The Best Baseball Pitching Training Tools to Increase Speed and Control

A great pitcher doesn’t just rely on natural talent—strength, mechanics, and precision all play a role in throwing faster, more accurate pitches. Whether you’re a young athlete looking to build velocity or a seasoned player fine-tuning your control, using the right training tools can make all the difference. The right equipment helps develop muscle memory, improve grip, and strengthen the arm to maximize speed while keeping pitches consistent.

For those serious about taking their pitching to the next level, access to quality training tools and professional guidance can accelerate progress. Working with experienced coaches and using top-tier equipment ensures every throw moves in the right direction—toward success.

Weighted Baseballs for Building Arm Strength

Throwing with weighted baseballs is a time-tested method for increasing velocity. Heavier balls strengthen the arm, improve mechanics, and enhance endurance. When used correctly, they train muscles to generate more force while reinforcing proper throwing form.

Pitchers typically progress through different weights, starting slightly heavier than a regulation baseball before gradually increasing the load. This progressive resistance builds explosive power, translating into faster pitches without sacrificing accuracy. However, weighted ball training should be part of a structured program to avoid overuse injuries.

Weighted baseballs also help refine control by improving wrist stability and release consistency. Practicing with different weights forces pitchers to make fine adjustments, leading to better pitch command when switching back to a standard ball. The added resistance challenges the arm to move efficiently, resulting in smoother mechanics and more consistent accuracy.

Resistance Bands for Strength and Injury Prevention

Every pitcher needs a strong and healthy arm, and resistance bands are one of the best tools for strengthening the shoulder, elbow, and forearm. These bands target the smaller stabilizing muscles that support throwing motions, reducing the risk of strain and injury. Strengthening these areas not only improves durability but also contributes to better pitch control by reinforcing stability throughout the throwing motion.

Using resistance bands before and after pitching sessions keeps muscles engaged and prevents overuse injuries, making them an essential part of any pitcher’s routine. Pitchers often integrate them into warm-ups to activate key muscle groups and cool-downs to promote recovery. This helps maintain flexibility while preventing fatigue-related control issues that can develop over long seasons.

Pitching Targets and Strike Zone Nets for Accuracy

Speed is only half the equation—if a pitcher can’t place the ball where it needs to go, it won’t matter how fast it is. Pitching targets and strike zone nets help pitchers develop pinpoint accuracy by reinforcing consistent release points and ball placement. These tools provide immediate visual feedback, making it easier to adjust mechanics and refine control.

Pitching targets often feature different zones marked for various pitch locations, allowing players to work on hitting corners, perfecting off-speed pitches, and maintaining repeatable mechanics. Drills focusing on hitting specific spots build muscle memory, which translates to better command during live games. Regular target training helps pitchers develop confidence in their ability to hit precise locations under pressure.

Radar Guns for Measuring Progress

Knowing how fast a pitch is traveling is essential for tracking improvement. Radar guns give instant feedback, helping pitchers gauge their velocity gains over time. Consistent monitoring allows for adjustments in mechanics and training intensity, ensuring steady development.

While radar guns are typically used to measure velocity, they also help with control. If a pitcher’s speed suddenly drops, it could indicate fatigue or a mechanical flaw. Tracking speed along with accuracy helps players refine their form while maintaining peak performance. By pairing radar readings with video analysis, pitchers can identify areas that need improvement, whether it’s increased leg drive for velocity or a more consistent arm slot for control.

Plyometric Training for Explosive Power

Pitching is a full-body movement, requiring power from the legs, core, and upper body. Plyometric training focuses on explosive movements that develop fast-twitch muscle fibers, increasing the force a pitcher can generate. Stronger, more explosive movements lead to increased velocity, while improved balance and coordination contribute to better control.

Medicine ball slams help build core strength, which is crucial for transferring power from the lower body to the throwing arm. Jump squats strengthen the lower body, allowing pitchers to generate more force off the mound. Lateral bounds improve balance and agility, key for maintaining stability during delivery. Integrating these exercises into a training program enhances both speed and accuracy, making them invaluable for pitchers at any level.

Grip Strengtheners for Better Ball Control

A firm grip is essential for controlling different pitch types, from fastballs to breaking balls. Grip strengtheners improve hand and finger strength, allowing pitchers to maintain a consistent feel on the ball. Stronger fingers also help create sharper spin rates, making breaking pitches more effective.

Training for a stronger grip involves exercises like finger squeezes using grip trainers or stress balls, wrist curls for forearm strength, and rice bucket drills to build endurance and dexterity. A stronger grip translates into better command over movement pitches, helping pitchers consistently hit their spots while keeping hitters off balance.

Video Analysis for Mechanics Refinement

Pitching mechanics can be difficult to assess in real time, but video analysis provides a detailed breakdown of every movement. Recording bullpen sessions helps pitchers spot inconsistencies in their delivery, adjust their form, and track improvements over time.

Video analysis helps pitchers focus on key areas like arm slot consistency, leg drive efficiency, and follow-through balance. Identifying flaws in these areas allows for targeted adjustments that lead to more efficient mechanics. Reviewing footage also builds awareness, helping pitchers recognize and correct issues before they become ingrained habits.

Balance Trainers for Stability and Control

A stable lower body is the foundation of a great pitcher. Balance trainers strengthen the legs and core, helping pitchers stay controlled through their windup and follow-through. Improved balance reduces unnecessary movement, leading to cleaner mechanics and better pitch placement.

By incorporating balance trainers into workouts, pitchers enhance their ability to stay grounded through their motion. This ensures that energy is efficiently transferred from the legs to the arm, leading to increased velocity and sharper control. Developing balance and body control also allows pitchers to remain consistent under game-time pressure, maintaining their mechanics even in high-stress situations.

The Right Tools Make the Difference

Mastering pitching takes dedication, but using the right training tools speeds up progress. Whether the goal is increasing velocity, improving accuracy, or preventing injury, each of these tools plays a crucial role in a pitcher’s development. The key is consistency—repetition with proper form builds habits that translate into better performance on the mound. By incorporating these tools into training routines, pitchers can take their skills to the next level and dominate the competition.