Pitching LESSONS
Pitching Lessons
At Northwest Nationals Baseball and Softball Training Facility, our pitching lessons are designed to help athletes develop proper mechanics, improve command, increase velocity, and build the confidence needed to compete at a high level on the mound. These lessons are designed for athletes who are ready to advance their pitching development through individualized instruction and a structured training approach. Our experienced instructors focus on efficient pitching mechanics, arm care, velocity development, command, pitch design, mental preparation, and overall pitching IQ to help athletes reach their full potential.
Each lesson is tailored to the individual athlete’s age, skill level, and developmental goals, allowing players to receive personalized instruction that translates directly into game performance. Whether an athlete is working on foundational mechanics, improving strike-throwing consistency, developing secondary pitches, or preparing for higher levels of competition, our goal is to create a challenging and positive training environment that promotes growth, confidence, and long-term success.
To maximize player development and ensure quality instruction, pitching lessons are limited to no more than two athletes per session. This small-group setting provides individualized coaching, increased repetitions, and focused attention to help athletes make meaningful improvements.
Players will train using advanced drills, game-like scenarios, and video analysis to improve mechanical efficiency, balance, timing, arm action, command, velocity production, pitch execution, and overall mound presence. Lessons may also incorporate advanced technology to provide real-time feedback and accelerate development.
In addition to physical skill development, athletes will learn the importance of establishing consistent routines both on and off the field. Our instructors work with pitchers to develop pre-throwing, pre-game, between-start, and recovery routines that support long-term development, injury prevention, mental preparation, and performance consistency. Learning how to prepare, compete, and recover like a pitcher is a critical component of success, and we emphasize habits that help athletes build confidence and take ownership of their development.
Zane Mills
Zane Mills serves as a Pitching Coach at the Northwest Nationals Baseball and Softball Training Facility, bringing a unique combination of professional playing experience, player development expertise, and a passion for helping athletes reach their full potential. A graduate of Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, Mills went on to pitch at Washington State University before being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He currently competes in the Chicago Cubs organization, where he continues to develop and perform at the professional level.
Drawing from his experiences in high school, collegiate, and professional baseball, Mills provides athletes with firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed at every stage of the game. His coaching focuses on mechanical efficiency, arm care, velocity development, command, pitch design, mental performance, and game strategy. Through individualized instruction and a detail-oriented approach, he helps players build confidence, improve consistency, and maximize their abilities on the mound.
Known for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to athlete development, Mills is dedicated to helping players not only improve their skills but also understand the habits, preparation, and mindset necessary to achieve success both on and off the field.
In addition to his work with the Northwest Nationals, Mills will serves as the Director of Video Operations for the Northwest Summer League. His work provides athletes and families with professional-quality video resources that support player development, college recruiting efforts, and the promotion of on-field performance.