10u pitching to team that crowds the plate

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Apr 20, 2017
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I’m curious to hear opinions from other coaches on facing teams that really crowd the plate. What are your go to pitch locations? Do you challenge them and risk free bases? 10u age group.
 
Aug 23, 2016
359
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DD plays 10U. In her league, some of the coaches have their girls crowd the plate. DD's best pitch is an inside fastball. Girls learn to get out of the way.
 
May 4, 2014
200
28
So Cal
Hitters job is to get on base not to "move" out of the box and they can stand anywhere in the box - nobody complains when they stand way outside the box but it's "playing games" when their toes are on the line? Just pitch inside...the batter either knows to pull it or will get jammed up - you'll quickly know if it's coach playing games or if that's where the batter likes to stand.... and I'm not talking about the toes on the line lean your whole body over the plate type of bushleague - those will quickly get that it's not worth listening to mr bushleague sitting on the bucket... and yes this hits home mainly because I've had other coaches grumble at my kids position on the box - but she's tiny -she has to be toes on the line to get plate coverage and yes she gets beaned all the time - it's normal cost of being small in 10u


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SB45

Dad, Coach, Chauffeur
Sep 2, 2016
150
28
Western NY
I like to crowd the plate against pitchers who are really good at picking the outside corner. But in my mind...it FORCES them to throw inside...the only other option is to push farther out of the strike zone. If a team crowds the plate, I think you have to throw inside...otherwise you are giving them what they want. As a hitter, in general I would say that crowding the plate makes it a little easier to hit the outter half of the plate...a little harder to hit the inside half. As a pitcher...they have already made it harder for themselves to hit inside...they are giving you an advantage...take it.
 
Jan 22, 2011
1,610
113
My DD never intentionally hit anyone, but in 10u wasn't going to give up the inside edge of the plate if there was a knee or part of the arm was in the strike zone.

USA softball rule 7.3.A also states: 'Prior to the pitch, the batter must have both feet completely within the lines of the batter's box. The batter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch', so have your catchers make sure the batter's feet aren't over the edge of the line of the batters box.
 

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