Quick Tip: Eye on the Black

Every pitcher has days when his stuff is sharp and his command is dead on. However, every pitcher also has days where his command is slightly off. These are the days when you throw a first pitch fastball, down and away to hitter, and it misses 3 inches off for ball one.

When this is occurs, intensify your focus. To make this happen (after you get the sign) look down at the black of the side of the plate you are going to throw to and slowly raise your eyes to the mitt. From there, make your pitch.

It sounds so simple; but, if you're looking to improve your first pitch strike percentage, or make that "split-the-mitt" 3-2 fastball on the inner black, this is how you do it.