Tiarra Davis - Texas - Drive Mechanics

Tiarra is the "ace" for Texas and throws consistently in the mid-60s. If you look close she really has alot of things going on with her feet prior to her drive forward.

Also, on another note, I have seen a consistent trend with the padded pitching sleeve with UT pitchers. I think Cat got it started but would be interested to know why they need all that padding. Initial thought is it helps with a stronger brush but the pad seems to be more on the elbow versus the inner arm but difficult to tell.




S3

I like that pitcher a lot... really reminds me (physically) of Cat. Last year her change was really weak, though... if I recall, it was a flip that she has a hard time with. Haven't seen what she's throwing this year in that category...

She is fun to watch but I have only seen her a few innings this year. I didn't see her throw many (if any) CU's but again I haven't had the chance to see her pitch much. I will try to catch the next one and report back.

I guess I'm missing something I watched 3 times and I don't see what you're referring to in "If you look close she really has alot of things going on with her feet" other than a bit of adjusting.

Classof2020 said:

I guess I'm missing something I watched 3 times and I don't see what you're referring to in "If you look close she really has alot of things going on with her feet" other than a bit of adjusting.

Click to expand...

Thanks for taking a look! I see the adjusting early as well.The thing that stands our MORE in my mind is that she goes up on the ball of both feet at the same time prior to the drive. I have seen this in a couple other pitchers before but it is almost a two foot "calf raise" prior to take off. I wonder if there is something to in "initiating" the muscles, fast twitch muscles, prior to take off. I also wonder if I am the only one seeing this and just my imagination. The latter of course being the higher probability. I took some pics below to try and show what I am seeing. Again, slow motion is the best way to see it (if there is actually anything to see)..... Also, please note that I am not saying anything is illegal or anything like that. Just seems a bit different and pretty cool! They are in order side by side so the first is at :05 with right foot down, the next is also at :05 with both feet on the toes (calf raise), and the last is at :06 with right foot down again.

I like her, but in the game I watched, she was cruising at 58-60, just like all the other college aces.

I have seen her cruise around those speeds in the past. Yesterday, however, she was cruising mid-60's per the Longhorn Network. I really think it depends on the network, radar, etc. to tell the truth. I did think to myself that I didn't remember her throwing that fast when I was watching.

Also, here is a great youtube clip of her from 2010. You gotta love the location! (NOT referring to ball location). Bathroom and water fountain are hints....

Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vSaKfIQEZE

I get the LHN network and have watched many of her games the past couple of seasons and she pitches in the low to mid 60's pretty consistently. As Java stated, she reminds me a little bit of Cat Osterman as they are both lefty pitchers that played for Texas. With that said, Cat's drive mechanics are unlike anyone else's, she's 6'2"" (Davis 5'7") and Cat's drop ball is world class. Since Davis was a freshman she has struggled with her change-up, but has a good rise ball and curve. She is a good #1 for UT, with lots of strikeouts but also has a lot of walks (139/92). Unfortunately, with Erica Wright out for the season with a rib injury, I don't think this team will go deep in the NCAA playoffs.

hssoftball101 said:

I like her, but in the game I watched, she was cruising at 58-60, just like all the other college aces.

Click to expand...

I'm seeing mostly low to mid 60 averages for D1 pitchers. 58-60 averages are closer to the better HS pitchers.