1st game mechanics go out the window 10U

[uncdrew]

Not sure if this is possible for you, and some people might accuse me of over-stepping, but...

I asked the coaches if they needed help warming up pitchers before games. I also added that I'm happy to do it and at this age (10U), I probably know more about her mechanics and how best to warm her up and get her ready. And because none of their DDs have ever been pitchers, I've certainly spent more time on the bucket and with professional instructors than they have.

They happily said yes.

So now instead of yapping with parents before games, I'm out warming up pitchers (and my own DD). It's proven helpful and will most likely continue (with this team). In time, my DD probably won't need me doing this much. But it's a good solution for everyone for now.

During games, I say very little other than "Nice Pitch". Perhaps once every few games I give her one verbal tip (Stay tall, loose arm, etc) when I see something that I know will help. I've gotten good at spotting those and coaches recognize that my tips almost always get her back on track.

 

[quincy]

How were you doing? Maybe get a video of yourself too and review it with your DD.

Bumpy ride. For parents and pitcher.

(Teams seem all different. DD some times warmed up before we went to the park, sometimes at the park before the reporting team time. I liked leave her alone once the Team was together)

 

[sluggers]

Is this common at this level/early stage?

Yes.

Do I review the tape with her or just great job?

Make some mental notes about what happened, and work on them in practice.

 

[Gags]

Yes, I've already gotten yelled at for warming her up prior games she was supposed to get into, but eventually didn't as the time limit ran out.

Yelled at by your daughter, or her coaches?


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[uncdrew]

Yelled at by your daughter, or her coaches?


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I didn't understand that exactly, either.

If they are mad that you're helping, I'm curious about why. Could be power-trip type stuff, or they have a process. Sounds like a discussion could work that out fine.

... and sometimes you warm up a pitcher and they don't pitch that game. That's the way the game works. And is far better than pitching someone with no warm-up.

 

[Gags]

I’m hoping it’s his daughter. IIRC, he’s an AC for an older team - I would hope other coaches wouldn’t be that ignorant.

Then again, if their current process of no warmups keeps producing 3 K’s per inning, maybe the rest of us have been doing it wrong this whole time?


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[justAdad2]

i saw 10u and laughed sorry. yes they will be all over the place game to game for a long time. my dd 14U pitched a tournament and completely shut out the other team on friday and then struggled on sunday we still don't know what she changed. with time they get more consistent but its a roller coaster for 10u and 12u. keep it fun and positive, i wish i had that advice in 10u. everytime they grow a little bit things feel off to them. good luck

 

[NJSwampdragons]

Yelled at by your daughter, or her coaches?


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Yelled at by the coaches. At a scrimmage I was asked to warm my daughter up and then two other pitchers.

Two games later I got screamed at for doing it by a different coach from across the field.

 

[DrRiello]

Yup welcome to pitching 101. It happens. ALOT.
Some advice. Take her to a softball field that has a rubber /bring one and a home plate.
Warm her up like game day outside of the field. Then put her on the mound. Do batters with her. Pitch counts. See how it goes.
Try to put her in those similar stressful situations so she can get used to it. It will help with comfortability and confidence.
Good luck


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[uncdrew]

... and as most here will tell you, it takes three basic things to make a great pitcher:

1. Girl with determination and grit
2. Proper instruction
3. Practice, practice, practice (of the proper instruction)

I've seen girls with 2 out of 3 make little improvement. Girls with 1 out of 3 quit pitching within a year. Many/most with all 3 will succeed (to varying degrees).

Have fun and good luck.