Somewhat related to the MI positioning thread - New "9U" team - mix of 8, 9, and 1 or 2 10 YOs. 1st experience of kid pitch and a constantly "live" ball (overthrows, etc.) for many of them. First set of games this past weekend. Wow - despite practices 2x week, there's just never enough time to prepare them for a real game!
I'd like to know if it's standard FP strategy, or just age dependent, to force the pitcher to stay in the circle for almost every play except to cover home on a PB? Sometimes the pitcher would walk out of the circle to either get closer to the catcher (on a PB, but runner not on 3B yet), or get closer to the IF relaying it in from the OF. Each time, she was told to stay in the circle.
I get the look back rule, and how being in the circle effectively kills the play. But do you still emphasize the need to stay in the circle when there's little chance of the ball making it (accurately) back to the pitcher in the first place? Is this a "get in the habit now"-type instruction, or more coaching preference?
I'd like to know if it's standard FP strategy, or just age dependent, to force the pitcher to stay in the circle for almost every play except to cover home on a PB? Sometimes the pitcher would walk out of the circle to either get closer to the catcher (on a PB, but runner not on 3B yet), or get closer to the IF relaying it in from the OF. Each time, she was told to stay in the circle.
I get the look back rule, and how being in the circle effectively kills the play. But do you still emphasize the need to stay in the circle when there's little chance of the ball making it (accurately) back to the pitcher in the first place? Is this a "get in the habit now"-type instruction, or more coaching preference?