Let’s talk “Tempo”. What is it and why is it so important in this game. Before we start our day, we always go over the previous nights game. This topic always seems to come up. Tempo in baseball can mean different things for each guy. Obviously there is the Tempo of the game. How quick, or slow, the game is going. This is important to help the pitcher on the mound stay in a groove, keep your fielders on their toes and keep the hitters off balance.
There is also the tempo of a pitchers delivery. This is often referred to their rhythm. Each pitcher is different and when their command is off, this should be one of their first check points. In my experience, most pitchers are far more consistent with a quicker tempo in their delivery. There are a few guys that I have seen that can get away with a slower tempo in their delivery, but they are few and far between.
Now, as for the tempo of the game. This is all in the hands of the pitcher. It is their job to keep this going. When they are on the bench and the last out is made, they should hustle out to the mound. Be the first guy on the field. I always wanted to be to the mound before the outfielders, from the other team, made it to the mound while running off the field. Have a quick pace with your warm up pitches. I know in College they get 5 but in pro ball, you get 8. Have a plan for them and treat it like a mini bullpen session. Make it quality. Have purpose and intent with each pitch and again, be quick.
Another way to make sure the Tempo of the game is quick is to limit the time in between pitches. The easiest way to slow down a game is right here. Too often you will see a pitcher throw a pitch, walk towards the plate while receiving the ball back from the catcher and then turn around and walk back to the rubber. This is wrong! After you throw the pitch, back peddle towards the rubber so you are about to the top of the mound when you receive the ball.
Lastly, another way to slow the Tempo is for you and your catcher to not be on the same page. Talk before the game and make a plan. Talk in between innings and make a plan for the next three batters coming up.
Hitters do not like to feel rushed in the batters box. One of the easiest ways to make them uncomfortable is to have this quick Tempo. It makes them feel like they are being rushed. I took pride in making them uncomfortable in the box and loved it when they felt like they needed to call time out because they weren’t ready. My goal was for my catcher and I to be on the same page so that when the batter got in the box, looked up at me that I was ready to come at him.
Train yourself to work quick. Have a solid Tempo and become a better pitcher instantly!!
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and an amazing wife. Baseball is my life, after my family, and I love sharing what I have learned from it. Thanks for taking the time to view what we offer here at Baseball Dudes.
Every player is unique. Each batter has a different swing. Each pitcher has a different delivery. As players get older, hopefully they are being helped to learn what makes them the best they can be. 
Baseball is a lot of fun. Kids who have the love for the game want to play everyday. 
If you are fortunate enough to play this game for a long time, you will have many firsts. The first time you walk into a clubhouse. The first time you meet your teammates. The first time you take a swing in the cage. The first time you throw a pitch off the mound in a bullpen. These are all firsts that will get the butterfly’s going a little. 
I had a parent contact me the other day asking my opinion on how he should handle his 13 year old’s pitching season. His boy is playing on a little league team and a tournament team and is wondering if it could get to the point where he should shut him down as far as pitching goes. This kid is pretty advanced for his age and has a good chance to do something in this game. As we were talking, he brought up the last game he pitched and it came out that he threw 52 pitches in the first inning. I was absolutely floored when I heard this. To be honest, it really upsets me when I think about it. I’m sure it bothers me so much because I have worked with this stud for the last two years and am emotionally attached. But like I said, this kid truly has a chance. 
The name of the game is to throw strikes. A pitchers number one goal should be this. If we throw strikes, we will get contact which is what we want. Many young pitchers think they are suppose to strike out all the hitters. Yes it’s fun, but it shouldn’t be the number one thing on a pitchers mind.
I was fortunate enough to watch Yu Darvish pitch from the 5th inning on during his bid for a perfect game on April 2nd. It was awesome. He mixed his pitches perfectly, no pun intended! When I was in Japan during the 2006-07 seasons, he was a rookie over there dominating as a 20 year old. 
A good coach is a true teacher. Many youth, High School and College coaches will call pitches for the pitchers during a game. Often it is not explained to the pitcher why we called that pitch in that count. What happens is the player becomes a robot and never learns to think for themselves. If a player is talented enough to make it to pro ball, this can be a serious downfall. Pitching is so much more than just throwing pitches. It’s mostly about the mind game. How should I pitch in different game situations? How can I set up the next pitch and the pitches after that? What is my go to pitch to get out of this situation? 
This is way more important than most players, parents and amateur coaches realize. Without good communication between the pitcher and catcher, it can be hard to get in a rhythm. When the pitcher has to consistently shake off the catcher’s signs, it is almost impossible to get in a groove. A pitcher and catcher should meet up before every game and talk about what that pitcher likes to throw in different counts and situations. What is his go-to pitch when he needs to throw a strike? How does the pitcher like the catcher to set up on different pitches? What are his favorite put away pitches? Make things easier on everyone and take a few minutes to see what your pitcher’s plan is.
