Dear Parents,
I designed this “High Performance Pitching Program” (HP3) for young pitchers that are ready to take the next step in conditioning their throwing arms and bodies so they can become physically stronger.
Looking back on my 16-year professional baseball career there were a lot of things that I wish I had learned sooner. One of which was developing a routine that I could do every time I picked up a baseball. As well as other basic fundamentals of pitching that kids don’t learn until they go to high school or college. For example, Learning the importance of throwing the ball down in the strike zone, throwing the ball on a good angle, learning to throw inside, learning how to set up hitters to get them out in three pitches or less. It might be something I learned in my 10th year of pro ball that I can pass on to them now.
When you work out with a team whether it is a Little League or Travel Ball team it is great, you can learn a lot, but time is limited and it is hard to get everything done from a pitching standpoint. There are things that young pitchers need to do to get better and develop. There is so much to be taught during a team practice session, because of this, arm strengthening and conditioning, sometimes takes a back seat due to time restrictions.
That is why I have developed my High Performance Pitching Program. With my program young pitchers can work for an hour and a half (90 minutes) in small groups of four, twice a week. During this time they will work on things that are overlooked at team practices but are vital to a young pitchers development. Things like a throwing program to develop arm strength. Pitching “Flat Ground” to get kids used to throwing strikes everyday, Pitchers fielding practice (PFP), Pitching drills aimed at developing a pitchers balance and developing the proper throwing mechanics.
You do not need a mound to get better as a pitcher. You can become a good strike thrower by throwing to a catcher everyday off the flat ground. Professional pitchers throw flat ground nearly everyday. Young baseball players should only throw off a mound no more than twice a week whether it is in a game or a bullpen session. The other days they need to throw to a catcher (Dad) and do their flat ground work so they can practice throwing strikes.
It’s no secret that children develop physically at different ages and usually the best players in little league or travel ball leagues are generally stronger and more physically developed then the rest of the kids they are playing against. This is not to say that the weaker and more underdeveloped baseball player will not develop into a top-level baseball player with a few years of strengthening, hard work and maturation. I believe all young players need to start preparing their body with a strength and conditioning program now so that when he grows into his body he will not be held back by injury due to physical weaknesses. Once he develops he will now have a good work ethic already in place. He can then move forward in leaps and bounds.
I was one of the weaker more underdeveloped kids when I was younger, and I was never the best player on my team until I was about 16 years old. This is when I grew into my body. I’m not saying every young player has a chance to become a professional baseball player but I can help your child develop enough to achieve his full potential.
I believe my program will give you a unique experience, as it will also allow your child to learn new skills, gain valuable pitching knowledge and develop strength. This will boost their confidence and ultimately his performance on the field with his own team.
Adrian Burnside
Pitching coach, Adrian Burnside is now available for private and/or semi-private lessons in the North San Diego County area. Groups are now forming in Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos and Rancho Santa Fe. To be included in one of these groups or to get more details about forming a new group in your area, please contact Coach Adrian today.
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