- Nov 3, 2012
- 480
- 16
My DD is a good pitcher, but occasionally she, doesn't execute on a defensive play. Im talking about a bunt or a playable ground balls. She also is one of those pitchers that makes that soft throw to 1b that barely beats the runner on a come backer. Wish she would fire it over to 1st.
We practice fielding bunt coverage occasionally. But when she gets in the game, she thinks the 1b or 3b is always going to get it and sometimes she hesitates. It happened on a big play this weekend, bunt is put down between 1st and pitcher. 1st baseman covered 1st, and she was sitting there flat footed. Runner easily beat the play at 1st. Its partly that we just got done with high school season and she's playing with different players on travel team. But I also have to admit the same thing happened in a big high school game this season. I tell her to go after everything, and peel off if 3b, 1b or catcher beat you to the ball, or call you off. But that's easier said then done.
Anyway, like I said we practice fielding off the mound occasionally, but I'm starting to realize we need to do more. Ill admit, sometimes she doesn't like practicing fielding either. Sometimes after pitching practice, I put 10 balls randomly in front of the plate. I have her go through pitching motion, and then she charges, fields then throw to me at 1st. So the question to bucket dads/ pitching coaches, how much should a pitcher practice fielding? And is there some good creative pitcher defense drills to work on.
We practice fielding bunt coverage occasionally. But when she gets in the game, she thinks the 1b or 3b is always going to get it and sometimes she hesitates. It happened on a big play this weekend, bunt is put down between 1st and pitcher. 1st baseman covered 1st, and she was sitting there flat footed. Runner easily beat the play at 1st. Its partly that we just got done with high school season and she's playing with different players on travel team. But I also have to admit the same thing happened in a big high school game this season. I tell her to go after everything, and peel off if 3b, 1b or catcher beat you to the ball, or call you off. But that's easier said then done.
Anyway, like I said we practice fielding off the mound occasionally, but I'm starting to realize we need to do more. Ill admit, sometimes she doesn't like practicing fielding either. Sometimes after pitching practice, I put 10 balls randomly in front of the plate. I have her go through pitching motion, and then she charges, fields then throw to me at 1st. So the question to bucket dads/ pitching coaches, how much should a pitcher practice fielding? And is there some good creative pitcher defense drills to work on.