- Jul 20, 2013
- 71
- 8
Aloha! My DD just turned 9 in May and we're moving up to 12u with our current team for a bunch of reasons. My heart wants to keep her down but our club just can't get the girls to fill a 10u team. Move teams you suggest? We've looked around and the teams just aren't at our level - we won our state champs and a current tournament in Div A. The next closest team that compares is nearly an hour half each way from us and it's just undoable. On top of that, in Hawaii moving teams constantly is very frowned upon, especially for us because it'll be temporary for a season so there could be backlash and DD won't get game reps anyway, even though she's beast compared to players her age. Right now she's the youngest, 2 years behind everyone on our team but her arm is great and we've worked with Howard Kobata. Also got his DVD's so DD needs mental maturing but physically she's surprising me and other coaches lately.
So...I want my DD to get ready for the speed when it comes to batting. She started slapping last October, so less than a year. Only recently when we traveled to Reno for the Triple Crown tournament has she actually swung her bat, got on base, etc. It looks like she's hit a turning point (thank goodness!), where I need to find a niche for her.
Out of 12 girls on our team, only 2 can bunt. Our head coach is used to having his entire team bunt good and it's hurt us in a few games where we needed to lay down the bunt but couldn't execute. So, naturally I want to fill that gap - my DD is actually showing some very good progress with slap bunting recently.
Situation: I need a pitching machine to replicate speed of 12u (we played up for spring season so I have an idea of how fast pitches arrive) but can't afford a generator, machine, and dimpled balls.
Question: I am going to buy the Sling Pitcher (I know it looks so damn stupid) due to budget restrictions. BUT...instead of Jugs Lite Flight balls...I was thinking to use tennis balls? I mean, the tennis balls are light enough so the speed is quicker than a regular 12inch softball, plus it's a smaller target so it will require more concentration. Plus I can have DD crank them into the backstop fence with no harm to the field/infrastructure (Our club has permit to this field).
Softball And Baseball Pitching Machines | By Sling Pitcher
Am I thinking about this the wrong way? I've been "coaching" for about 3 years, not head coach, but I know a bit. Hey, I have an ASA card - that makes it all good right??? Lol.
She's been slapping about 10 months and is just coming out of her scared, won't swing stage. Past tourney head coach subbed her in and she slapped a hard one at 3rd and led off to create bases loaded. Her bunt is also developing much better than 90% of our 11yo girls.
So...I want my DD to get ready for the speed when it comes to batting. She started slapping last October, so less than a year. Only recently when we traveled to Reno for the Triple Crown tournament has she actually swung her bat, got on base, etc. It looks like she's hit a turning point (thank goodness!), where I need to find a niche for her.
Out of 12 girls on our team, only 2 can bunt. Our head coach is used to having his entire team bunt good and it's hurt us in a few games where we needed to lay down the bunt but couldn't execute. So, naturally I want to fill that gap - my DD is actually showing some very good progress with slap bunting recently.
Situation: I need a pitching machine to replicate speed of 12u (we played up for spring season so I have an idea of how fast pitches arrive) but can't afford a generator, machine, and dimpled balls.
Question: I am going to buy the Sling Pitcher (I know it looks so damn stupid) due to budget restrictions. BUT...instead of Jugs Lite Flight balls...I was thinking to use tennis balls? I mean, the tennis balls are light enough so the speed is quicker than a regular 12inch softball, plus it's a smaller target so it will require more concentration. Plus I can have DD crank them into the backstop fence with no harm to the field/infrastructure (Our club has permit to this field).
Softball And Baseball Pitching Machines | By Sling Pitcher
Am I thinking about this the wrong way? I've been "coaching" for about 3 years, not head coach, but I know a bit. Hey, I have an ASA card - that makes it all good right??? Lol.
She's been slapping about 10 months and is just coming out of her scared, won't swing stage. Past tourney head coach subbed her in and she slapped a hard one at 3rd and led off to create bases loaded. Her bunt is also developing much better than 90% of our 11yo girls.