Kearney Little League is again hosting a series of free pitching clinics for baseball players from the league’s Minor, Major, and Junior divisions.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Players who participated in Kearney Little League during the 2024 season who had a league-age of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
WHO IS PROVIDING THE INSTRUCTION: Kearney High School and Legion coach, Matt Connot, assisted by KLL board members and coaches.
WHEN: The clinics will take place over two nights: Thursday, August 22nd and Thursday, August 29th.
WHAT TIME: Both sessions will begin at 6:30 pm and conclude at 7:45 pm.
WHAT TO BRING: Each player should wear a baseball hat and bring their glove, and their own catching partner (a parent, sibling* or friend*). The catcher also needs a glove, but it need not be a catcher’s mitt. If desired or needed, catchers may also bring a bucket to sit on.
*Catching partners under age 19 must have been registered to play in Kearney Little League in 2024.
WHERE TO START: Check-in for both sessions will start at 6:15, at the Patriot Park concessions pavilion.
WHAT IF IT RAINS: When weather permits, we will use Patriot Park baseball diamonds. If the diamonds are unplayable due to rain or lightning, we will have a modified version of the session at the Patriot indoor baseball facility.
HOW TO SIGN UP: There is no registration, and no fee for either session of the clinic. Just show up at 6:15 ready to learn and practice!
The objective of the clinic is to provide players with meaningful instruction, information, and positive motivation that will aid in their continuing development. Initially intended to provide 8-year-olds with some preliminary instruction prior to their 9-year-old season – when they’ll be pitching for the first time in games – the league decided to broaden the clinics to include any player who has eligibility remaining in the 2025 season.
After a brief initial instruction at the pavilion, players will be led through a purposeful stretch-and-catch routine followed by more specific instruction on GRIP, BALANCE, and PACE. Each player will then make 25+ pitches to their catcher while being observed by the coaching staff. Additional instruction focused on upper and lower body mechanics will be provided as needed while the players are making their pitches.
At the conclusion of the second session, players will be provided additional information that can be used during the off season to help them prepare in an easy, non-intensive way for next season.