Eventually a pitcher must correct any mechanical problem she
may have to achieve the speed and control combination. Correct the problems early and
speed twill be an easier issue to conquer.

CONTROL

The ability to throw consistent strikes is a milestone for pitchers. Good control
means fewer base-on-ball, which equates to fewer runners to defend. However, good
control may not mean more strike outs, especially if she is not using variable speed,
breaking ball, and a good fastball combination. A true control pitcher can vary speeds
for consistent strikes. It takes a strong mechanical base and confidence in variable speed
to master true control. Going from off-speed to a drop, and then to a fastball takes good
timing. The control discipline creates a consistent strike relationship between various
types of pitches when used throughout a game.

If you are working in the control discipline, then you should have a solid
mechanical base and a healthy level of confidence in speed. Being able to consistently
throw strikes while varying both speed and location is a true meaning of a control
pitcher. Work the control discipline by utilizing all your pitches and variable speed.
Learn to condition not only one pitch for a strike, but a combination of various
pitches that require timing as a group. Pitching a series of fastballs over for a strike may
seem like control, but executing a successful fastball after a combination of change ups,
curves, or drops is the hallmark of a good control pitcher. The control discipline is time
to work your pitching inventory and establish timing interaction from one pitch to
another. Control not just the strike zone, but your speed and variety of pitches.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

During a game is the wrong time to correct your pitcher. Many coaches, parents,
fence huggers enjoy giving advice to their star pitcher. How many quarterbacks do you
think want their dads yelling out instructions on how to throw a ball during a school
football game? A good pitching coach is a great asset to have on the sideline during the
game, but several pitching doctors can be distracting. The trouble shooting discipline
conditions the pitcher to correct her mechanical problems during games and practices.

Every time a mechanic is instructed, the coach should explain why it is necessary, and
what may happen if not utilized correctly. Trouble shooting training needs to start from
day one of training. Starting early helps a pitcher fully understand why she had to
execute a particular mechanic. Like a doctor, analyze the problem, and then take
corrective action. The pitcher must understand why something is happening, then she
can answer how to fix it.

STRATEGIES

Which pitch to throw and where to place it are constant questions in a pitcher’s
mind. The strategy discipline represents the need for a coach and pitcher to study this
question throughout her training. Understanding why a particular pitch is needed can
help her learn the pitch more quickly. She may not have the drop in her inventory, but
she may be willing to learn it sooner, if she feels it would help during a game. Strategy
training starts early and continues throughout a pitcher’s career.

Both the pitcher and coach should evaluate different batters and decide
which pitch selections would be applicable. Watching the hands, feet, placement in the
box, coupled with an understanding of the game situation can provide insight to the
perfect pitch. Look for clues on the batter---she will usually show you where she doesn’t
want a ball to be pitched. Start teaching strategy from day one and continue throughout
the pitcher’s career.

FLATLINE

Keeping a firm, positive, and in-control attitude at all times is critical to
the flatline discipline. Giving away your red button to the other team can be to their
advantage. Flatline is being in control of the strike zone presented by the umpire. If the
strike zone is the size of a dinner plate, then pitch to that plate. Losing control because
the umpire is not giving you what appears to be a strike can be disruptive to the team.
Flatline training, like all the other external disciplines, begins from day one.
Learn to work with adversity during training. A pitcher has to pitch on game day no
matter if she is having a bad hair day or not. A good flatline pitcher is supportive of her
team, and helps take charge on and off the field of play. Having a poker face and not
giving anything away can frustrate a batter and possibly push the other teams red button.

PRECISION

The hardest pitcher to hit is a precision pitcher. She throws strikes by
hitting the right spot with the right pitch. She can read a batter and fully understands the
game situation. Precision pitchers have full command of their entire pitching inventory
and know just when to pitch them. They lead by being supportive of the team, and
exercising a firm and in control attitude. A control pitcher can throw for strikes, but
precision pitchers can surgically remove a batter from a lineup. If you learn your
mechanics, establish speed confidence, and control your pitching inventory, precision
pitching is at your fingertips. But hard work in both the mental and physical disciplines
will put precision in your hands.

The Training Triangle can be a useful tool for explaining the various mental and
physical requirements experienced during training. Many pitchers have been successful
when they understood what’s ahead for them in their training. A pitcher may stand in the
pitcher circle by herself, but with the various disciplines as companions, she will not be
lonely.