When should you start advanced pitches? Advanced meaning anything other than a fastball or change-up. The time is different for each pitcher but, as a rule, when a pitcher starts becoming relatively dependable in spotting the four corners.
The four corners are ‘up & in’, ‘down & in’, ‘up & out’ and ‘down & out’. As the pitcher develops control, four corners should become part of routine practice for about 1/3 of the practice. The ability to hit those four corners and consistently throw the change-up is critical.
Pitch location is much more critical than different types of pitches. Armed with the four corners and a change-up, pitchers have a real advantage over the batter. Once that is accomplished, it is time to move on.
Some of the more common specialty pitches to follow are the off-speed, drop, screw ball (also known as an inshoot), the curve and the rise ball.
The off-speed pitch is fairly simple to throw and most pick it up quickly. The other pitches are difficult and often frustrating. READ MORE
