Signals on armbands?

I was a coach since my daughter was 6 until she finished HS. Now I am a volunteer 10U coach.

Why is the new fad these armbands with signals? Heck... even the batters are using them. When did this happen?

Could someone give me an example of what a college pitcher's armband might have on it?

What happened to 1 = fastball and 2 = curve? I am amazed that every team does it now.

Just curious.

From what I understand they're so the defense knows which pitch is being called and where. 3 digit number and the middle (or whichever I guess) is the indicator of pitch drop, curve, fastball, and one or the other(s) is the direction. Inside, outside, etc.

This past year was DD's first experience with them and she liked it. 3 numbers are called. 1 is a dummy number, 1 is the pitch type, and 1 is location.

On offense, they are used for all of the usual things called by the 3B coach - bunt, take, steal, etc.

We switched to using arm bands to call pitches and defense this season. While it took a week or two to get used to it is now routine. Signs are pretty much pick proof and can be changed regularly with no disruption.

My DS's baseball team used them for a few years and his HS softball team that he manages has picked them up since one of the coaches has went over to be an assistant on both. The system is really simple and it eliminates any potential confusion. The three digits are a dummy digit, an indicator, and a grid designator. They rotate which ones are which each game. The play sheets are also rotated so that even if the opposing team figured out which was the dummy and indicator they couldn't steal your signs so there is no need to hide what you are calling. That's why the coaches can just shout the plays or flash simple hand signs. Then the girls can all check their arm bands and everyone is on the same page. Our team primarily uses them for offensive play calling and the pitcher and catcher have them but the catcher still calls the pitches to the pitcher.

Not all of them have indicators, dummy numbers, etc. we use them and there are certain 3 digit numbers that mean bunt, take, steal, etc. we use a program that generates for us. We just put in what signs we want and it generates the card and each sign has a group of several numbers. I have numbers that simply mean deep breath or fire hips. I find that if I tell them to take a deep breath, they shake their head and step in the box. But if I give it to them as a signal, it's more of an assignment than suggestion and they actually do it.


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Curious, can someone post a screen shot of what the grid looks like? Everything I imagine is probably way over complicated.

First time attaching an image. A google search yields more results. Have used these for 5 years. Pick proof.

Seattlecoach said:

Curious, can someone post a screen shot of what the grid looks like? Everything I imagine is probably way over complicated.

Click to expand...

I would really love to send players out there with tic-tac-toe or Battleship sheets.