So, I'm coaching 8U. Our league does machine pitch. I understand why people prefer kid/coach pitch, but there's nothing I can do about that in relation to how our league is run.
So, I've been working a lot on tees with my girls, and really driving home the proper sequence (or trying to, at least.) most of the girls are getting it, and are looking great on the tees.
I switch to live ptiching with the machine, and how they look on the machine is completely different from the tee swings. Some girls are looking ok, but 70% are ditching their stride, starting with their shoulders, and swinging at about 70% compared to how they swing on the tee. I have a feeling that the majority of this is timing, and not correctly anticipating the ball.
Now, do I continue doing machine work, and just really work on timing, knowing that more than half the time I won't be getting an efficient swing?
Or, do I double-up on the tee-work and front toss. And hold-off on the machine until proper form is drilled into them.
Option #1 will give them more cuts off of what they'll see in a game, but won't be optimal for the correct sequence.
Option #2 is more optimal for sequence, but won't give them as many live reps before games begin.
Any thoughts on how you would approach?
So, I've been working a lot on tees with my girls, and really driving home the proper sequence (or trying to, at least.) most of the girls are getting it, and are looking great on the tees.
I switch to live ptiching with the machine, and how they look on the machine is completely different from the tee swings. Some girls are looking ok, but 70% are ditching their stride, starting with their shoulders, and swinging at about 70% compared to how they swing on the tee. I have a feeling that the majority of this is timing, and not correctly anticipating the ball.
Now, do I continue doing machine work, and just really work on timing, knowing that more than half the time I won't be getting an efficient swing?
Or, do I double-up on the tee-work and front toss. And hold-off on the machine until proper form is drilled into them.
Option #1 will give them more cuts off of what they'll see in a game, but won't be optimal for the correct sequence.
Option #2 is more optimal for sequence, but won't give them as many live reps before games begin.
Any thoughts on how you would approach?