Pitching From The Ground Up by Bob Bennett

Pitching From The Ground Up

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Learn the absolutes of sound pitching mechanics:

Simplify the pitching process
Speed up your learning curve
Perfect for all pitchers & coaches

232 Pages (Paperback, 2nd edition (2006)
50 photos & 15 charts
Learn & understand a simple system to sound pitching mechanics!

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Stock# BK19

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Introduction Conclusion Coach Bennett's Bio

For the better part of five decades, Bob Bennett has observed, caught or coached pitchers. This has given him an opportunity to evaluate many pitching techniques and a variety of teaching methods. These experiences have helped him develop better teaching procedures, which have been used to create a better system for learning.

The purpose of this book is to provide a simple step-by-step teaching method. It is written with both the pitcher and the pitching coach in mind. Teaching and learning are simplified, and the pitching system Bennett developed can be used for pitchers from Little League to retirement.

Pitching can be divided into five major teaching areas. They are: (1) Mechanics, (2) Control, (3) Velocity, (4) Stuff, and (5) Gamesmanship. The teaching base of this book is mechanics, and greater emphasis will be placed on that area, but the others are not neglected. By using mechanics as a base, the other areas will be easier to learn.

With the help of two of Bennett's former pitchers, Mark Gardner and Bobby Jones (both Major Leaguers), this comprehensive book covers virtually every aspect of pitching, with detailed examples and photographs of mechanics and drills.

[Read the book's introduction]

Pitching From The Ground Up Package

Contents:: Pitching From the Ground Up Book; Pitching From the Ground Up Video

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Pitching From the Ground Up (video description)

Shows the 3 key components of proper pitching mechanics: feet to knees, knees to waist, and waist to head. This video also explains how to throw 6 types of pitches and pitch from the wind-up & stretch.

Pitching From The Ground Up Book Breakdown

[Read the book's introduction and conclusion]

Chapter 1: The Pitching Delivery

Pages 11-37

Mechanics Feet-to-Knees
Starting Stance and Push-Off Foot
Short Stroker or Long Stroker
Leg Lift Stretch Position
Leg Lift From The Wind-Up
Push-Off
Stride
Knees-to-Waist Mechanics
Waist-Through-The-Head Mechanics
The Front Arm
The Chest
Chin
Eyes
Throwing Arm
Arm Action and Follow-Through
The Feet at the Follow-Through
Fielding Position

Chapter 2: Stretch Position

Pages 38-47

Feet
Knees
Waist
Shoulders
Holding Runners on Base
Looks
Timing
Different Moves to First Base
Short Stroker (Right-Handed Pitcher)
Spin Turn
Jump Turn
Step Off-Pause-Throw
Barr Move
Move From Left-Handed Pitcher
Step-Off and Throw

Chapter 3: A System of Teaching Pitching Mechanics

Pages 48-60

The Basic Approach
Fit the Work to the Solution
Building Blocks to Prevent Problems
Terminology - Developing a Pitching Language
Definition of Pitching Terms

Chapter 4: Step-by-Step Approach

Pages 61-67

Focus
Teaching Touch and Feel
Relearning
Teaching Each Other

Chapter 5: Pitching Drills

Pages 68-90

Push-Off Drill
Stride Foot Balance Drill
Stride Foot Balance Drill with Chest to Thigh
Pitcher Isolated Feet Drill
Stationary Stride Drill
Arm Life Drill
Front Arm Drill
Chin Up-Chest Out Drills
Heel-Over Drill
Chair Drill
Stride Foot Fence Drill
Trajectory Drill
Rotation Drill
Leg Lift Drill
Bottoming Out With the Hands Drill
Chest Out Drill
Chin Up Drill
Eyes-to-Target Drill
Screen Drill
Right-to-Left Drill
Hop-Balance-Hop Drill
Throwing From the Knees Drill
Double-Catcher Drill
Exaggerated Target
Strike Zone With Strings
Stick Drill
Release Point by Sound-Stick Drill

Chapter 6: Dry-Run Pitching

Pages 91-108

Dry-Run Drills (39 steps)

