Jake Robbins' Pitchers Guide

Baseball Season Is Right Around the Corner!

2012-01-22T21:54:00.001-05:00

In some parts of the country winter has barely visited and in others snow is piled up. No matter the current conditions everyone is excited about the upcoming baseball season. I am predicting a wild one. The normal playoff teams not reaching the playoffs and as they do every 8 years,the Marlins hve formed a championship team. Regardless of your favorite team, it will be an exciting season. Follow me on this blog and also on facebook or twitter (jakerobbins49) to keep up with the inside information.

Week 1 of Winter Bullpens...

2012-01-04T22:41:00.001-05:00

When approaching your bullpens this winter, have a plan in place before you start. Ask yourself "what do I want to accomplish in this bullpen?" A successful starts with a quality warm-up. Play catch with a purpose! (always having a specific target and focusing on your release point). All bullpens should start with commanding our 4-seam fast ball FIRST! If you can locate down and away and repeat 8 of 10 times you can move on to other pitches. Get it done...

Full Steam Ahead...

2012-01-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

Now that the Holidays are past us, there should be no holding back. We should have a plan for each day. Remember to warm-up to throw, never throw to warm-up. Always press thru the cardio and lifting in preparation for the season. No one ever fails until they quit! Get it done...

Merry Christmas to your off-season throwing program...

2011-12-25T13:57:00.001-05:00

In an earlier post I stated that we should start our off-season throwing program early so we wouldnt be worried about taking a day off or 2 days off during the holidays. Days off are good for our bodies. One of the most important variables of our preparation for this upcoming season is listening to our arm. Planned days off are crucial to having success this spring. Get it done...

Warm-up to throw....dont throw to warm-up

2011-12-18T09:53:00.001-05:00

Warming up to throw takes discipline but is necessary. When we begin to play catch, we should be tindinbour release point and repeating that release point every throw. If we are throwing to warm up or just get loose then we arent preparing properly to get on the mound. Get loose, warm-up by running or doing arm exercises before picking up the baseball. Get it done...

Off-Season Bullpens

2011-12-12T23:53:00.001-05:00

When throwing your bullpens this off-season, start with your 4seam fastball. Strt with locating down the middle, splitting the plate in half. Learn to attack the middle of the plate, down in the zone and don't be happy with less than 7/10 located where you want. After establishing that you can locate down the middle, down in the zone then move to glove side and do the same before eventually working on your off speed pitches. Get it done...

Off-Season throwing program

2011-12-08T00:40:00.001-05:00

This off-season, prepare like you never have before. Dont let the spring sneak up on you again. There is nothing wrong with starting a week early or 2 weeks early to make sure you have the proper amount of time to insure being physically ready for tryouts or collegiate spring workouts. One reason for starting early is preparing for days off over Christmas when there is no one to throw with. We want to build good arm strength before stepping up on the mound. Use your 4 seam grip this winter (making the baseball backspin/carry) each time you throw. You dont need to throw any other pitches during the arm strengthing phase... Get it done!

Off-Season Focus...

2011-12-05T12:57:00.001-05:00

Continuing with the Off-Season theme. I believe each pitcher should have a plan of how to improve this winter. The cliche has been used many times "plan the work and then work the plan". Its true and must be put into action. Plan out your week to create short term goals to accomplish your dreams going into next spring. Get it done!

Off-Season continued...

2011-11-30T08:12:00.001-05:00

When doing your running and conditioning programs this off-season, remember that baseball is an explosive sport. No play lasts longer than 10-12 seconds. The best way to condition to prepare yourself for next season is to run sprints, gassers, shuttles or the most risky of choices...play basketball. Get it done

Off-Season

2011-11-29T00:50:00.002-05:00

The off-season is upon us and next spring is looming ahead...many Pitchers have asked "what should I be doing"? The word coaches should be using is "PREPARATION". To take the next jump in your baseball career, you should be getting bigger, stronger and faster! The first thing coaches see is what you look like in your uniform... Get it done!

