Start with a comfortable throw
Warm up under an adult's plan. Use an easy, balanced motion toward a reachable target before adding intensity. Stop and tell the adult about elbow or shoulder pain.
Learn first
Learn the skill
Read these ideas, then try the situations below. Practice with a coach when a movement is new.
Quiz Mode: try each answer before checking the explanation.
Coach View: use the answers and teaching notes to guide practice.
Hold the ball without forcing a grip
For a basic four-seam fastball, place fingers across the seams with a relaxed hand and comfortable thumb support. A two-seam grip follows the paired seams. Hand size can change the exact placement.
Learn a changeup gradually
A coach can show a comfortable changeup grip that looks like a fastball delivery but moves at a different speed. Control and a pain-free motion matter more than forcing a particular grip.
Connect the delivery
Begin balanced, move toward the target, rotate through the throw and finish under control. Rehearse without a ball, then throw at a comfortable effort. A legal set or windup depends on the division and game situation.
Finish with a check-in
The adult records actual pitches and catching use; this checklist is only a learning record. Report fatigue or pain and follow the adult's rest plan.
Practice it here
Begin from the 46-foot distance with easy balance and target throws. Check comfort before adding a changeup grip or longer set.
Section 01
Start with readiness
Before throwing, tell the adult about fatigue or elbow/shoulder pain. Pain is a reason to stop pitching and seek medical evaluation, not a cue to push through.
I checked readiness with my coach before this supervised practice.
Coaching Points
Use a calm check-in that makes reporting symptoms easy.
Common Mistakes
Do not turn a checked box into medical clearance.
Alternative Considerations
A player can take part in non-throwing learning while an adult arranges appropriate care.
Related rule or safety source: Safety
Section 02
Explore fastball and changeup grips
With a ball in hand and no throw, compare a comfortable fastball grip and a coach-taught changeup grip. Basic throwing comes first; a grip is not a promise of velocity.
I compared the grips under supervision without forcing a painful hand position.
Coaching Points
Start with the player's hand size and comfortable control.
Common Mistakes
Do not force a professional grip on a smaller hand.
Alternative Considerations
This lesson does not prescribe a breaking-ball or weighted-ball program.
Related rule or safety source: Safety
Section 03
Find a repeatable start
During a dry rehearsal, establish balance before moving toward the target. Keep the practice cue simple enough to repeat.
I rehearsed a balanced starting position with my coach.
Coaching Points
Observe the whole movement before adding another cue.
Common Mistakes
A pose that looks right is not proof of a comfortable throw.
Alternative Considerations
Use individual coaching for a persistent movement problem.
Related rule or safety source: Safety
Section 04
Rehearse the legal set
With runners aboard, rehearse a complete legal stop in the set position before delivery.
I demonstrated a controlled set-position stop under supervision.
Coaching Points
Separate a legal delivery from a legal base throw; begin without live runners.
Common Mistakes
Do not import the Little League Majors no-stop exemption.
Alternative Considerations
Mustang departure restrictions do not license illegal pitching mechanics. PONY does not use MLB's pitch clock or disengagement limit.
Related rule or safety source: Balk Leaving a base
Section 05
Use a controlled target
In a coach-approved throwing progression, aim for a reachable target and prioritize a comfortable repeatable motion over a radar-gun number.
I used the agreed target and stopped when control or comfort changed.
Coaching Points
Keep the emphasis on a sound basic throw, then fastball and changeup development.
Common Mistakes
Do not add maximum-effort throws to chase a screen score.
Alternative Considerations
The checklist records a learning step, not prescribed repetitions or exercise dosage.
Related rule or safety source: Safety
Section 06
Check the whole day before pitching
The adult reviews league age, all same-day pitching, required rest and readiness. PONY can permit pitching in more than one game on a day within its combined maximum.
I asked the adult to verify the complete day's workload and eligibility.
Coaching Points
Use PONY 10(D)-(I), including its final-batter provisions and ban on same-game pitcher return.
Common Mistakes
A second game is not a new pitch allowance, and numerical eligibility is not medical clearance.
Alternative Considerations
Use the actual game record; these learning checkboxes do not store a pitch log.
Related rule or safety source: Pitching limits Rest Pitching limits Safety
Section 07
Finish and report
After the practice, tell the coach how the arm feels and discuss the next throwing day using the adult's workload record.
I completed the post-practice check-in and know to report pain or fatigue.
Coaching Points
Coordinate all throwing commitments rather than treating each team in isolation.
Common Mistakes
Completing all boxes is not permission for another throwing session.
Alternative Considerations
Keep regular off-season rest and varied non-throwing activity in the longer plan.
Related rule or safety source: Safety
Finish line
You reached the end of Lesson 7 of 8: Pitching: Grips, Mechanics & Strategy
Go on to lesson 8, or return to the Mustang Dugout. Review any part from the Sections menu.
Connect learning and practice
Practice this skill
Discuss workload, rest, eligibility and stop conditions with a responsible adult. A checklist or quiz result never clears a player to throw. Choose any physical rehearsal deliberately from the complete planner instructions.
Read the complete setup, equipment and stop instructions before activity. A missed question never prescribes extra throwing.
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