11/12/2025
The Truth About Pitcher Progress: Your Winter Routine Matters
Speed isn’t the only measure of progress, and it shouldn’t be the first one you look at. Speed is just one pillar of a pitcher’s success. Real, sustainable velocity usually comes after solid mechanics, strength, repetition, and excellent location are in place. Winter is also the best time to train for strength, make changes, and beat the bad habits that hold pitchers back.
For those who say their athlete is “practicing at home,” I always recommend doing a quality and quantity check. After talking with many of my pitchers, I’ve realized that “practicing at home” often means tossing a few pitches here and there, and that does not count as practice. Neither does practicing the wrong way. Neither does throwing to live batters. Yes, it’s reps, but it’s not the type of focused work that corrects mistakes or improves mechanics.
With winter here, it becomes crucial for every pitcher to have a real plan and a consistent routine. That may mean securing an indoor space to throw, or finding specific drills they can successfully complete in smaller areas, even their bedroom if needed.
This week, I encourage all pitchers to talk with their coaches about their winter practice setup, how their routine may need to adjust, and what drills they can do safely and correctly in the space they have.
Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from intentional reps, smart routines, and clear goals. This winter is the time to build that foundation.
Coach Lindsay Simone
Innovative Fastpitch owner
Former D1 player, Rutgers New Brunswick club softball founder & coach
Former women’s Fastpitch player
⭐️If you are interested in our staff putting together some drills and routines for your pitcher this winter, comment below:
WINTER WORKOUT 👇🏼