Attack the Strike Zone!

2010-04-20T00:02:00.002-04:00

Many pitchers and coaches who call pitches fall into giving the hitter too much credit. A successful pitcher pitches ahead of the count. In order to consistently successful we have to get Strike 1! If you find yourself falling behind often, assess how you are using the strike zone. Are you pitching to the corners first and finding yourself having to use the middle of the plate when behind in the count? Attack the middle of the plate first and then expand. Don't try to pick at the corners and fall behind. Its a recipe for disaster! Be confident in your stuff and work ahead first and then expand the strike zone.

Have fun doing it!

Pitch Percentage Breakdown

2010-03-16T00:29:00.002-04:00

Many have asked me recently: "How many curve balls or how many change-ups should I throw in a game?" or "How many curve balls is too many in a game?" Well here is a brief story along with a general percentage breakdown. Professional organizations believe in throwing the 4-seam fastball! They believe it builds arm strength and increases command and confidence in the strike zone. Throwing 2-seam fastballs or breaking pitches at a young age means you are pitching to make the hitter miss, and in the long run this won't work out! Yes, we do make pitches at times wanting the hitter to swing and miss but pitching ahead of the count and pitching to contact will lower pitch counts and save your arm through out the year. A good percentage breakdown for pitchers who use 3 pitches would be: 70% Fastball, 20% change-up, 10% curveball. The curveball and change-up numbers can interchange is your curveball is your second best pitch. Use your fastball and watch your confidence and velocity increase!

Bullpen preparation leads to Game time success

2010-03-04T23:22:00.002-05:00

Prepare for your bullpens like you would a game day start. Warm up by running, jumping rope or some other type of cardio to get a light sweat going. Always stretch properly before picking up the baseball. Play catch with some distance before getting on the mound. Take your bullpen practice sessions seriously. Better to throw 20-25 quality pitches in a bullpen than to throw 40-45 without focus. Not only will you create the right muscle memory but you will save bullets (pitches thrown) to be used in the future. This doesn't mean only throw 20-25 pitch bullpens. This means, take your practice time seriously. Preparation time isn't time wasted, you will look back on game day and thank yourself for being disciplined to prepare.

Nike said it best "just do it"

The great ones dont think...

2010-03-02T22:40:00.002-05:00

The great ones dont think...They React! The ability to react to situations is what makes good players great. Pitchers only think inbetween pitches, not during their delivery. If you are thinking about mechanics, or who the hitter is, or i hope this or that happens during your delivery, you are beating yourself. After deciding what pitch to throw, see your target and throw it! Dont aim it to the glove or hope it to the glove. Throw it and trust yourself. Successful pitchers who can do this are the ones who put in the practice time. Think baseball in the morning, think baseball during practice, but dont think baseball when you are playing!

Have fun this season!

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat...

2010-01-31T21:58:00.004-05:00

Repeating your delivery as a pitcher is paramount! This means your rhythm and tempo (speed of your delivery) and timing are the same each and every pitch. This allows us pitchers to have a consistent release point and quickly make adjustments in our mechanics. If a pitcher rushes thru his delivery, it makes it tough to make in game adjustments when needed. This doesn't mean we have to go slow! We just have to maintain some type of balance and be able to repeat the delivery we choose...

Good Luck!

Mound Presence...

2010-01-08T11:40:00.002-05:00

Successful pitchers have the ability to maintain focus and exude confidence in every situation. Many times pitchers have rough 1st innings or give up 4/5 runs in any given inning but the good ones maintain what is commonly known as a "blank face" or "No expression" We tell our pitchers to hide their expression to the point where the typical fan couldn't tell whether they are throwing a no hitter or are struggling to get out of the 1st inning. Have a plan when you are on the mound, and stick to that plan no matter the score of the game. Plan: 1st pitch strikes, stay ahead of the count and focus on each pitch!

Good luck this season!

What Makes Mariano so Great...