Chapter 7: Developing Pitchers

Pages 109-121

Fastball
Curveball
Change-Up
Deep-Grip Change-Up
Three-Finger Change-Up
Dead-Leg Change-Up
Seaver Change-Up
Slip-Pitch Change-Up
Slider
Cut Fastball
Traditional Slider
Knuckleball
Forkball
Split-Finger Fastball
Palmball
Screwball

Chapter 8: Teaching Tools

Pages 122-131

Pitching Screen
Rubber Pad or Rug
Chair or Bench Uses
Broomstick
Bat (to Help With Curveball Mechanics)
Paper Cup
Plastic Bucket
Pictures and Photographs
Shoestring
Videotapes
Batting Tee (to Help Arm Lift)

Chapter 9: Velocity

Pages 132-148

Power Fastball
Changing Speed on the Fastball
Spotting the Fastball
Movement on the Fastball
How to Improve Speed
Special Throwing Program
Use of the Radar Gun
Normal Pitch Speed Differences

Chapter 10: Control

Pages 149-161

A Plan
Each Throw Has A Purpose
Conditioning
Repetition
Mechanics
Centering
Analyzing
Visualization
Executing
Setting Priorities
Throwing to Have Control
Strategy
Sharing the Plan with the Catcher
Trusting the Body
Making Control A Priority
Target Areas
Knowing Your Working Speed
Purposeful Bullpen Workouts

Chapter 11: Gamesmanship

Pages 162-175

Preparation
Developing Confidence
Repetition
Paying Attention to Details
Sizing-Up Opponents
Learning to Feel the Game
Playing in the Now
Recognizing Skill Levels
Focus
Positive Approach
Demeanor
Mental Toughness
Dealing With Disappointments
Dealing With Success
Setting Standards
Being A Finisher

Chapter 12: Fit to Pitch

Pages 176-182

Long-Distance Running
Sprints
Agility
Baseball-Related Running Drills

Chapter 13: Care and Conditioning of the Arm

Pages 183-198

Identifying Injuries
Keep the Arm Covered
Proper Warm Up
The Double Workout
The Arm Needs to be Used
Resting the Arm
Treatment With Ice
Sample Five-Week Throwing Program
Intrasquad Innings
FSU Baseball Pitcher's Off-Season Workout
Three Sample Off-Season Workout Plans

Chapter 14: Closed-Eyes Training Drills

Pages 199-214

Balance on Push-Off Foot
Stride Foot
Leg Lift
Leading With the Hip
Wind-Up Position
Stationary Stride Position
Separation of Hands
Throwing-Arm Lift
Trajectory
Front-Arm
Chest to Target
Target Throwing

Appendix: Strength and Conditioning Program for Baseball

Pages 215-229

Weight Training, Exercises, Nutrition

What Others Say About Pitching From The Ground Up

"It's the best book on pitching ever written...a must for every pitching coach."

Augie Garrido, head coach at the University of Texas (2005 National Champions)

"Another fine learning tool from one of the greatest pitching fundamentalists that I know. I would recommend this book to anyone at any level who is interested in becoming a better pitching instructor."

George Horton, head coach at Cal-State Fullerton (2004 National Champions)

"I always liked what Bob Bennett's Fresno State University pitchers did over the years. Their mechanics and approach to pitching were very solid and that is why this is a must-have book."

Bob Milano, former head coach at the University of California

"As you go through this detailed, but easy to understand book, you will find drills and techniques that will aid you to coach or perform better."

Mark Gardner, Major League pitcher from 1989-2001

"Having coached against Bob Bennett's Fresno State teams and having worked at clinics with Coach Bennett, I know that what he teaches will be helpful to pitchers of all ages."

Lance Brown, former TCU head coach

About the Author

Bob Bennett is the former head baseball coach at Fresno State University in California. He lead the Bulldogs for 34 seasons (1970-2002, plus a year as FSU's interim head coach in 1967). His Fresno State teams enjoyed extraordinary success - winning or sharing 17 conference titles, earning 1,302 victories (an average of 40 wins per year), and making two trips to the College World Series in Omaha.

For his achievements, Bennett was named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times and NCAA Coach of the Year in 1988. A member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Bennett is widely respected as one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the game's history. He closed out his coaching career with 26 consecutive winning seasons and a 1,302-759 record.

Coach John Peter's Baseball Tips.com