By Coach Flint Wallace, Director of Player Development-
(This is Part 2 of a 2-part series. Part 1 gave an overview on the subject and presented the first two of six training options. If you missed Part 1, CLICK HERE to access to it. In Part 2, the remaining four training options are covered.)
Variable Distance
The Variable Distance is designed to work on making adjustments from pitch to pitch or to blend movement patterns into a full distance pitch.
Set Up:
- Place 3 targets at varying distances, 4-6 feet difference. (Pictured here, the use of the Command Trainer. It can be found at OatesSpecialties.com/TBR)
- This can be done on 3 separate mounds or can be done on 1 mound.
How to Perform:
- Start at the first target and deliver a pitch or perform a drill if blending.
- Then move to the next target and deliver a pitch or if blending, perform the next drill in the blend.
- Finally, move to the last target and do the same.
V-Flex
- The purpose of the V-Flex is to make your brain have to create a three-dimensional image of the strike zone.
- It provides spatialinformation for the brain, so the strike zone is created inside the brain instead of as an external hard target outside the brain.
- This allows for more cognitive feedback.
Set Up:
- Place the small V-Flex frame at home plate with the black back drop directly behind it.
- Then, when ready, add the next size frame about 15-20 feet in front of the small frame to create a visual tunnel from the mound.
- Finally, you can add the third size (largest) frame about 15-20 feet in front on the middle frame.
How to Perform:
- Just make pitches from the mound, executing inside and outside the strike zone.
- Start with all 3 frames, then you can subtract a frame and so on.
- Also, take a frame away for a few pitches then add it back, and go back and forth.
Strings
If you want to make it easier to track command in a bullpen or whenever a pitcher is throwing to a catcher, like in a flat ground or short distance work, use a string set up:
Possible String Set Up Variations:
-EV
– Diagonal Across the Strike Zone (up & in to low & away)
-Glove-Side/Arm-Side
-Down/Elevate
-4 Corners
Khaos 101
The General Goals of Our Khaos Training:
- Increase kinesthetic awareness
- Problem solving via decentralized self-organization
- Increased adaptability, retention, and transfer
-Variation I
- A different target on every throw
- A specific target on every throw
- Example: Vertical
- 1st Throw- Target A
- 2nd Throw- Target B
- 3rd Throw- Target Star
- Repeat
- Can work on any direction (Horizontal, Diagonal, etc.)
-Variation II
- A different ball on every throw (size & weight)
- 12 inch- 4oz.
- 11 inch- 8oz.
- 9 inch soft- 7oz.
- 9-inch regulation- 5oz.
- 7 inch- 3 oz.
-Variation III
- A different surface on every throw
- Extreme Up 15+ inches
- Extreme Down 15+ inches
- Up Hill Lie 6+ inches (toes above heels)
- Down Hill Lie 6+ inches (heels above toes)
*** Through March 14th, you can save $165 on the complete Khaos training package which includes the K Target Pad, the Khaos DTS balls, the Khaos 101 training DVD & manual. Simply CLICK HERE for the details.***
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If you felt this type of approach was helpful to you and you’d like to receive more explicit details regarding the development of individual throwing athletes inside of a team or group setting, then the “Ranch Revolution Coaches Inner Circle” would be the ideal membership for you and it’s ONLY $29.95/month. I personally lead this group. The membership gives you online access to our complete video vault (9 different cogs) containing information for warm-ups, arm care, throwing drills, mobility & flexibility, nutrition and more. Each month, you also receive a copy of our “Pitching with Confidence” newsletter, as well as our monthly blog and weekly mindset (these are great to also share with your players). In addition, there’s a bi-weekly Vlog from me covering topics specifically for coaches.
Email me at CoachWallace@TexasBaseballRanch.com for more information and to find out how to get your first month’s membership FREE.
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