2009-12-22T00:39:00.003-05:00

No matter the situation, Mariano Rivera has the same blank expression. Its tough to tell whether he is winning or losing. Every pitcher has to control his emotions. Never get too high and never get too low! The game of baseball is humbling to the best of players, but those who continue to fight will always find success. Mariano throws every pitch like its his last. He approaches every game like its his last. Strive to control your emotions on the mound and always play each game like its your last!

Off Season Throwing Program

2009-12-06T23:22:00.003-05:00

Baseball season is right around the corner and its preparation time. Hopefully each player has enjoyed some time off to play another sport or possibly relax the body and is ready to start an off -season program. In preparation for an injury free, successful season, each pitcher needs to condition their arm. This throwing program must start in the winter. Its a gradual progression of throws and distance each week. If interested in a program, you can contact me thru my blog or by email/phone.

There will be a small fee but well worth it.

Jake Robbins

rhp4god@yahoo.com

704-517-6399

2 Ways to disguise your pitches...

2009-11-17T23:16:00.002-05:00

Pitchers must disguise their pitches from the hitter. The 2 main ways a pitcher must disguise his pitches are with fastball arm speed on every pitch and having the same release point no matter the pitch he is throwing. If a pitcher slows his arm down to throw his off speed pitches, this telegraphs or helps the hitter see a different pitch is coming other than the fastball. Also, if a pitcher releases his fastball from one arm slot and his off speed pitch from another, hitters will be able to make adjustments to the pitchers pitches much easier. Maintain fastball arm speed on every pitch and watch hitters have a more difficult time reading what you are throwing.

What arm angle should pitchers use?

2009-11-06T01:13:00.004-05:00

Baseball players shouldn't change their arm angle or arm action when they find themselves on the mound. However you throw the baseball when playing catch with your teammates on a flat surface should be the way you throw the baseball on an elevated surface (mound)... Too many kids pitching today either think they have to throw quote "over hand" or are being told to, "just because they are pitching." Each and everyone of us pitchers has a NATURAL arm action that we need to throw from.

Don't make pitching so difficult. Throw with the arm action you feel comfortable with and have fun doing it. Pitching in its simplest form is playing catch with the catcher.

Tip #1 on What to do after we throw the baseball:

2009-10-29T10:28:00.002-04:00

With the possibility of runners going to third base or scoring a run we as pitchers have to back up each base in expectation of a bad throw. When backing up third & home, get as far back as possible to give more room to move and more time to react to the errant throw. If you don't know if the ball is going to third or
home, split the difference between home plate and third base until the play
unfolds and rush to the right area.

As pitchers we always have somewhere to be. Don't get caught standing on the mound observing!

Stat #3

2009-10-13T23:07:00.002-04:00

Get the first batter out of every inning! Stat #3 is a direct result from following Stats #1 and #2. Staying in the present mindset of getting strike 1 and concentrating on getting 2 strikes before 2 balls, will lead to getting hitters out more effectively. Staying with this plan will keep outside distractions to a minimum and allow you to stay focused. In keeping these 3 stats, your goal should be to maintain 67% on each. If we as pitchers can throw 67% first pitch strikes, get ahead of the hitter 67% of the time and get the first batter of the inning out 67% of the time then I promise we will be successful! These goals are not lofty...You can do it!

Continue to work hard and have fun doing it!

Stat #2

2009-09-29T11:57:00.003-04:00

The 2nd most important stat is to pitch ahead of the count. Get 2 strikes before 2 balls!

Each of these 3 stats focus on staying in the present state of mind that will lead to being successful. (if you are thinking about what "has" happened or about the future, you wont be successful)

A quick fact to think about: Many times you hear coaches say "don't swing at the first pitch" According to a Division 1 study, hitters who make contact with the first pitch they see (0-0 count) hit for an average of .186!! They haven't had an opportunity to time you, so dont be afraid to throw the ball over the plate.

Hitters in a 2-1 count hit .290

Hitters in a 1-2 count hit .151

Focus to work one pitch at a time and accomplish one goal at a time by getting strike 1! Work ahead in the count, stay in the present state of mind and you will be successful!

