Towel Drill For Youth Pitchers

A Drill to Refine Pitching Mechanics and Arm Speed Without the Stress of Throwing

The Pitcher Towel Drill allows pitchers to work on their mechanics and arm speed by using a towel in place of a ball. This drill is a low-stress method to improve motion accuracy and form without overworking the arm.

Difficulty Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • A small hand towel or regular dish towel (around 12-18 inches in length)
  • Pitching mound or flat ground area with space for pitching motion
  • Target (like a glove or an object for feedback on accuracy, set up at the correct stride length from the mound)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The pitcher sets up on a mound or designated pitching area, with their towel held in their throwing hand.
  • A target, such as a glove or specific spot on a wall, is positioned where the ball would normally be released, at the end of their stride distance.
  1. Towel Grip:
  • The pitcher grips the towel as they would a baseball, holding it securely but without tightly wrapping it around their hand. The towel should extend beyond the fingers, creating a “snap” effect when the pitching motion is completed.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Start from the Pitching Stance:
  • The pitcher assumes their regular pitching stance, holding the towel as if it were a baseball. They should visualize the pitching motion and focus on maintaining proper posture and balance throughout.
  1. Perform the Full Motion:
  • The pitcher goes through their full pitching motion, including the leg kick, stride, and follow-through, as if they were throwing a live pitch. The goal is to execute the motion as if they were actually pitching with a ball.
  • As they reach the release point, they should “snap” the towel toward the target, aiming to make contact or get as close as possible.
  1. Focus on Mechanics and Accuracy:
  • Encourage the pitcher to pay attention to their mechanics throughout each motion, ensuring they stay in line with the target and follow through completely. Adjustments can be made for any inconsistencies in the stride, arm angle, or posture.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Perform 10-15 towel snaps per set, focusing on controlled mechanics and feedback from each throw. Allow brief rest periods between sets to prevent fatigue and encourage precision.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Pitcher Towel Drill helps pitchers improve their mechanics and arm speed in a low-stress, non-impact manner. By replacing the ball with a towel, the pitcher can focus on refining their motion, accuracy, and timing without the strain of full-speed throws. It also builds muscle memory for each part of the pitching motion, aiding in long-term development and injury prevention.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Mechanics: The drill reinforces correct mechanics, from the leg kick to the release point, which is essential for consistent and accurate pitching.
  • Arm Speed and Timing: With a focus on snapping the towel at the release point, pitchers develop arm speed and timing while minimizing joint stress.
  • Control and Accuracy: The towel drill promotes accuracy by allowing pitchers to aim for a target, reinforcing their ability to locate pitches consistently.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Low-Stress Practice: Reduces the physical strain on the arm, especially useful for players recovering from injuries or during offseason training.
  • Focus on Mechanics: Allows pitchers to work on form and control without the distraction of full-speed throwing.
  • Builds Muscle Memory: Reinforces proper mechanics and motion patterns, helping players improve consistency and accuracy.
  • Good for All Ages: Suitable for pitchers of any age or skill level and can be easily integrated into regular training sessions.

Cons:

  • No Real Ball Feedback: Since there is no actual ball being thrown, the pitcher misses feedback on ball trajectory, spin, and true velocity.
  • Limited to Mechanics: This drill focuses heavily on mechanics and timing, so it should be complemented with actual throwing drills for a complete pitching program.
  • Requires Careful Monitoring: Pitchers need to be closely monitored to ensure they aren’t developing bad habits, as there’s no actual ball flight to show when a throw may be off target.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Full Extension: Make sure the pitcher is reaching full extension on their follow-through. The “snap” of the towel should be a result of proper mechanics and not overcompensation.
  • Stay Balanced: Reinforce the importance of maintaining balance and avoiding over-rotation, which can lead to poor mechanics. The towel drill is especially helpful for isolating these adjustments.
  • Visualize a Real Pitch: Encourage the pitcher to imagine a real pitch and target, helping them stay focused and create a realistic motion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How does the towel simulate a baseball?
  • While the towel doesn’t fully replicate the weight and feel of a baseball, it provides a similar “snap” effect at release, which helps pitchers work on timing and arm speed without risking overuse.
  1. Can this drill be used for pitchers of all ages?
  • Yes, this drill is beneficial for pitchers of any age, especially younger players who are still developing proper mechanics. It’s also valuable for older players looking to fine-tune their form without straining their arm.
  1. How often should this drill be included in practice?
  • The towel drill can be done 2-3 times per week, especially as a warm-up or cooldown activity, or as part of a recovery day to maintain muscle memory. It’s ideal to use in combination with actual pitching to build a balanced training program.
  1. Can this drill help with injury prevention?
  • Yes, the towel drill is low-impact and helps pitchers develop good mechanics, which can reduce the risk of injury. By focusing on proper form, players can learn to pitch efficiently, reducing strain on the arm over time.

The Pitcher Towel Drill is an excellent addition to any pitching training program. It allows pitchers to focus on form, accuracy, and arm speed in a way that reduces stress on the arm, helping to build a foundation for consistent, healthy pitching.