Too Much Focus On The Result

This is something I've yet to see discussed here and I think it's something that hinders many kids from reaching their full potential as a pitcher. Over the years I've had many girls who've come to me after working with different instructors. Some have come from HE, Hip Slammers and dads. I've also worked with tons of beginners too.

As I'm working with them I can see them visibly slowing down and aiming the ball trying to throw a strike. I'll stop them and tell them to relax, finish and throw the ball like you mean it, concentrating on whatever we're working on. Then I'll tell them I don't care where the ball goes. They can bounce it off the of the top of the backstop for all I care. At that point I usually get a look from them like I've just sprouted a 3rd head. I'll tell them "I bet no one has ever told you that before, have they?" Everyone of them shakes their head nope.

What I think happens is the girls become so focused on the results they forget or at least minimize the process because only the result is praised. I will tell them I don't care where the ball goes. I want them to focus on learning how to throw the pitch correctly. Usually once the result burden is lifted they focus on the process of learning how to pitch correctly and seem to advance the learning curve much more quickly. What I've found as the mechanics are refined the pitches over the plate count increases concurrently.

I think too many people are worried about wrong end of the pitch. Once they have the mechanics down the result will take care of itself. Then it's a matter of refining everything.

The biggest thing is the parents(s) have to understand what is going on.

Thoughts anyone????

I do want to just come out of my skin when I hear parents from the stand yell "slow down and just throw strikes" after I just left the circle telling them to "relax, focus on basics and let it rip" but such is the life of a coach.

Especially where I was last year 12U rec seeing the girls improve even if the results from wins and losses were not therewere not always there.

The kids and the parents all focus on the result. Redefining what the proper result is wl fix the issue you see. Throwing one over the heart of the plate at 5 mph slower is not a favorable result.

You, focus on the process, and the process will focus on the results!
Nothing good ever comes by slowing down and throwing meatballs, not today, and certianly not tomorrow.

One of my favorite sayings during a game that comes from stands, "Just throw strikes!".

What the hell do you think she is trying to do?

Conversation isn’t going the way I thought it was going to so I will jump in.

In practice I like working with DD throwing against a fence or tarp, as you mentioned eliminating the results of the pitch. That is what is great about a pitching plate you can pound it in anywhere you want on the field.

Games are a little bit different, results matter. The expected results change as players get older, what level they are playing at, what team they are facing, etc. I would not minding telling HC DD is working on something and cannot pitch for a little bit but if she does certain results are expected.

As far as comments go, last year DD came into relief. Base loaded, 1 out, we were up by 1 run. She came in and threw lollypops over the plate. After the game I asked her what happened and she said the coach told her “Whatever you do, do not walk anyone”. Didn’t work out well for anyone. I keep telling her that “throw strikes” and all those other comments mean take a depth breath and throw it hard like in practice. She is no there yet, hopefully with another off season under her belt she will have more confidence.

The coaches want to win. I can't really blame them. It would be great if I could work with a student for 2 years, before she ever pitches in a game, but that isn't practical from a parent's stand point. So, although I am preaching "never throw down the middle of the plate." That is the only strike that some volunteer umps are going to call.

Even though DD's PC taught mechanics and intensity before strikes, she will still let up in a game. I'm told it will change as she gains confidence...

Pleaser personalities don't make the best pitchers. Try to get the kid to understand that pitching is THEIR art. Not moms, not dads, not the coaches. Anything mom, dad, or coach says is a distraction that is out of their control. They need to learn to focus on only the things that they can control. Their attitude, their effort, and their mechanics. Once they do this they will pitch for themselves and will reach their potential.

-W

Honestly, as a pitching coach, I wish competitive 10U tournament ball didn't exist for this exact reason. I know there are great 10U teams out there, and great 10U pitchers out there, but for the majority of pitchers, I think being expected to compete well as a pitcher when you're just learning is extremely detrimental to development (it also leads to the crazy idea that you need to teach your 10 year old 5 pitches, which usually results in having 5 crappy pitches and 0 effective ones). If I had my way, like Amy said, I wouldn't have my kids throw in a game for 2 years, maybe 3 for some. But I understand that's frustrating, and that there is some value to learning to throw to a batter and to a catcher your age early on. I just think it should be in a loose environment where the result doesn't matter at all. Young kids should be focused on speed and mechanics.

From a coach's perspective, however, I know how frustrating it can be for you and the other players when none of the pitchers on your team can get the ball over the plate. So I can't really blame them, but I wish the solution was to change the system rather than make a kid slow down and lob strikes.