Finding a quality pitching instructor

Funny. I am a former pitcher for Denny. To pitch a straight strike "closing the hip" behind the snap is a "beginner" step. I will not go in to detail, but Denny teaches us more as his "players"....some pitchers are stronger, more talented and some just have the desire. Each pitcher is her "own" self....and it takes WORK and PRACTICE. As a instructor now, I always hear parents tell me how good their kid is and how fast she throws. Then, I see her....Beginner. I do not care about speed, that will come later. I care about the basics, mastering the basics (based on female anatomy), and knowing my pitchers use the proper form to insure injuries are not encountered. For some reason the "hips" are an issue many girls have a problem with. But, I was successful and now my daughter is...(10 yo pitching against 14 and 16 yo) I no longer live in Illinois and where I live now, my style is different. I do not say it is the best, but my daughter and others I instruct are competing at levels above their age group. I instruct a 7th grader, in one year she made the varsity team. I didn't even know that was allowed? But, other people come to me and want their daughter to be like her. I say, put in the time, effort, and do strenght training like she does and then we will see. So I guess when it comes to the hips, "close the door is beginner" but as you advance those hips can make or break you. I personally prefer to use my body to pitch, not just my arm and back foot (like what I see here). Best of Luck to everyone!!

Screwball said:

And speed should be taught first because timing the momentum is necessary

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Nothing worse for young pitchers then "learn to throw strikes, THEN learn to throw hard".........

Give me 10-12yo "velocity girl" and I'll teach her to change speeds and move the ball..........

Ain't much I can do with someone who's spent years "throwing easy enough to hit the strike zone".......

I know this is an old post, but my daughter is 10 and has been seeing Rusty since she was 7. The ability of Rusty to baby step the technique is unbelievable. He will start off with a leg up and a smaller step. Once they have that down he will start the leap/drag. It is the best way for younger kids to learn. I highly recommend him your daughter must be commited.