I have had my daughter skip the toe drag on purpose to see the results. She can easily jump out a foot further and still release the hips. I’m assuming the lack of resistance is allowing a boost in speed, but she can definitely throw harder by 3-5 mph. I know girls who are being taught this...
I get that it isn’t a replant, but by just by not having to drag your foot and being able to jump an extra foot, the pitcher can generate a few mph more speed, and the closer you are to the batter, the less reaction time the batter has. If they can see part of a foot out of the box on a slap...
My daughter refuses the learn the incorrect way. I’m proud of her for that, but it’s frustrating watching people willingly learn to do it knowing it will rarely get called and playing ahead of her. I know in the end she is doing the right thing.
Another poster had a thread a few weeks back that echoes my feelings for this board. My DD decided, at the wise request of a great Rec coach, to start pitching 2 years ago this month at age 10. I knew nothing other than what I had heard from local coaches; "elbow to the plate, wrist snap...
We had this happen today where the ball popped up and hit the runner while half way to first. Umpire said foul ball since it hit her while she was in foul territory. Other coach argued it didn't matter if it was fair or foul, she should be out. What say you?