PITCHING - Be as good, if not better pitching from the stretch.

Pitchers will sometimes admit that they're more effective throwing from the wind-up than the stretch. Well guess what? That'd better change and if you fall into this category, practice throwing two-thirds of your bullpen pitches from the stretch. You should be as good, if not better, pitching from the stretch. This is what separates the men from the boys.

When you think about it, throwing from the stretch is where most games are won and lost. Are you going to strand runners or are you going to allow them to score? Especially at higher levels of the game, you'll likely spend more time in the stretch position than wind-up.

Often the problem pitchers have throwing from the stretch is psychological. They feel less powerful, and as a result, lose confidence and aggression. There is no reason to think arm strength or command is diminished throwing from the stretch position. Major league relievers (including Mariano Rivera) work exclusively from the stretch, even if no runners on base. Would their employers allow this if the stretch weren’t as good a delivery as the windup? No way!

A problem can occur if your attention is divided between the runner(s) and hitter. If you’re 50/50, you’re in trouble. Focus completely on the runner or hitter, not both.