Advice for ambidextrous throwers

Becoming an ambidextrous thrower takes a lot of time and effort. It might take a few months -- or over a year -- to throw well with the non-dominant arm. Each pitcher is unique, and everyone has their own arm slot.

Get the best pitching instruction you can within your area. Baseball camps at local colleges are a good place to start. Reviewing video of your throwing mechanics with a professional coach really helps.

Make sure to develop good mechanics with the dominant arm first, before starting to throw with the non-dominant arm.

Here are some things to do and not to do as a pitcher

Do:

- practice daily
- get professional pitching instruction

- develop good mechanics

- block the glove side

- warmup properly before throwing
- breathe deeply and stay relaxed

- set goals and have a plan
- keep a baseball notebook (highly recommended)

- master one pitch at a time
- develop a good change-up

- focus on making accurate throws
- be yourself -- you are unique

Don't:

- try to change your arm slot
- try to be the next Tim Lincecum or Pat Venditte
- throw when your arm is sore

- switch pitching arms between every batter
- pitch on two teams at the same time
- complain about the coaches or umpires

...

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