Pitching

All appointments are either with or without DDI staff assistance. Please inform us, when setting your appointment, if you would like staff assisted training.

Our pitcher training cage includes a premium 10” mound. The distance from the rubber to the plate is measured precisely for each age group. We have a permanently placed Pro Stalker II radar gun and display in place which can be activated on request.

DDI uses the new “Combat Pitcher” approach to training and conditioning pitchers. The “Combat Pitcher” was developed by the same people that put out the “Athletic Pitcher” used by most coaches and training facilities and is considered an upgrade to that approach.

Because we subscribe to the theory that becoming a good pitcher has more to do with conditioning and correct and consistent mechanics; staff assisted pitcher training at DDI consists of 60 - 80% conditioning and drills and 20 - 40% actual pitching.

Progressive throwing drills. These drills break down the individual elements of the throw and gradually bring them together as a whole. These drills are very useful in helping to pick up on incorrect throwing form and in developing correct form.

Five steps of pitching drill. This drill, frequently taught as the six steps of pitching, takes the pitcher through the rocker, pivot, balance, power and pitch and follow through mechanics. The reason we shortened it to five steps is because we believe that a separation between the power and pitch is contrary to the Combat Pitcher philosophy and would force us to change the pitchers thinking as we progress.

Chair drills. There are multiple drills using a chair to ensure good starting and or finishing positions and we use them all. These drills are used in NCAA Division I college camps all around the country and are very useful in developing correct muscle memory.

Stretching: Proper stretching is at least as important as any exercising you can do and quite possibly more so, particularly with regard to avoiding injury. Before any conditioning, throwing or hitting; all appointments at DDI will begin with a full regimen of stretching exercises.

Ladder drills: We have a multitude of ladder drills that we like to use for conditioning. These exercises are excellent for building fast twitch muscles and stamina when performed correctly.

Resistance cords: The use of resistance cords is a widely used practice in baseball. There are many different ways to use these cords but the purpose is the same … to work a muscle or group of muscles under controlled load to prepare the body for higher performance without injury.

Perhaps the best thing about the conditioning portion of our pitcher training program is the fact that, since a large part of the focus is on the lower body and lower body strength is key to every aspect of the game of baseball, you’re simultaneously training to be a better runner, a better hitter and even a better defender at the same time.

Whatever your goals may be and regardless of your current status, we can evaluate you and design a custom training plan to meet your needs. Our owner/manager is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and our training plans include everything from the drills to suit your needs to a good exercise regimen to better prepare the body to perform. We also include a short video of your performance on CD (Pitching & Hitting). Please let us know, at the time your appointment is set, that you will want a CTP (customized training plan) so we will have our video equipment ready.