The drill is used to develop great pitcher control by having the pitcher throw strikes at varying distances as shown in the diagram below. The catcher is "c" and each spot the pitcher throw from is marked with an "x". 

Note: if you do not have a live catcher a Pitch2win Trainer or other pitching target can be used as a catcher. The Pitch2win Trainer works well because it catches every ball that hits in a 4' x 4' square.

C             X----------X----------X----------X----------X----------X----------X

The plate and catcher are set at a stationary location. The plate never moves. The pitcher will move ackward or forward after throwing a set number of pitches at each location.  The pitcher should begin throwing at a distance 1/4 of his normal pitching distance. At the close spots the pitcher will throw at 1/2 speed.

You should have 6-8 distance markers with the first being at his starting point and the longest being twice his normal pitching distance. The markers should be at 10 foot intervals and in a straight line with the plate. The object of the drill is to develop control by gradually moving away from and toward the targeted strike zone.

The pitcher is required to throw 1-3 strikes from each marker before moving to the next. The catcher serves as the umpire.

We work a variation of this drill thats has 2 to 4 pitchers working and competing against each other in a timed drill. Make sure that your catchers are far enough aprat to prevent a wild pitch from hitting another catcher. It is also a good idea for catchers to wear full gear when participating in this drill. The drill teaches them to work fast, concentrate, and execute a perfect pitch. Make sure your pitchers are in condition for this drill. They will find that throwing strikes from longer distance requires great mechanics and builds arm strength. Make sure your players stretch and warm-up first.

Nick Dixon - Head Baseball Coach - Boaz High - Boaz Alabama.

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Variation #1:  One Batter - Right or Left handed

C --------------------------------------- P

       B

Variation #2:  Two Batters - One Right and One Left handed

       B

C --------------------------------------- P

       B

Variation #1 - One batter is standing in and tracking every pitch from the pitcher's hand to the cacther's mitt. The batter does not have a bat. The batter will assume his regular stance and imagine that he is holding a bat.  The batter will "track" or watch the first three pitches out of the pitcher's hand until they hit the catcher's mitt, making sure to keep his head down and eyes on the ball all of the way. The batter must have a batting helmet on. The next steps to the drill are explained in the second paragraph below.

Variation #2 - Two batters are standing in the batter's box without bats. Each batter will assume his regular stance and imagine that he is holding a bat. The batters will "track" or watch the first three pitches out of the pitcher's hand until they hit the catcher's mitt, making sure to keep his head down and his eyes on the ball all of the way. The batters must have a batting helmet on. The next steps to the drill are explained in the paragraph below.

Next the batters will swing away with their "imaginary" bats. The batters will read the location of each pitch the pitcher throws and hit the ball where it is pitched. When two batters are tracking, they will do opposites. One will pull a pitch in a location that his tracking partner will hit to the opposite field.

The coach can call out a count such as 2-0, 3-1, 1-2, and 0-2 to allow the batters, pitchers, and catchers certain mind-sets in different situations.

Note: If your hitters are too young to perform this drill, have a coach to stand in. The coach may wish to wear a helmet and wear a glove for protection. This is a tough drill, but it is great for developing concentration. Make sure all participates wear helmets and other proper protective equipment.

Nick Dixon - Head Baseball Coach - Boaz High - Boaz Alabama.