3 Most important stats to successful pitching...

2009-09-17T00:52:00.002-04:00

1. Strike 1!

This is the best pitch in baseball, and is also the lead stat for being a successful pitcher. Each of these 3 important stats build upon each other to produce a winning pitcher.

When a pitcher gets 0-1 (0 balls/1 strike) on the hitter, averages say he will make an out over 88% of the time. As opposed to being 1-0 (1 ball/0 strikes) leads to a significant advantage of averages for the hitter equaling a .290 batting average. These stats are based upon a MLB scale but are relative to any level. A hitting count study was taken over the past 2 years at Ga. Southern Univ. This study found that when a hitter made contact with the first pitch thrown in any at bat, the hitter made an out 92% of the time. This is an eye opening stat that pitchers should take note of. Pitching ahead in the count will always lead to success.

I will cover the second stat in the next blog...

Look for an Advantage against hitters Part 1

2009-09-07T23:37:00.005-04:00

There are many different ways to read how a hitter is attacking a pitcher. It is the pitchers job to figure it out and attack the hitters weakness intelligently.

Part 1: Where the hitter sets up in the batters box.

Look and see where the hitter's batting stance is in the box. If he stands in the back of the box he generally needs more time to see the fastball. If he’s in the back of the box, a good curveball will be tough for him to hit.

If he sets up in the front of the batters box, consider using your fastball. The closer he is to you, the less time he has to react to your fastball.

Also remember hitters that struggle with breaking pitches tend to scoot closer to the pitcher to hit the pitch before it has time to fully break. So you can also use the breaking pitch effective to this hitter as well if located down in the zone.

Hitters will move their feet and position in the box from pitch to pitch in an at bat . Be aware of changes in the hitters stance/set up from pitch to pitch.

3 Ways to Increase Mental Toughness

2009-09-04T00:31:00.003-04:00

In my last blog I mentioned the words "Mental Toughness" many times. I want to follow that up with "How to Increase Mental Toughness"

Athletes don't wake up one day with mental toughness, and it doesn't happen by osmosis. As I have stated, mental toughness is a progression and is learned.

1. Proper bullpen work! Proper bullpen work starts with having a plan. Each time a pitcher takes the mound, he should have a plan! Whether in a game or pitching at practice, ask yourself "what am I working on today." Plan the work and work the Plan!

2. Read. Find topics that you like to read and find time to read everyday. Some may question this but it has been proven to increase focus. The ability to focus in difficult situations is a must! Just like you prepare physically by lifting and throwing, pitchers need to prepare mentally by reading to increase focus. Increase you reading time just like you increase your weight lifting or your running.

3. Visualization. Let your mind become the practice field for what you want to accomplish during the next game. This practice field is always available. For 5 minutes everyday, see yourself throwing strikes. See yourself in difficult situations. Get away from everyone for 5 minutes, close your eyes and see yourself locate your fastballs down and away. Baseball is a kids game, it should be fun! Use your imagination and see yourself being successful. If you need a little stronger picture to your imagination, go through your delivery with your eyes closed and see yourself locating the baseball down in the zone.

Do something everyday to make yourself better!

The 3 toughest innings for starting pitchers are...?

2009-08-28T21:53:00.004-04:00

The 3 toughest innings for starting pitchers are the 1st inning, 5th inning, and the last inning.

The reason for this is:

1st Inning: Getting through the jitters of throwing the first couple pitches of the game can make or break the entire game for many. Not being prepared mentally will create rough waters and tough times getting into the flow of the game. Preparation starts from the bullpen you throw 2-3 days before the game. A small part of preparation on game day starts with a routine of warming up, throwing program, and finding rhythm/tempo and timing in the bullpen.

5th Inning: This is the second toughest inning for starting pitchers because it is the inning that must be completed to get the win. This thought enters into many pitchers heads subconsciously. Being tough mentally by being able to stay in the moment, one pitch at a time, is what it takes to accomplish what each pitcher sets out to do each game. Win!

