Baseball players often use balancing trainers to work on their hitting, but this is a versatile tool that can work for pitchers, too. While there are many different styles of balancing trainers, those that have a simple design are highly effective. One popular design consists of a low and narrow platform, typically covered with turf, that you stand on to perform your drills. Practicing your pitching on this platform can have an adjustment period, but you'll soon appreciate how this device can help you. Here are some ways that a balancing trainer will help your pitching.
Starting With Equal Weight Distribution
The first step in delivering a pitch is standing on the mound and looking toward your catcher. If you're in a rush to throw, you might fail to get set before beginning your wind up. This could mean that your weight is shifted to either side as you begin your pitching mechanics, which can be detrimental to your ability to throw the ball in a controlled manner. Because a balancing trainer is narrow, it automatically forces you to be aware of your weight distribution when you stand — otherwise, you might fall off to one side. Before long, starting your pitching sequence with equal weight distribution will come naturally.
Moving Straight Forward
In order to be effective, a baseball pitcher has to move straight toward the plate. Stepping to either side, even a little bit, can affect your ability to pitch properly. When you're practicing pitching drills on a balancing trainer, you'll develop the habit of moving straight forward out of necessity. Otherwise, you'd step off the trainer and stumble as you deliver the ball. Once you incorporate the balancing trainer into your pitching workouts, you'll notice that driving your body straight toward home plate comes more naturally to you.
Remaining Square After Delivery
Some pitchers have a tendency to allow their body's momentum to carry their body to one side after they release the ball. A right-handed pitcher, for example, will often step to the left after release. The problem with this habit is that you can end up out of position to field the ball if it's hit toward. This could lead to the runner getting to first safely on what should've been a routine out. Pitching drills with your baseball balancing trainer will help you to develop the habit of staying on the trainer after you release the ball, which will help to keep your body square toward the plate. Look for a baseball balance trainer from a store like Three Piece Tee near you.
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