Pitching for a 11 year old.

Question
I have an 11 year old cousin and I am trying to teach him to be a pitch. I need to know what kinds of pitches he needs to know and how much we need to work on them until he gets them right. To let you know I know how to throw a curve-ball, a change-up, slider, circle-change, slitter, cutter, 4 seam fastball, 2 seam fastball, and also a knuckle ball. Which of them do I need to teach him and if I need to which ones do I need to learn so I can teach him them?

Answer
Hey Austin,

At this age, an 11 year old who hasn't pitched much, needs to find a pitch that he can depend on getting over the plate when the count is 3-1, 3-0 or 2-0... That pitch is usually and should be the fast ball. If it cuts that would be great.. He must develop a fast ball and change up, for sure. He needs to stay on the outside half of the plate as much as possible. Of course low is the best. 4 seam and 2 seam would be great if he can get it over the plate. Each pitch will have different movement and may even work like a curve ball without the arm strain. If he has a curve ball, don't let him throw it more than 10 pitches or so per outing. Also make sure that his arm is bent after he throws it, to be sure that he is throwing it right.
There you have it.. Fast ball and change up. Throw a few breaking balls in there. But most of all throw strikes and get ahead of the hitters.
Good Luck.
Dennis