Pitch Like a Pro: A guide for Young Pitchers and their Coaches, Little League through High School
Is pitching an art or a science? Judging by all of the technical manuals on the subject, pitching seems to be an exact science. Lee Mazzone, pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves, disagrees: "Why turn something as basic as throwing a baseball into a science project?" Successful pitching isn't easy, but it is simple. The secret? Pitch every day--but regulate your intensity.In this slender but informative volume, Mazzone describes throwing programs, pitching strategies, and conditioning for pitchers from Little Leaguers up through high school. Over 60 photographs of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and other Braves illustrate pitching motion and various grips, while a special section on fielding for pitchers describes drills to keep hurlers in top form for bunts, covering first base, and setting up double plays. Though some of the conditioning and pitching drills seem impractical for the youngest players, coaches and older hurlers will find much useful information here.--M. Stein