Last Inning: The last inning is the 3rd toughest inning in a game that many would say is the most difficult! The hitters awareness is heightened due to it being his last at bat of the game. Every hitter wants to finish his last at bat with a positive result and many times bares down mentally tougher than any other at bat during the game. Each pitch is crucial. This is why Closers are paid so much to only pitch 1 inning at the end of each close game. If a starting pitcher is still in the game, he is probably around his pitch limit or wearing down physically. Mental and physical toughness comes into play at this point in the game and those that prepare in every way will find themselves in this position more often than others.

What is the Best Pitch in Baseball?

2009-08-18T16:20:00.003-04:00

The question is often asked and pondered, so I decided to help everyone out on this one... The best pitch in baseball is "Strike 1!" Pitching ahead in the count is a must for baseball pitchers to climb the ranks thru travel ball and into high school and college. Just to give you a brief stat of how it changes the hitters approach at the plate:

When a hitter is 0-1 against the pitcher, the chances of him getting a hit decrease to 22%.

Meaning 78% of the time he will make an out!

When the hitter is 1-0 vs. the pitcher, this puts him in a more comfortable situation where us as pitchers now have a tougher time getting him out. Percentages say that hitters starting with a 1-0 count have a 32% chance of getting a hit.

Thus making him a .320 hitter. These numbers are on a big league scale but are relative to any level.

Make an effort and purpose to pitch ahead in the count by getting "STRIKE 1!"

Why do Relief Pitchers pitch from the stretch with no one on base?

2009-08-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

Thanks for checking out my blog! I hope to be able to answer many of your questions as they filter in daily.

Many relief pitchers pitch only from the stretch position because they have to make the most crucial pitches in a game with men on base. Most times a reliever comes into a game, it just happens to be with men on base in the pivotal win/lose point in a baseball game. Many studies have proven that close to 70% of pitches thrown in the game of baseball are with men on base. Hence the need to have your best stuff from the stretch. Relievers don't have the luxury of finding their rhythm during a game as starters do. They have to be spot on when they enter the game. Pitching solely from the stretch helps to stay more consistent night in and night out. Many amateur pitchers constantly work their bullpen sessions from the windup only because that is where they feel the most comfortable or that is the position they throw their fastball with the greatest velocity. Most Professional pitchers start from the stretch first when they get on the mound. This is done for many reasons. One, it helps to get their timing down before anything else. Two, they know they will need quality pitches at the most crucial point in the game from the stretch position with men on base.

Working your Side sessions (bullpens) primarily from the stretch will help build confidence to make quality pitches when you need them the most!

Routine for the Week

2009-08-10T17:19:00.000-04:00

Start to play catch everyday for this Fall Season!

Long toss every other day atleast 120 ft. Unless you are feeling Sore. Which in this case you will push it back a day for extra recovery.

Bullpens will start with me when CBC opens up next Monday but you need to get one in this week

Running Program:

15-20 min. run...Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Sprints: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: 40 yards, 12 times

Get your lifts in twice a week after you throw, never before. Preferably Monday & Thursday

3x8 Squats (start with 1 warm-up set of 12)

3x8 Body Row

3x8 Straight leg Dead lifts (for hamstrings)

3x8 DB Benchpress

3x12 Lat Pull Downs

2x8 Incline DB Benchpress

3x12 DB Lunges

3x12 DB Side Lunges

150 ABS: 5 Sets/30

You always want to balance the push and pull movements throughout the workout. This prevents injuries and improves performance. Squats and deadlifts are often neglected in favor of “beach muscle” workouts that target the biceps and chest muscles, but true strength and power is generated from the core, hamstrings, glutes, and quads. These muscles should be your main focus in each workout you do!

Last: DONT FORGET TO STRETCH BEFORE AND AFTER YOU THROW/WORKOUT!!

Any questions: Email or Text me...Jake@cbcbaseball.net or 704-517-6399