Open vs Closed Pitching Style

[cyfairslam]

I recall seeing Cat in HS and her batting skills were, IMO definitely suboptimal. She was slow on the base paths and her fielding was not what I would call stellar. YMMV

I felt the same way when I saw Michael Jordon on the baseball field. Come to think of it he couldn't make the PGA tour either. That guy must have worked his rear off in basketball, he obviously didn't have any natural talent.

Before I get in trouble, I am not implying Cat is an athlete like Micheal Jordon. Just that some body types are good for some athletic activities and not others. There are very few that can do it all.

 

[Mark H]

That good pitching ruined a perfectly good basketball career.

Word is she was a pretty fair stick in high school. If you want to get someone in a softball trivia contest, ask them who holds the highest career slg% for Texas softball. .2000 for her career. Later you can tell them it was one AB. Looking back on it, I think I would have let her hit in the play offs if I had been writing out the lineup card. Had to have been an upgrade from whoever was 9th best in those days.

 

[calgofo]

That good pitching ruined a perfectly good basketball career.

Word is she was a pretty fair stick in high school. If you want to get someone in a softball trivia contest, ask them who holds the highest career slg% for Texas softball. .2000 for her career. Later you can tell them it was one AB. Looking back on it, I think I would have let her hit in the play offs if I had been writing out the lineup card. Had to have been an upgrade from whoever was 9th best in those days.

I agree as well.

 

[Mark H]

I'm thinking Connie was getting the vapors thinking about hamstrings when Cat swung out to take an angle to second base.

 

[jimginas]

Amy / Mark:


Ernie Parker! I know-I know... working on a tired brain!

 

[Mark H]

Well we had a LOT of fun with it. We owe you.

 

[calgofo]

I'm thinking Connie was getting the vapid thinking about hitting in general, but in particular when Cat swung out to take an angle to second base.

Notice how I fixed that for you ?

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I stay open and only close to get in a defensive position. (That is what I teach,too. But my students are very beginners.) The ball is gone by the time I come into a fielding position.

 

[Mark H]

Well to me, we would have to see a video clip or be standing there with you to know what your definition of open and closed is. This is my definition of effective, efficient and safe. MOV 1 of 3, Windmill

 

[jimginas]

Mak H: The way I discuss Open/Close is: as the Stride foot hits the ground, the belly/chest is facing 3B and as she is driving to the plate and her arm is accelerating down she closes her hips so belly/chest facing the plate. Hips did NOT snap closed until the arm and ball past the hip, so her hips did not get in the way of her arm path.
I like after release and follow through that the pitcher puts herself in a position to "Protect herself". I tell my pitchers, the primary thing I want after the ball is released is they can protect themselves from line drives hit back at them, and secondly to be in position to play defense! ( During Pitchers practice, we spend time working fielding mechanics, as well as talk the mental part of the game.)