Pitching Drill: Pockets Drill (Baseball)
A heel-toe variation done with both arms dangling at your sides, so the only way to throw is to lift each arm into position. Simplifies the arm action for pitchers who get too lateral or wrap the ball behind them.
How to Run This Drill
- Start in a heel-toe position with your front heel next to your back toe
- Keep your front foot from getting too far out in front of you
- Let both arms dangle straight down next to your sides, in your pockets
- Keep your front toe up and your weight back
- Lead with your front hip, pushing it toward your target first
- Raise your glove arm into position as you move forward
- Let your throwing arm lift straight into position at the same time
- Stride forward and make the throw
Coaching Points
- This is a prescriptive drill, not an everyday one: use it when a pitcher gets too lateral or wraps the arm
- Starting from the pockets removes the excess movement, so the only option is to lift into position
- Helps a pitcher who never gets the glove arm high enough
- In a full delivery you do not only lift, so treat this as an isolation and not the finished mechanic
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Categories
Pitching
Focus Areas
Arm ActionMechanics
Age Groups
11-1213-1415-1617-1818+
Players
1-6 players
Difficulty
intermediate
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