Blog
All 32 articles from Pitcher's Helmet, newest first.
Windup vs Stretch: Choose for Command, Not Promised VelocityCompare windup and stretch pitching, understand the stop-rule differences, and choose a delivery based on command, comfort and controlling runners. How to Throw a Baseball Faster: Mechanics, Strength and RecoveryDevelop throwing speed with repeatable mechanics, whole-body strength and gradual practice, while respecting command, recovery and youth workload limits. Build a Comfortable Circle Grip Without Changing Your DeliverySet a circle changeup grip, compare it with your fastball in catch play, and troubleshoot fit or release problems without adding youth throwing workload. How to Grip and Practice a Vulcan ChangeupLearn the vulcan changeup’s middle–ring finger grip, fastball-like release cues and practice checks, with youth workload and comfort boundaries. How to Throw a Knuckle Curveball: Grip and ReleaseLearn the modern knuckle curveball grip, middle-finger release cue, practice checkpoints, and age and workload guidance for developing pitchers. Build a Repeatable Stretch Delivery Without RushingSet your feet, learn when a complete stop is required, and practice a controlled stretch delivery with drills that fit your existing pitching workload. 4 Catch-Play Drills With Clear Coaching CheckpointsFour catch-play drills for youth pitchers, with simple cues, accuracy checks and a short session plan that accounts for throwing workload. What Is a Cutter Pitch? Movement, Grip and Youth GuidanceLearn how a cutter moves, how it differs from a slider and sinker, and what developing pitchers should prioritize before adding one. Eight Youth Pitching Drills With Clear FeedbackEight baseball drills for youth pitchers, with clear reps for grip, direction, command, changeups, defense and a practical 45-minute plan. How to Throw a Changeup Without Slowing Your ArmLearn a simple changeup grip, fastball-like release, practice progression and fixes for pitches that stay firm, spike or cut. Curveball Grip: Finger Placement, Pressure, and Simple FixesSet a basic curveball grip, check finger pressure, compare a standard and spike grip, and make small adjustments without forcing the pitch. Curveball Grip and Release: A Responsible Learning ProgressionLearn a basic curveball grip, release cues and a supervised progression that keeps age, command, workload and arm comfort first. Learn a Repeatable Curveball Without Forcing the ArmSee the curveball grip, release cue, age guidance, practice progression, common fixes, and workload boundaries for developing pitchers. A Conservative Shoulder Isometric Routine for PitchersUse three pain-free shoulder isometrics to train steady tension and position, with a conservative dose, progression checks and clear stop signs for pitchers. A Two-Day Baseball Workout Plan That Fits Around ThrowingBuild legs, trunk control, speed and upper-body strength with a two-day baseball workout plan that leaves room for throwing and recovery. Make Every Pitching Rep Serve a Clear PurposeBuild better pitching reps with one task, one cue, useful feedback, game-like variation, later retesting, and firm safety limits for youth pitchers. Average Pitching Speed at 13: What the Data Actually ShowA careful look at the 54 mph age-13 benchmark, why radar readings vary, and why command, recovery and workload matter more than rankings. How to Do a Shoulder External Rotation Stretch Without Forcing LaybackHow pitchers can perform a gentle stick-assisted external rotation stretch, with setup, form checks, dosage context and clear reasons to stop. Take 2–3 Continuous Months Off From ThrowingYouth and high school pitchers need a real offseason throwing break. See age-based guidance and a practical, gradual return-to-throw plan. How Far Is the Pitching Rubber From Home Plate?Common youth distances are 30 feet for 8U, 35 for 10U, 40 for 12U and 43 for 14U–18U, alongside official Little League division figures. How the Squeeze Play Works—and How Each Side Should RespondThe safety squeeze preserves the runner’s read; the suicide squeeze trades it for an early break. Outs, skills, and positioning shape the call. The Biggest Youth Pitching Risks—and How to Manage ThemExcessive competitive pitching, throwing while fatigued and inadequate recovery are the clearest modifiable concerns—and each can be managed. A Repeatable Routine From First Movement to First Full ThrowMove from whole-body activity and dynamic mobility to faster drills, shoulder and wrist prep, then easy throwing with gradual increases in distance or intent. Build a Better Throw From the Ground UpStart with a four-seam grip, build balance and direction at low intensity, then progress through release work, stationary drills, and complete throws. Alex Torres and the First Protective Pitching Cap in MLBAlex Torres wore an approved protective cap for San Diego on June 21, 2014. The exact game and the distinction from his later Mets design. Build a Better Baseball Workout Without Chasing GimmicksCompare beginner and advanced options for mobility, power, core and shoulder work, with form cues, weekly frameworks and progression rules. How the Slider Moves—and Where It Fits Among Breaking PitchesA slider generally breaks glove side, runs faster with less movement than a curveball, and spans multiple grips, speeds and pitch shapes. Choose Training Equipment by the Job It Needs to DoDefine the practice problem, feedback, space and supervision first, then select the simplest equipment that performs that job. A Pitcher’s Evidence-Aware Guide to Weighted Throwing ToolsCompare dimensions, construction, impact instructions, warranties, and replacement support, then match each option to a defined, supervised drill. How to Build a Comfortable, Repeatable Two-Seam FastballSet two fingers along the narrow seams and the thumb underneath, then adjust seam contact, grip depth, and pressure one variable at a time. How to Build a Repeatable Sinker Grip That Fits Your HandStart with index and middle fingers along—or just inside—the two closest seams, thumb underneath, and use a fastball-like delivery. Master the Boring Pitch: Everything Else Is Built on the Four-SeamThe four-seam fastball grip taught properly: finger placement, why it flies straight, and why every pitching curriculum worth trusting starts here — not with the curveball.