How to Get More Results Out of Your Practice
/Practicing pitching is about more than just throwing pitch after pitch—it’s about building the right habits and mental approach to succeed in games. While it’s tempting to focus solely on speed or getting in as many reps as possible, the real key lies in practicing with purpose and intent. In this blog, we’ll explore how to create a focused practice plan, the science behind different practice methods, and how to make training both effective and enjoyable for you and your daughter.
While your daughter might feel tempted to unleash a flurry of pitches aimed at your shins without much thought, it's essential to approach practice with focus and intent. Building muscle memory and consistency requires deliberate effort—there’s no shortcut.
In previous blogs, we emphasized two key goals for practices and lessons:
Improving through muscle memory: This involves creating neural pathways in the brain, allowing players to compete in games without constant mechanical corrections.
Mental preparation for games: Treating practices like games helps players stay sharp and ready for competition.
To achieve a focused and productive practice, always start with a clear plan. I can’t stress this enough—it makes a world of difference. Plus, planning can be fun! It gives pitchers a sense of accomplishment and keeps them engaged.
Here’s an example of a workout plan I once gave to players as a gift.
To create a great practice plan, it’s helpful to understand three different approaches to practicing pitch combinations:
Block Practice: Repeating the same skill multiple times in a row (e.g., throwing a drop ball repeatedly).
Varied Practice: Practicing variations of a skill together (e.g., drop-inside, drop-outside).
Random Practice: Mixing up pitches so no two are the same in sequence (e.g., drop, rise, screw, change).
Research shows that random practice is the most effective for building neural pathways. Why? Switching between skills forces the brain to refocus with each pitch, strengthening those pathways. While block practice might feel easier and even produce better immediate results (like more movement on pitches), it doesn’t translate as well to game performance. Random practice, on the other hand, leads to more strikes during games because it mirrors the unpredictability of real competition.
Ultimately, the key is to make a plan and stick to it. Focus on every pitch, rather than worrying about getting “enough reps.” Most importantly, keep practice enjoyable for both you and your daughter. When practice is fun, you’re more likely to do it consistently—and that’s what leads to progress.
