Sluggers nailed this one on all accounts. Thinking too much totally throws off a pitcher. It is the coaches job to analze and the pitchers job to throw the ball. A loose relaxed motion will naturally create a correct arm position (the majority of the time). Let your coach adjust mechanics and as...
Hal is correct! This is illegal in almost all leagues I have dealt with. His correction is also the same one I use. I actually have all my pitchers start with this position and as they advance their foot position may change depending on how their style changes. Edge of rubber under ball of foot...
“Sounds like we would have a difference of opinion on what is the correct and safest mechanics for a leap and drag pitcher.” Actually we are in agreement, Your description below is excellent and mirrors the issues and mechanics I stress when teaching this style. We only seem to be in...
Hal,
Pitching is what took out the knees (as well as a number of other joints) but it was due to overuse beginning at an early age. I played many sports but only softball and bowling in an organized fashion until high school. Basketball did not cause the knee problems but brought it to the...
Hal, I have to disagree with you here and go with slugger based on experience alone. When I was young and dumb I was pitching 300-400 pitches everyday. I pitched, ran, fielded and was in exceptional shape because all I did was play sports year round. I played softball, basketball, volleyball and...
Definitely need to make adjustments for pitching in the rain. Everything from stride and grip to sportsbras bunching effect the pitcher. As my pitchers progress I will routinely add wet ball practice that includes making the pitchers lane wet.
Izzy's dad: Glad you do not have an ump like we had...
CoachJB, Sluggers is dead on and explained this very well. Take heed when he says to "know how much" when teasing her into doing what you are asking for. Different girls have a different tolerance for teasing and the type of teasing that will give you the reaction you are looking for. Not...
I am definitely one of those that gets sensitive about younger players but in my own defense some of my comments (now missing) were also blown out of context a bit as well. I did state that you should not take money from the parents for a student who is not showing the aptitude. I do not allow a...
Amy
Sluggers and Mark are right on but you also have an issue with her foot coming off the rubber too early. You may need to get her to shift her right foot back on the rubber slightly or adjust her weight over the right foot at the onset of her motion, I would need to see more to determine...
In my experience, I teach younger pitchers primarily, most pitchers "close the door" so it is not a matter of open or closed but when the door is closed. The younger pitchers, when learning mechanics, I teach them to bring the drive leg through as a second step. In the beginning this leg comes...
I must apologize, I did not pay enough attention to the title of this thread, the numbers I mentioned that I use are for practices not games. I would double the numbers for games but you would want to be careful when you have multiple game scenarios such as a weekend tournament. Plenty of rest...
An 8 year old throwing 100 pitches? Are you crazy (with all due respect of course)? It was mentioned as recently as an earlier post on this thread that the recommendation for college level pitchers is 120 :confused:
It is OK to disagree, I stated from the outset that this was a subjective point to start with. But to compare practicing pitching with a coach for skill and precision with playing catch in the backyard is comparing apples to oranges. I am referring to concentrated focused pitching for good...
I am going to add my 2 cents here but keep in mind this is not a steadfast rule and variations occur based on the physical development of each individual girl. This is my base pitch count for practices and games based on practicing every other day and encouraging other activities to maintain...
Hammer,
Do not follow mens fastpitch much but would not be familiar with your era since I am too young, sorry. Back then I was living in Ct. also. It takes all I have to keep up with the girls I coach and try to get to some of their games. Doesn't leave much time for anything else. Would love to...
Hammer44,
I am in the Charlotte area. I never mastered the rise either with slingshot but I had solid unpredictable movement laterally as well as a killer drop and what they call a knuckleball now.
I agree with Hal here. When my pitchers (remember I work with the younger students) reach a certain point in learning their mechanics, IE: ready to pitch in games, I begin working in the mental side of the game. This is essential for any pitching coach, in my opinion. If you teach a girl not...
Coach Stan,
First off this is a drill that removes the rear leg to focus on the drive leg so a rock back would not be possible during this drill. Therefore, we do not know from watching this clip if in full form she does not incorporate the rock back. But, for sake of argument, assume she does...
My opinion, based on my own personal experience is that slingshot is not seen today purely out of ignorance. I was the best pitcher in my region up through middle school pitching the slingshot style and after beating out the senior pitcher in high school my freshman year and having a great year...
I am so glad to hear the responses so far. I was using age as a defining feature but body development is the key here that I was trying to stress. I was hoping that I was just hearing everyone talk about the more advanced pitchers and it appears I was right. Pheww!
Unfortunately, I have run...