From Gumbo to Gas: Why Your Pitcher Backpack Might Just Be Your Ticket to The Show

Back in Double-A ball down in Alabama—where the air was thick with humidity and regret—I played with a wiry lefty named Tyler “Stretch” McKee. He showed up to spring training with a giant duffle bag stuffed with foam rollers, yoga blocks, tennis balls, resistance bands, and two tiny pink dumbbells that weighed less than a rosin bag. The rest of us? We had gloves and maybe a half-eaten burrito.

Our manager, Coach Denton—who thought a proper warm-up was three Marlboros and a jog to the dugout—was not a fan. He’d mumble stuff like, “This ain’t a spa, Stretch,” every time that mat hit the locker room floor. Older vets gave him grief too. But Stretch didn’t flinch. He did his downward dogs, cranked his band work, visualized success... and then started touching 97 MPH. By mid-season, Stretch got the call-up. The rest of us? Still riding a bus with no AC through Mississippi, wondering what the heck was in that tennis ball can.

Whether you’re a "new age" guy with yoga bands and mantras or an old-school coach who still calls the weight room “optional,” we can all agree on one thing—pitchers, catchers, and coaches deserve the best gear to haul their tools of the trade. Your equipment bag should work as hard as you do. Let’s dive into some drills and tips that’ll help pitchers get better, throw harder, and stay ready for their own big break. 📉

HOW TO BE A BETTER PITCHER: ULTIMATE PITCHERS GUIDE

Becoming a better pitcher is tough. But the good news? With the right conditioning, drills, and a strong mental game, you can climb the ladder from "meh" to "money." This guide will walk you through key ways to improve control, increase velocity, and level up your overall game.

Pitching Control

Control is everything. You could throw 95 MPH, but if you can’t hit your spots, you’re just throwing hard batting practice. Control starts with good mechanics. If a pitcher can’t locate pitches, it usually means something is off in their delivery. Get the body right, and the ball will follow.

Break it down. Work on fundamentals. Repetition is your best friend here. A consistent release point and smooth motion will do more for your control than any fancy gadget.

Pitching Drills That Actually Work

🔥 1. Gripping the Ball
Start with the basics. Teach pitchers to hold the ball on their fingertips—not deep in the palm. Better grip = better snap = more control.

🎯 2. Pitcher Control Drill
Have a batter stand in (they don’t swing). Catcher calls inside or outside. The pitcher must locate the pitch precisely. Switch up batter sides to mimic real-game pressure.

⚖️ 3. Balance Point Drill
Pause at the top of your leg lift. Hold for two seconds. If you're wobbling, you're off. If you’re balanced, you're golden. Balance is the secret sauce to repeatable mechanics.

🧘 4. Sit and Throw Drill
Pitcher and partner sit cross-legged about 20-30 feet apart. No lower body. Just arm path and shoulder rotation. Forces a clean, efficient upper-body delivery.

🎯 5. Bullseye Drill
Tape a bullseye grid on a wall or cage. Hit the same square 3-5 times before moving to the next. You’ll start seeing control go from “random” to rock solid.

Break Down the Mechanics

Windup: Start sideways. Front shoulder pointed at the target. Hands at the chest. Relaxed.

Stride: Hands break, arm loads, stride foot lands closed then opens to point at the plate. Let the hips lead.

Finish: Snap the wrist over the top, finish with the throwing hand behind the opposite hip. Land in a fielding position. Be athletic.

How to Increase Velocity in Youth Pitchers

Velocity matters. Not everything, but it’s the first thing scouts and coaches look at. Here’s how to bump the gun:

• Speed up the time between stride foot contact and maximum external rotation.

• Use that glove arm! It helps you stay aligned and drives rotation.

• Keep your head behind your lead hip longer. It’s better for your arm and adds zip.

Physical Conditioning for Pitchers

Wanna throw gas? Get in shape. Pitching requires strength, balance, and endurance. Here are go-to exercises from top trainers:

💪 Push-ups (add chains or bands)
🏋️ Dumbbell bench press
🧗 Chin-ups and rows
🤜 Grip strength work
🦵 Squats and deadlifts
🏐 Medicine ball throws

Build a strong, stable body and your mechanics will follow. Don’t skip the weight room, and don’t skip the foam roller either. 🧼

Mental Game: Don’t Lose It Between the Ears

Pitching is chess, not checkers. Mental strength separates the good from the elite.

Don’t Waste Pitches: Stay locked in. Even up 0-2, challenge hitters. Don’t coast.

Focus Up: Block out noise. Crowd, coach, chaos—tune it all out. One pitch at a time.

Don’t Fear the Batter: Throw inside. Own the zone. If you're scared to hit someone, you're pitching scared.

Confidence Comes From Reps: You don’t fake swagger. Earn it with sweat.

Best Gear for Pitchers

Now let’s talk gear. You can’t walk the walk with a garbage bag on your back.

Get a bag that holds everything—gloves, bands, rollers, cleats, radar gun, snacks, that one lucky ball you haven’t washed in two seasons. Our FastPitch Backpack is made for serious players. Lightweight, roomy, organized like a dream.

Your Glove Is Your Ride or Die

Pitchers need gloves they trust. Period. We love the WebGem Flare—huge sweet spot, funnels everything into the pocket, and built like a tank.

Recommended Gear for Pitchers

🧤 D.W.C. Baseball Glove - NE 2PC DWC Series: Crafted for elite performance with durable leather and superior fit. Built to last, game after game. Shop it here

🧰 Flare WebGem: The ultimate tool for shaping your glove to perfection. Improves pocket shape and consistency. Get the Flare here

🥎 Valle Training Glove - Eagle K47: Excellent for PFP (Pitcher Fielding Practice) and infield drills. Forces soft hands and precision. Check it out

🎒 Top Pick II Backpack: Spacious, rugged, and made to haul your game-day essentials without falling apart mid-season. Explore the bag

🛍️ The PO Bag: Designed specifically for pitchers. Holds Jaeger Bands, Plyo balls, weighted balls, foam rollers, and anything else you need to throw smoke. Grab yours 

Stay sharp out there,

Coach Dan