Return to Pitching - 18 y.o.

Question
When I was about 12, I stopped playing baseball. I'd always hoped to pitch, but I was always put in the outfield because of my arm strength. No one ever really helped me learn the proper techniques while I was playing, so I never developed my arm to the extent I'd have liked to. I'd often pitched by myself at a pitch-back net or at a field's backstop.
For a period between 16-18yo, I stopped pitching completely. I had no one to give advice and I just felt it was time to give up even trying as I wasn't progressing any further. This spring I began pitching again(alone). My stength has always been my hitting, but it can't hurt to brush up on pitching. I'm having trouble finding a certain style of pitching that doesn't cause too much wear and tear on my shoulder or elbow. When I was younger, I had an overhand Orel Hershiser style of pitching that caused me much pain in my shoulder from the snap. As I got a bit older, I began pitching with more of a sidearm style which relieved some of the shoulder pain, but caused some elbow pain.
Now I've begun pitching again, hoping maybe to try out for a team once I get into college. Probably won't shoot for being a pitcher, but it would be nice to have that extra skill.
But... I lost my accuracy. I've had to slow down my pitches(which aren't too fast anyway) just to make sure they would cross the plate.

The pitching style, how to avoid causing pain/injury, the accuracy(or lack, thereof), the technique in general. Would you have any advice for me on any of these subjects?

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Additional Info:
Throw: Right
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 240lbs.
Best Pitch: Fork

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I appreciate your time.

- Ty Webster


Answer
Ty,

Unfortunately, the subject of how to pitch is way too broad for me to be able to address in an email. Entire books and videos have been made on the subject, so you might consider going to the library and checking them out (or buying on line). I would caution you though -- if you have arm pain, you need to stop what you're doing. Let your arm heal, then consider some light weight training to build up arm strength. This doesn't necessary equate to throwing strength, but your conditioning overall will improve and be less susceptible to injuries.

As for throwing style, it's really wahtever feels comfortable. Every pitcher has their own approach, so it's not a one size fits all kind of thing. Throwing over the top typically will increase accuracy, and dropping down to the size may cause more movement in your pitches. But it really depends on how YOU throw, not what some textbook says.

The key is practice (without arm pain), working on accuracy first, and gradually building speed from there. It's far more important to hit spots than it is to throw laser fastballs (which most good hitters can hit anyway). Work on throwing to both sides of the plate with accuracy. Then start putting a little more behind your pitches, WITHOUT losing accuracy. Another key is to work on changing speeds of the various pitches you use. Batters hate pitchers that have varying speeds (the basic change-up can be the most devastating pitch of all).

Having said of all of this, if you don't have much pitching experience, one suggestion would be to consider playing other positions -- especially if you'll be trying out for a college team. Why not put the strengths of your game to the forefront, and bring those skills to the team. Just a thought.

Best of luck!

Mike Fortunato