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Jul 17, 2012
1,091
38
Having to learn to pitch while pitching in games is probably why many still teach hello elbow!

Couldn't agree more... Definitely a skill that needs to be learned outside of the live environment. Kinda like trying to learn how to skydive on the fly...
 
Dec 8, 2015
249
18
Philadelphia, PA
Thank you, SB. The pitching thing is for fun but she does need to start thinking about control at some point soon. I may be a little antsy but she will be pitching this year and she is nowhere near ready. Again, as you imply, there is NO presure on her to throw strikes. I also suspect I will be handling other pitchers, which is why I want to get this right.

My daughters old PC told her it takes about 2 years to learn the windmill fastball pitch. That is about the timeframe my DD started hitting her spots consistently. She did HE for the first year and a half and the last 6 months has been converting to IR.

Her first season at 8u, she would throw about 1 strike for every 5 balls. The next year, her 1st at 10u she would throw 2 strikes for every 4 balls. After having 2 months off from games and just working the IR drills, when she started playing fall ball she cut her walks down quite a bit. Now she throws about 3 strikes for every 2 or 3 balls. With no games for the next 4 months, I'm expecting her to throw 4 or 5 strikes for every 1 or 2 balls.
 
Dec 10, 2015
845
63
Chautauqua County
We have worked on a backswing, which helps a lot. We also closed up a bit, which also has helped. Video is essential. If there is anyone reading this who is starting out, I repeat, video is essential.
 
Jul 14, 2008
1,800
63
You know, I almost responded way early in this thread about how much harder it is for a pitcher to learn the basic mechanics of the craft if you START with the method your DD is trying to use.

In my opinion/experience, there is so much more to be gained early in the learning process regarding arm circle timing, overlap timing and the leg drive sequence, and timing of the push off and release in general, if you START with a delivery that is essentially a "running start" that includes a back swing.

Again, IN MY OPINION, the 2 handed "rock in the glove" or "push and go" method is an ADVANCED delivery method that is much easier to teach once a student can feel the basic timing and overlap, and has already developed a powerful leg drive THAT IS TIMED PROPERLY, which is so much easier to teach using a back and through arm swing running start.

In fact, I'd say that the advanced delivery method of men in fast pitch, is harder to teach AND perfect then riseball, and should be the last thing in a list of things taught that move a pitcher into the "advanced" area of pitching. And even then, it isn't the holy grail of delivery methods for ALL pitchers.
 
Dec 10, 2015
845
63
Chautauqua County
You're absolutely right and we have been using running starts, with and without the ball. Doug R. emailed me way back when about this and we also saw Amanda S.'s videos. I am glad you weighed in and thank you.
 
Dec 10, 2015
845
63
Chautauqua County
this month's vids. I can see the leap and she's staying open, it seems. what else? I took numerous shots and this is one of her worst ones.[video]https://youtu.be/fXPgJlLzuFI[/video]
 
May 25, 2008
199
18
Pickerington Ohio
Her posture looks a lot better in the last video than in earlier ones. She was hinging too much at the hip, leaning left and creating too much space for arm to get a good brush at release. Good progress. Tell her to keep her head quiet, on a rail through the motion to help her posture at release. She needs to get that hip in the way so her arm can stabilize against her torso and get a good brush. IMHO
 

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