1. Learn to relax, breathe

A big part about pitching, about any stressful situation, is being able to relax and let your body work the way it needs to work. First and foremost, find a way to relax on the mound. A great way to do this is breathing. If you think of the most stressful situations you’ve ever been in, what happens to your body? Tenseness creeps in. It may not creep in, it may kick in the door. When this occurs, your ability to perform decreases significantly. Breathe. I see major leaguer’s do it all the time. Big breath in, big breath out. No difference in little league. You guys are under the same type of stress. Breathe.

2. Field your position

Pitchers can help themselves tremendously by just fielding their position. Make sure after you release the pitch, you are in a good fielding position. Step and throw.

3. Break to first on every ball hit to the right side of the infield

If the first baseman goes for the ball, it is your responsibility to cover first base. Get in the habit of breaking on every ball hit to the right side, then you won’t be surprised if the first baseman isn’t there.

4. Backing up

If it is your responsibility to back up a base, do it. Too many times I see kids forget to back up because they are upset they gave up a hit. Get over it and back up. It may save you a run, or more.

5. Covering home on a passed ball

Again, this is a habit. Get in the habit of breaking toward home on all passed balls with a runner on third base.

6. Always step to your target to make throws.

 

Setting your feet before you field the ball and then executing good infirlder footwork.

Drills

1. Covering first base on a ball hit to the right side
2. Throwing to second base to start double play
3. Fielding bunts and throwing various bases

Fun advanced drills:

1. Pick offs to first
2. Pick offs to second
3. Covering home on a passed ball