One of the primary faults with young pitchers is their tempo is too fast and they have a tendency to rush their delivery. This means that they go into and come out of the wind-up position too fast. Pitchers that rush are usually out of balance which negatively affects their pitch speed and control. To improve their tempo I tell pitchers “Slow and Soft Up”, “Slow and Soft Down” and “Out Fast”.
*“Slow and Soft Up” – Lift the glove-side leg up slowly and softly into the wind-up position.
*“Slow and Soft Down” – Simultaneously break the glove-side foot and hands down slowly and softly.
*“Out Fast” – After completing the break accelerate towards home plate and deliver the pitch.