Free guide
How to Throw Strikes: Aim Small, Miss Small (Plus a Partner Target Game)
The mindset and the backyard game we use to help young pitchers throw more strikes, using one small spot on the glove.
- Strikes
- Ages 8–16
- Free
Short answer: To throw more strikes, aim small, miss small. Pick one spot on the catcher's glove, lock your eyes on it for a few seconds, then throw with your normal arm speed and let your eyes do the work.
This is part 2 of our Beginner Pitching Series. It covers how to think about strikes and a simple partner target game to practice aiming your fastball.
Why "don't miss" makes you miss
When a pitcher tells himself "don't miss," his body gets tight. Tight muscles make the ball harder to control. Instead of thinking about what NOT to do, give your eyes one clear job.
Aim small, miss small
If you aim at the whole catcher, a miss can end up anywhere. If you aim at one small spot, a miss is usually still close.
- Pick one spot. One spot on the glove, like the middle of the pocket.
- Lock your eyes on it. Stare at it for a few seconds before you start your motion.
- Throw. Keep your eyes on the spot all the way through.
Partner target game (how to aim a fastball)
All you need is a partner with a glove. This is the game from Nick's Reel.
- The target: the middle of your partner's glove.
- Hit it: your partner moves the glove to a new spot.
- Miss it: throw at the same spot again.
- Rules: don't change your arm speed. Don't slow down to "guide" it. Your eyes do the work.
Start at a short distance and move back only when hitting the glove feels easy. Keep it to a short, fun session, and warm up first with our pre-catch warmup.
Don't slow your arm down to aim
Slowing your arm to "place" the ball usually makes it sail or bounce. Same arm speed every throw. Trust your eyes and a balanced body. Remember: control your body = control the pitch. See how to stand on the mound for balance.
More strike help
- Quick cues: our strike tips card
- More target games: fun games to play
- New to the words "strike" and "count"? Pitching terms for beginners
FAQ
How can my child throw more strikes?
Aim small, miss small. Pick one small spot on the glove, lock the eyes on it, and throw with normal arm speed.
Should young pitchers slow down to throw strikes?
No. Slowing the arm to aim usually makes control worse. Keep the same arm speed and let the eyes do the work.
What's a good game to practice aiming a fastball?
The partner target game: hit the middle of the glove and your partner moves it; miss and you throw at the same spot again.
Why does my kid get wild when he's nervous?
Thinking "don't miss" makes the body tight. Giving the eyes one small target helps calm that down.
Want help with strikes?
Tell us your child's age and what's happening with their control on the contact page. We teach command-first lessons in Naples and Collier County.
