1. Find comfort in your pitching delivery.

2. Identify strains and pains - if you are in pain, there is a reason. Look to adjust your delivery (see #1).

3. Attain command of all pitches. A good fastball will get you only so far. Master the change, curve, slider, etc.

4. Learn how to use the combinations of your pitches (sequencing) to keep batters uncomfortable.

5. Learn how to study hitters, watch BP, keep mental notes during games, talk with your catchers and coaches about your style and approach to pitching. It will continually change as you mature.

6. Fine tune your mechanics, once command is there. This will help find more velocity. Get the hinges and levers of the body to work efficiently, but stay comfortable.

7. Start lifting - gain strength - get the radar gun out - Let's go!

Remember, everybody's timeline to greatness is different. Don't skip steps...that's when injuries return.

There is nothing more frustrating - to both pitchers and coaches - than throwing really hard and not being able to get a fastball over the plate consistently.

Learn how your body works, know what adjustments you need when things go wrong. Be your own coach, be the best pitcher you can be.