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Jason Smitty is a seasoned baseball coach with over 15 years of experience in education, coaching, and athlete development. As a former college baseball player at Palm Beach Community College and a drafted pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Jason understands the demands of the sport at the highest level. His passion for the game has led him to work as a high school baseball coach, Associate scout for the Blue Jays, and director of pitching camps, guiding young athletes to excel both on and off the field.
Jason’s approach to coaching is rooted in hard work and accountability, ensuring that players develop the skills and mindset needed to reach their full potential. Whether it's securing college scholarships or pursuing professional baseball careers, Jason’s program delivers life-changing results. His coaching philosophy emphasizes action over words, helping athletes build confidence, discipline, and a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.
Ethan Wilder
Blog Posts
As a pitcher, there’s no doubt that velocity often steals the spotlight. Coaches, scouts, and even fans are mesmerized by fastball readings that go off the charts. But let’s be clear — velocity alone is not enough to succeed at the highest level. In fact, one of the most important skills a pitcher can possess is command.
Being able to consistently hit your spots, control the movement of your pitches, and change speeds effectively is just as important — if not more — than throwing harder. Without command, even the fastest pitches can be easy targets for batters. If you’re struggling to find the strike zone, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right strategies and mindset, you can dramatically improve your command and become a more effective pitcher.
In this blog, we’ll explore why command is so crucial, common mistakes that hinder command, and proven strategies that will help you refine your skills and take control on the mound.
Velocity often gets all the attention in pitching discussions, but the truth is, a pitcher’s command is just as crucial — if not more so — when it comes to getting batters out. While a high-velocity fastball may be exciting, if you can’t consistently throw it in the strike zone, you won’t get the results you're looking for.
Having command means being able to place your pitches exactly where you want them, with both precision and consistency. It’s about being able to throw to specific spots in the strike zone, making the batter uncomfortable, and forcing weak contact. A pitcher who can spot the ball effectively will keep batters off balance and have a much higher chance of success than one who simply relies on velocity.
In fact, many elite pitchers — like Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine—were known for their ability to control the strike zone and execute their pitches with command rather than relying on overpowering velocity. The ability to move the ball in and out, up and down, keeps hitters guessing and prevents them from settling into a rhythm.
If you’re struggling to throw strikes consistently, it’s essential to identify the mistakes that might be preventing you from improving your command. Here are some common issues:
Poor Mechanics – If your mechanics are off, even the best intentions can lead to a lack of consistency in pitch placement. Struggling with balance, posture, or follow-through can cause your pitches to miss their targets.
Overthrowing – It’s tempting to try to throw every pitch as hard as possible, but this often leads to control issues. Overthrowing can cause you to lose the feel for your pitches, leading to poor accuracy and erratic movements.
Lack of Focus – Command requires a high level of concentration. If your mind isn’t focused on executing the pitch, it’s easy to lose track of where you want the ball to go. Distractions and mental lapses can result in wild pitches and missed spots.
Not Adjusting to Game Situations – Command isn’t just about making perfect pitches every time. It’s also about reading the game, understanding the count, and knowing how to adjust based on the batter, the situation, and your pitch repertoire.
Now that we’ve addressed some common command killers, let’s look at the proven strategies that can help you improve your command on the mound.
Improving your pitching command isn’t just about throwing more strikes — it’s about improving your ability to place the ball where you want it. Here are some actionable steps and drills you can implement to improve your command:
1. Perfect Your Mechanics for Better Control:
Mechanics are the foundation of good command. If your delivery is inconsistent or inefficient, you’ll struggle with accuracy. By focusing on proper mechanics, you can improve your pitching consistency and control.
First, work on your balance throughout your windup and delivery. A solid base allows you to generate more control and consistency. Pay attention to your follow-through as well; a rushed or abrupt finish can throw off your accuracy. Focus on staying relaxed and fluid through the entire motion. To test your mechanics, use video analysis or work with a coach to ensure your body’s movements are smooth and aligned.
Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of your grip on the ball. The way you hold your pitches can greatly influence their movement and placement. Whether you’re throwing a fastball, curveball, or slider, ensure your grip is firm but not tense, allowing for maximum control while minimizing stress on your arm.
Consistency is key when it comes to command. A pre-pitch routine helps you get into a rhythm and focus on executing your pitch every time. It doesn’t have to be complex, but it should involve steps that help you prepare mentally and physically for each pitch.
Start by developing a consistent setup on the mound — this includes your stance, your glance at the target, and your mental preparation. A routine helps eliminate unnecessary distractions and allows you to focus solely on hitting your target.
By repeating the same motions and mindset before each pitch, you’ll build muscle memory and improve your ability to hit your spots with precision.
Command is just as much about your mental approach as it is about your physical execution. Visualization is a powerful tool for improving your command. Before every pitch, take a moment to mentally picture the ball going exactly where you want it to land in the strike zone.
Imagine the trajectory of the pitch, the feel of the grip, and the exact location where the ball will cross the plate. This type of mental rehearsal primes your body to perform the action accurately and confidently. It’s a technique used by elite athletes in all sports, as it helps enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and improve muscle coordination.
Incorporate visualization into your routine before every pitch, and it will soon become second nature to throw with command.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of speed, but effective command is all about placement. A pitcher with pinpoint accuracy is far more dangerous than one who can throw hard but struggles to control the ball.
Rather than focusing solely on velocity, work on placing your pitches exactly where you want them — whether it’s at the knees, on the black of the plate, or high and tight. Practice hitting specific targets in the strike zone during bullpen sessions. Focus on the small details of location, such as inside and outside corners or the top and bottom of the zone.
Mixing up your pitch placement keeps batters guessing, while focusing on accuracy rather than just speed allows you to keep the ball in the zone and prevent hard contact.
Great command isn’t about throwing perfect pitches every time — it’s about knowing how to adjust based on the game situation. You need to be aware of the count, the batter’s tendencies, and the current score. Knowing when to throw a strike, when to work around a batter, and when to change up your pitch selection can make all the difference in maintaining control of the game.
For example, if you’re ahead in the count, you may want to be more aggressive with your pitch placement. If you’re behind, working to locate pitches on the edges of the zone or incorporating off-speed pitches may be the key to getting back in the count.
Being able to adjust your approach based on the situation allows you to stay in control and make smarter pitch decisions, ultimately improving your command.
Improving your pitching command is essential for success on the mound. Velocity may grab attention, but command is what allows you to execute and consistently get batters out. By perfecting your mechanics, establishing a pre-pitch routine, visualizing success, focusing on pitch placement, and learning to adjust based on game situations, you can develop elite command that complements your velocity and elevates your pitching performance.
Remember, command isn’t a skill that can be developed overnight. It requires patience, focus, and dedication to your craft. With these proven strategies, you’ll be well on your way to improving your control, keeping hitters off balance, and becoming a more effective pitcher.
Focus on sticking to your pre-pitch routine and breathing techniques to stay calm. Visualization can also help maintain focus and reduce anxiety when the pressure is on.
Set up targets in the strike zone during bullpen sessions, like small zones on the inside and outside corners. Practice hitting those specific targets with different pitches to enhance your accuracy.
Use off-speed pitches when you're ahead in the count or when you need to break the batter’s rhythm. It’s about keeping hitters off balance by varying pitch types and speeds.
