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Life Lessons Life Lesson #16: Tempo TEMPO Based on strength, balance and rhythm, pitching is an art form. It takes proper timing, a mechanically sound motion, and a strong mental makeup. Tempo refers to the pace at which a pitcher executes this craft, using all of the skills mentioned above to put a performance together. An aggressive and consistent tempo helps to maintain the focus of a pitcher on the task at hand. Additionally, a good tempo also helps to keep the defense on their toes, the catcher fresh and the fans interested. A pitcher?s tempo should be balanced and steady, helping to establish rhythm and keep the game moving at a steady pace. When a pitcher?s tempo is too slow or deliberate, it affects an entire team?s concentration. Fielders are lulled to sleep, falling back on their heels, making them prone to errors and miscues. Catchers grow frustrated, outfielders pick grass and managers pace nervously. More importantly, a pitcher?s negative tempo causes him to lose focus and rhythm - to think too much. Many pitchers who constantly labor on the mound can benefit from establishing a consistent tempo. For those that can never seem to find a rhythm, remind them to maintain focus on the task at hand. Encourage infielders and even the catcher to execute quick, crisp throws, in an effort to assist the pitcher with his pace. On my high school staff, I instruct the catcher to rise quickly out of his crouch and fire the ball back to the pitcher. Almost as if the catcher?s actions will snap the pitcher out of his funk and back into a rhythm. Those pitchers who have a tendency to work slowly and deliberately need a reminder to keep them pitching aggressively. There are times when breaking tempo is appropriate. During difficult innings, the tendency of many pitchers is to speed up their tempo - to the point where they are out of control. Mechanics are sacrificed, accuracy falters and bad situations are made worse. These are situations where a pitcher needs to step off of the rubber, take a deep breath and make a conscious effort to get back into a rhythm. A catcher may even need to slow down his pitcher. To put this into the language of today?s youth, a pitcher needs to hit the ?reset button? and get back to work. Tempo is one of the many intangible ingredients of the pitching motion. While difficult to explain and teach, a steady and aggressive tempo can be the missing link between terrific mechanics in the bullpen and terrific outings in the game. |
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