Wanted: A Better Strategy for Developing Young Pitchers

[Ken Krause]

The other day I was talking with Rick Pauly of Pauly Girl Fastpitch about the challenges of developing young fastpitch pitchers – especially those in the the 8-10 year old range. Rick said it’s something that has been on his mind for a while, but really came home after completing another of his successful pitching […]

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[El Oso]

The other day I was talking with Rick Pauly of Pauly Girl Fastpitch about the challenges of developing young fastpitch pitchers – especially those in the the 8-10 year old range. Rick said it’s something that has been on his mind for a while, but really came home after completing another of his successful pitching […]

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Opening up the strike zone makes the most sense IMO.

 

[tomorrow]

I am just happy to see this question being posed. It is a real problem that hurts the game and is glossed over by many.

 

[GunnerShotgun]

Just two observations.

1. If you can't throw strikes you shouldn't be able to pitch (in rec league). Walkfests aren't doing anyone any favors. It's boring, it teaches hitters bad habits, and does nothing for fielders. You can only have as many teams in rec league as you have pitchers. Don't put 10 players on 6 teams with 4 pitchers.

2. Stop restricting the innings a pitcher can pitch (in rec league). This rule is for Flamethrower Suzy who can strike everyone out in rec league so they limit her to two or three innings a game. Suzy strikes everyone out for two innings and then the next pitcher walks 9 batters. It drives me nuts. Let Suzy pitch.

 

[_MIA_]

This paragraph needs to be addressed (in particular the bolded parts):

"As a result, those girls tend to get the bulk of the innings while those who are taking lessons and practicing all the time get very little circle time. Which means some who might be quite good one day get discouraged and quit pitching while parents who are taking time out of their schedules and paying for lessons begin to wonder whether that investment is worth it."

Educating parents (and coaches) at the younger ages is the answer to a lot of issues one sees in TB...

Yes walkfests are boring, but I would guess they bother parents/coaches more than the kids. At the younger ages the kids are happy to be out there with their friends and look forward to the post game snacks as much as anything else..

 

[GunnerShotgun]

Yes walkfests are boring, but I would guess they bother parents/coaches more than the kids. At the younger ages the kids are happy to be out there with their friends and look forward to the post game snacks as much as anything else..

I don't disagree with what you are saying. I would say that's fine short term but it's not doing those players (or the sport) any favors moving forward.

I think you do what every you need to do to avoid the walks. It could be expanded strike zone, less restrictive pitch rules, slow pitch, coach pitch, using a batting T. Even at the older ages.

It's a win the battle, lose the war situation with walks (and not having enough pitchers).

 

[_MIA_]

I don't disagree with what you are saying. I would say that's fine short term but it's not doing those players (or the sport) any favors moving forward.

I think you do what every you need to due to avoid the walks. It could be expanded strike zone, less restrictive pitch rules, slow pitch, coach pitch, using a batting T. Even at the older ages.

It's a win the battle, lose the war situation with walks (and not having enough pitchers).

Why are kids, who are learning correctly but lacking something (control for example), quitting early? If it is because they are bothered by the lack of success (eg walking too many kids) and that is making them quit, then trying to remedy that problem by changing the rules could help. If they are quitting for a different reason (lack of circle time, parents lack of patitence bleeding into their attitude towards the game, etc) then treat the disease not the symptoms. Because if it is the latter reason, there will still be kids who are more successful with the rule changes and the same issues will still be there.

 

[GunnerShotgun]

If you made me softball commissioner for a day every rec league player would be instructed on how to throw a slingshot pitch.

Step out, palm up, sling, palm down.

Every practice would a lot for "X" amount of slingshot pitching practice time. Its's dead simple, less moving parts, and anyone can do it (with little practice).

 

[El Oso]

Just two observations.

1. If you can't throw strikes you shouldn't be able to pitch (in rec league).

So when do you make that determination that the pitcher can't throw strikes so she can't pitch? Before the season? After the first game?

My DD couldn't throw strikes her first 5 games in rec ball but turned the corner and was the 3rd best pitcher in a 12 team league by the time the 13 game season was over. If she weren't allowed to pitch those games early on, she wouldn't have been able to develop into a bona fide pitcher.

 

[Rick M]

Here’s my solution: play more softball. Specifically at the rec level.

DD moved to TB pitching at 10U because that’s what you have to do to get the time required to develop skills. In Travel, they play and practice year-round. Nobody is going to develop as a pitcher when Rec leagues top out at 10 weeks a year. TB has the added pressure of winning games, but if kids could get more circle time in low-pressure rec, they’d be less likely to give up.

I also think a literal rotation would be of benefit. If you have one kid who can lob in a strike and another who is developing as a pitcher, have them alternate batters. That way, fielders and batters are not just standing around, but you still have the opportunity for development. Eventually, the lobber will start hitting corners and the pitcher will start throwing strikes.


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