Training Approach

Technical Matters

I teach a technique called internal rotation.  This technique is based on what elite pitchers actually do when they pitch. Its is biomechanically sound, and no more complex than any other technique that sets a pitcher up to be able to throw fast, with location, and movement.

With all players I make a concerted effort to train the bucket parent, not to pitch but to understand why for everything I teach.

My Students and Timelines

For many years I only trained the pitching staff from my teams and a few select referrals. After retiring from team coaching I have expanded my time training pitchers and intend to expand further in fall of 2026.   I look for students who want to learn, are willing to listen and want to work hard.   It does not matter if they throw 40 or 65.   My students are typically excellent athletes and most play multiple sports up until they are 15-16, where many begin to focus on softball.

I break the training year into phases.  Off season is time for mechanics rebuilds, refining performance of current pitches or  mastering a new pitch.  Preseason is focused on strength and speed and mastering pitch sequences. In season is typically trouble shooting, tune-ups and check-ins as players are training with their teams.  Some players continue in season bullpens.  I pressure players to take a break in late summer of at least 4-6 weeks and NOT pitch.  
The seasons vary on the calendar by age with High school pitchers starting season games in early April and younger kids on travel teams mid to late May.   

 

How many pitches do you have?

I remember the 9 year old who joined a team of mine and told me she had 8 pitches.  College coaches I have heard speak, beg for a pitcher who has 3, and she can hit locations.   

I teach a pronation drop/fastball and changeup to young pitchers.  Advanced youth will also learn to throw at the top of the zone.   

I can train a drop, drop curve, curve, rise, screw, offspeed, as well as fastball and changeup.   Movement is 100% about spin, not grip.  I find most do not understand the difference or actually know  their actual  spin.    

Tools and techniques

I make heavy use of high speed video to view and assess pitching efficiency and radar for speed.  Tools in the lab include plyo balls and wall, strength and movement flexibility tools.  For advanced pitchers I utilize Rapsodo and pitchlogic for the measurement and development of movement pitches, tunneling grids for advanced deception training,  and am adding torso biometrics tools in 2026.  

I begin training the youngest pitchers the WHY of everything about their pitch.  What makes things go wrong and how to self adjust and fix it.   Yes, I have 9 year olds saying self diagnosing !

Advanced pitchers will work on Rapsodo or pitchlogic to understand their spin, develop an arsenal and master movement with data based feedback.

Focused on data, customized

I prefer 1:1 coaching for a simple reason.  I can best help a pitcher progress in that format.   I have used hundreds of drill in my day, have some favorites, but usually tailor every lesson to  address exactly what I or the video cam see. I have a solid technical understanding of pitching and am absolutely  insistent on fixing fundamentals, even if there is a game this weekend.  

Style

I am intensely committed to helping pitchers achieve their goals. I look for kids who are committed and willing to work.  That said, softball is a game that should be fun.  I can push a kid as hard and fast as they desire, or go with the flow and let them just enjoy getting better.   I am not here to impose Mom/Dad expectations.   I am here to give back to the sport.