Well this is it! Going into winter, her last year of 16u and after 4 years of lessons still a 50mph pitcher. This is probably her last year of pitching. Trying Nancy evans a great d1 pitcher for a instructor..but really not telling us anything eath shattering. Personally, I think her arm is locked out and gets no whip and her hip is closed way early! HELP! Check out this Coach's Eye video: Oct 18 2014 - 11:07 AM - Coach's Eye
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- May 17, 2012
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If you made it through 16u as a pitcher you are already a winner. There isn't a pot of gold at the end of softball rainbow. Enjoy it while you can.
I'm not an expert by a long shot but I have seen enough pitching that to me it looks like the movement of the back leg at the end is taking away some of the momentum she builds at the beginning. It looks like she is more focused on kicking that leg out behind her than transferring the momentum build up into her arm/the ball and that the toe drag looks real heavy. Is she pushing off the rubber or just puling her back leg forward?
While this may be a drill she already does it is the only one I could find (quickly) that shows where I think the back leg should end up after she releases the ball (forward to abut 3:10)
While this may be a drill she already does it is the only one I could find (quickly) that shows where I think the back leg should end up after she releases the ball (forward to abut 3:10)
- Jun 18, 2010
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If you post a better video, we can make a GIF that will jumpstart some good discussion.
From my perspective, I see a stride knee going out sideways instead of straight. The hips aren't working correct which means no stretch thru the body. Her form looks good, I see IR and hitting timing points.
If it was my kid, I would really work on keeping hips square to pitcher on initial drive out and then pull togethers. Make that stride leg work properly. Everything is dependent on that. I know because my kid was the same way. I bet you see significant increases immediately. And as soon as the hips start turning back before the drive, you'll see speed losses. If you are serious, really dig into the drive mechanics sticky.
If it was my kid, I would really work on keeping hips square to pitcher on initial drive out and then pull togethers. Make that stride leg work properly. Everything is dependent on that. I know because my kid was the same way. I bet you see significant increases immediately. And as soon as the hips start turning back before the drive, you'll see speed losses. If you are serious, really dig into the drive mechanics sticky.
Where are you located? There is probably not an "instant fix" that is going to add 10 MPH to your DD's pitches, but if you are willing to try a "one step back, two steps forward" approach there are some things that may help. The problem with major changes to pitching mechanics is it can take 3-6 months before you see a noticeable improvement and since your DD is already a second year 16U player, is that a viable option?
- Oct 19, 2009
- 1,825
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I've heard that Alabama has a freshman who has great movement and came in with speed in the mid 50's and after fixing a few flaws in her mechanics is now throwing mid 60's 10 MPH difference is a big improvement if this is true.
I'm no pitching coach, but maybe that is what your DD needs to fix a few flaws in her mechanics to improve her speed.
According to fastpitch.com an average pitcher in most parts of the U.S. would have pitching speeds somewhat like this for her age:
11-years old - High 30's to Mid 40's
12-years old - Low 40's to Upper 40's
13-years old - Mid 40's to Low-50's
14-years old - 50+
Average high school pitcher - 53-57 mph
What is an Average Pitching Speed? Great softball pitching hints and recommendations for girl softball pitchers
I'm no pitching coach, but maybe that is what your DD needs to fix a few flaws in her mechanics to improve her speed.
According to fastpitch.com an average pitcher in most parts of the U.S. would have pitching speeds somewhat like this for her age:
11-years old - High 30's to Mid 40's
12-years old - Low 40's to Upper 40's
13-years old - Mid 40's to Low-50's
14-years old - 50+
Average high school pitcher - 53-57 mph
What is an Average Pitching Speed? Great softball pitching hints and recommendations for girl softball pitchers
Sticks,
Where are your getting the 50 mph speed reading?
Where are your getting the 50 mph speed reading?
JJsqueeze
Dad, Husband....legend
I'm thinking along the same lines as Cuzmail. My finely tuned ear for the timing says she is more like low to mid 50s.
- Oct 22, 2009
- 1,779
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Sticks, how are her breaking pitches and off speed?
I have a high school senior that has topped out at 51mph, --Yes there are area's she can improve on to get more speed, but she's not willing to put in the effort.--
We have focused on her spins and off-speed throughout high school and she is a highly effective pitcher that makes teams look silly.
I have a high school senior that has topped out at 51mph, --Yes there are area's she can improve on to get more speed, but she's not willing to put in the effort.--
We have focused on her spins and off-speed throughout high school and she is a highly effective pitcher that makes teams look silly.
