We asked current college coaches and former college players and here are their answers
Gain ability to throw off speed when behind in counts.
Be able to throw the fastball to any location at any time.
Be able to hold runners on and vary timing to the plate
Lift, Lift, Lift. Only way to throw harder is to be strong enough to throw harder. Gain weight, throw harder.
Gage Hutchinson / Florida State University / Former Student-Athlete
Focus on the mental part of your game. This includes keeping your mind in it
Dallas Baldwin / Coker University / Former Student-Athlete
on every single pitch, learning to see your opponents tendencies and letting things go
that would usually bring you down. Try to limit mistakes by being focused. Pitch control
comes with being focused and mentally prepared for every pitch.
Be able to get outs with your fastball by locating. Velo is important, but I will take a guy that consistently hit spots with their FB at 87-88 rather than a guy all over the place at 92-93. Find a two pitch mix that you are confident and comfortable with, then develop a 3rd pitch to mix in there every once in a while. POUND THE STRIKEZONE.
Kyle Brooks / University of North Florida / Assistant Coach
One thing a high school pitcher can do is to get comfortable throwing multiple pitches. Many high school pitchers rely heavily on one or two of their best pitches, but being able to throw three or four pitches consistently for strikes and being comfortable throwing more pitches in all counts will make them a better college prospect and college pitcher. So whether it be throwing bullpens or while playing catch, the more you can throw secondary pitches so that you feel comfortable throwing them consistently during a game would be helpful to their future success.
Jarred Boyer / Iowa Wesleyan University / Former Student-Athlete
Start lifting weights, conditioning, Plyometrics and following a better diet.
If you want to pitch in college you better be able to run 20 poles effortlessly.
Brian Brooker / Rollins College / Former Student-Athlete
Train like an athlete and not a PO. Our pitchers who have the most success resent the term PO because of the unathletic connotation it implies. An explosive, athletic player has more ability to put themselves into good positions on the mound which leads to success.
Ryan Suttenfield / North Central Missouri College / Assistant Coach
Learn to throw strikes consistently first. The stuff tends to get better after guys get to college and get on a real throwing/strength and conditioning program. Also, be a gym rat and make sure they are doing whatever they can to get stronger and get in the best shape possible. High school age is a vital age in development and guys can make big jumps on the mound going into college if they take that seriously.
Matt Saliba / Webber International University / Assistant Coach
Off field – strength and flexibility. You have to be able to prepare your body for what college baseball is, a grind. Elevated strength and flexibility will aid you not only in terms of health but also in terms of velocity and control as a pitcher.
Scott Bateman / Florida State College of Jacksonville / Assistant Coach
On field – mentality. Regardless of opponent or competition level, you must possess the belief and conviction in order to dominate the opponent. Having the best stuff in the world will not save you from lack of mentality.
To prepare for college, high school pitchers can lift weights, do plyometrics (sprint, jumps, etc), long toss, throw very frequently even if not at high intensities often, throw off a mound as much as possible, throw flat grounds regularly, play catch with offspeed pitches, stay in shape, throw in high pressure situations, work on picks and fielding their position, be athletic enough to play other positions, play other sports, hit for their high school team, and learn to add value to the team when not pitching (focused on the game and being a good teammate).
Alan Burnsed / Florida Southern College / Former Student-Athlete
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