Over time, they transformed. Deliveries got cleaner. Reps got more consistent. @OEBbaseball.

Cut unnecessary variables.Extra drills, movement patterns, or target overload—if it didn’t help them throw strikes, we removed it. The goal was simple: give them the best chance to compete with confidence in the zone.

Simplified target work.We stopped chasing spots and with the goal to command the zone. Once that became repeatable, command followed. If you cannot throw middle you cannot hit a corner on command.

Started pens closer.We opened bullpens with the catcher a few feet in front of the plate. If we couldn’t throw strikes at 58 feet, we weren’t ready for 60. It helped with feel, tempo, and timing.

Let long toss be athletic.This was the one time we let them just move freely—stay loose, feel intent, and build rhythm without overthinking mechanics.

Simplified pregame throwing.We cut out drills and had all throws come directly from their delivery—except for long toss, where we emphasized athleticism and freedom. This made every rep game-relevant. If mechanical issues came up, we fixed them within their motion—not in isolated

What We Changed:.✅ Removed drill work before pregame bullpens.✅ Focused all pregame throws on delivery.✅ Encouraged athletic long toss.✅ Started bullpens with catcher in front of plate.✅ Simplified pens—main focus was to just throw strikes.✅ Necessary mechanical/movement.

The difference between the start of our season was astronomically different. It was clear early on that the staff needed a reset. So we made a few key changes:.

I met this group on the day of our first game—no practices, no prior connection. Just a talented group of pitchers lacking structure and direction.

ERA Down. Walks Down. Strike % Up. Here’s How 🧵 ⬇️

On the other hand, with younger pitchers who don’t yet move efficiently, your reasoning needs to be more concrete. Their movement patterns often have clear inefficiencies, so changes should be more intentional and focused on building a solid base from the ground.

With older pitchers who already move efficiently, the key word to use is experiment. These guys are already elite movers with strong foundations, so making a drastic change can sometimes do more harm than good. Instead of forcing adjustments, the focus should be on exploring.

– Back foot disengages too early — holding tension in the back leg through foot strike will help transfer force more efficiently.

Adjustments to Explore:. – At hand break, Hartle has an extreme shoulder tilt. As a result, the hips tilt upward. Reducing that tilt slightly so his hips become linear may allow his hips to clear and fire quicker, improving hip-shoulder separation and helping him ride the slope

What He Does Well:.✅ Smooth initial drift that keeps him balanced and in rhythm. ✅ Clean, efficient arm action. ✅ Glove side usage creates direction and force. ✅ Good leg block and solid posture throughout his delivery.

Junior RHP and former teammate of mine from @ClarionBaseball (D2, PSAC Conference), @aiden_hartle is already sitting in the mid to upper 80s with a strong foundation. He doesn’t need major changes—just small tweaks that could unlock more consistency and velocity. We connected and

How @aiden_hartle Efficient Delivery Can Get Even Better 🔥 ⚡️

While the main goal of athletic throwing is too not focus on mechanics and to be natural. The results of these can be better movement patterns. For an example, qb drop backs, and step back throws will help with creating force into the ground. While walking back 10 toes will help.

It also improves body awareness and sequencing — two keys to consistently delivering the ball with intent. Remember, not every throw on the mound will feel exactly the same. Athletic throwing prepares you to adapt while still moving efficiently and staying in control.

Athletic throwing promotes fluidity and rhythm in a pitcher’s delivery. Too often, pitchers become overly focused on achieving “perfect” mechanics, which can lead to stiffness and robotic movement. If aren’t comfortable throwing a baseball how are you going to be comfortable.