Coaching Pitchers-3rd Edition

208 pages. Published 2003

About the Book

Want to improve the mechanics of your pitching staff? Can your pitchers hold runners and field their position? Do you know the finer points of developing pitcher-catcher chemistry? Coaching Pitchers offers complete details on every aspect of the pitching position. This practical guide on pitching will be a valuable reference you’ll turn to again and again.

Challenging technical instruction is communicated effectively through plain talk combined with clear illustrations. Practice drills and training aids provide supportive tools to get the job done. From mental attitude to managing a bullpen, Coaching Pitchers is packed with insights you need to help your pitchers shut down even the most formidable opponents.

Coaching Pitchers offers solid, proven advice from one of the college game’s best pitching coaches. Currently the head baseball coach at James Madison University, Spanky McFarland has coached 55 players on their way to the big leagues (including Kevin Brown of the Los Angeles Dodgers). Now McFarland delivers in book form the same instruction that took these players to the top.

About the Author

Joe “Spanky” McFarland is the head baseball coach at James Madison University. He started his coaching career in 1977 and has coached at Florida State, Georgia Tech, South Florida, and Northern Illinois University before taking over at JMU in 1998. McFarland has coached 55 pitchers who have signed professional contracts. In 2002, he was named the Colonial Athletic Conference’s Baseball Coach of the Year.

Words of Praise

”Coaching Pitchers is a great learning tool for both pitchers and coaches, from Little League to college ball. If you pitch or coach pitchers, try the ideas of a truly dedicated pitching coach who has worked long and hard at his job and his love.” Kevin Brown Los Angeles Dodgers

"This book is an excellent example of why Spanky McFarland is one of the best coaches in the country. If you want to elevate your pitchers and pitching staff, this book is a must!" Rocky P. Manuel Head baseball coach Bellaire High School, Houston, Texas

”Spanky has worked to become one of the finest instructors in pitching fundamentals, mental preparation, and injury prevention as well as the other parts of pitching. This book will benefit any player or coach who wants to better himself on all phases of pitching." Smoke Laval Head baseball coach Louisiana State University

"Spanky is one of the most knowledgeable pitching coaches in baseball. You can get all the ins and outs of how to become a better pitcher in his new book. Learn how to win from one of the best." Jim Morris Head baseball coach University of Miami

From Collegiate Baseball "One of the classic books ever written on the subject of pitching is Coaching Pitchers by Joe “Spanky” McFarland. Considered one of the gurus of pitching, McFarland’s book is a timeless treasure for pitchers and pitching coaches which was first copyrighted in 1985. From Scholastic Coach & Athletic Director "Spanky covers the entire waterfront graphically and knowingly…