Having the game called by someone else worked for Nuke Laloosh!!! If wins are the main objective, I understand a coaches desire to call the game. But I believe for the long term growth of both the pitcher and catcher, letting them call the game is the better approach.
Perhaps this is because our system is player friendly and their input is taken into account so it isn't necessary. While I can't speak to other coaches and their systems this is not something I observe from other teams either.
Sometimes you see that chart floating around this site and others about how to "attack a batter" based on their swing or where they stand in the box, etc. This is nonsense. This assumes that your pitcher has 5 pitches that they can throw to various locations and various speeds. Ask a pitchers parent and of course they have all 5 pitches. As a coach you know this isn't true so why attack a batter with the pitchers third best pitch based on your "eye test"? It's silly.
Gunner - I think it's evident by many of the responses already posted that other players and coaches have experienced something different than you've seen
You think on most teams the pitcher or the catcher is exclusively calling the game? That is not my experience and I encourage you to walk around games the next time you go to a tournament and see for yourself.
it just seems like some of the "control" that is assumed by coaches is not the best for developing players softball IQ.
At the risk of sounding silly, anyone have this chart handy ?
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I think "exclusively" is the key word in that post. When my #1 catcher is in the game, she is calling pitches. She works well with our pitchers and will get feedback from them concerning various things. I will also speak with her (and the pitcher) quite often during the game. There are times that I may say "let's bust #7 on the hands next time up" or "let's start #10 with a change up. she seems anxious" or "looks like blue is giving you the outside. Let's see how far we can take it". So, yes, I am providing some input and guidance. The pitcher is also providing input. But the catcher is calling the game. But not exclusively. And there are times that the pitcher will shake her off. That's all part of teamwork.