Fastpitch University

I’m thinking DFP could easily be renamed Fastpitch University! I think I learn something new every couple months! I’ve really enjoyed reading some recent threads that have me swamped with new stuff to explore.

I can't help but wish for another study like the Steadman/Hawkins; but with lots of HD slow mo video of a large sample of elite pitchers. I think someone here (BoardMember or starsnuffer?) hinted that several experts are collaboratively studying the pitching motion and may be putting out their findings and recommendations. I'm very anxious to see what comes from it.

Meanwhile, I appreciate the input, opinions, questions and even some of the banter here. I also appreciate the search function because there is so much good stuff stored in the servers from not only current members, but some very knowledgeable past contributors.

With so much misinformation out there about pitching, it's awesome to have this place to ask and share. Thanks to Marc for providing the forum, the mods and to everyone who has a pocket full of pennys to share. Your daily .02 has provided me and my kids with a wealth of understanding.

Don Henley's lyric often goes through my mind as a read through posts here, "The more I know, the less I understand..." So true and I hope I never stop learning!


Ken

I agree. I'm looking forward to passing on "my learnings" in a relaxed manner to granddaughters vs. "must get it right" that my daughter has been subjected too.

I agree I have learned so much about pitching and the science behind it. It amazes me the passion that some these elite instructors have to take their time to help novice as myself to better their DD.

Bump.....

The more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn. Last night I had 3 new kids and 5 regulars. In every session, I used the simple cues in javasource (Mike M's) YouTube channel, BoardMember's IR stickies and Pauly's brush thread with immediate success. I truly appreciate the knowledge and experience shared here by everyone.

Thanks all!
Ken

FPU
location = cyberspace
nice ring to it

abbygale said:

I agree. I'm looking forward to passing on "my learnings" in a relaxed manner to granddaughters vs. "must get it right" that my daughter has been subjected too.

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I so hope I get the opportunity to do this as well! My DD unfortunately had to go through the "do this... no do this" trial and error phase and an overbearing dad who assumed this stuff was easy and took the fun completely out of it.

Ken B said:

Bump.....

The more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn. Last night I had 3 new kids and 5 regulars. In every session, I used the simple cues in javasource (Mike M's) YouTube channel, BoardMember's IR stickies and Pauly's brush thread with immediate success. I truly appreciate the knowledge and experience shared here by everyone.

Thanks all!
Ken

Click to expand...

Hey Ken, what cues are you using for Brush? I have shown many Pauly videos to 10yo DD (she can recognize his voice now on videos where he is not in the frame ) and are back to doing lock it in a few times a week. I am seeing more low and left pitches (lefty) and less drop curves. I think she is progressing. Do you have other cues you are using for brush?

GoCaboNow said:

Hey Ken, what cues are you using for Brush? I have shown many Pauly videos to 10yo DD (she can recognize his voice now on videos where he is not in the frame ) and are back to doing lock it in a few times a week. I am seeing more low and left pitches (lefty) and less drop curves. I think she is progressing. Do you have other cues you are using for brush?

Click to expand...

With good whip established, I’m finding that posture is critical. I like the feet in a comfortable stance—not completely sideways, but something around 45 degrees. Be sure there is no excessive shoulder or hip turn and no lean or bend at the waist.

I demo what brush looks and feels like. It is a brush--not a bump (although they may bump a few times while feeling for the right touch.) I show them where I want them to feel brush: inside of the forearm (just below the elbow) and all the way to the wrist and even the pinky finger if wearing loose fitting clothes. Sorry about this pic—best I could come up with…



I show them where I want the arm to contact the body: upper forearm touches just behind the hip and the rest wraps diagonally below the hip and above the thigh. The ball is released as a result of brush—it’s the trigger—right at the front of the thigh:



Without a ball, I have them swing the arm back and forth (9 o’clock drill,) feel the contact and what it does to the hand—should feel the hand whip. Once they have this down, we play catch with a ball and I look for any gap between the hand and thigh. If I see a gap, I tell them “closer” or “pitch from the pocket” while watching for good posture, 45 degrees and no excessive torso action.

Lately, I’ve stressed “roll the drag foot into the pointe position”--with almost magical results. It becomes much more difficult to lean or bend and puts the hip into perfect position to receive the forearm. This action should not be forceful. Some cues for this are: “Drag the tops of the toes,” “laces to catcher” or “gently pull the knee towards the target.” This should not be a hip slam.

The assignment is:
1) to walk around the house, school, mall, wherever; swinging the arm back and forth and feeling the effect of brush on the hand and
2) Play lots of catch--feeling for brush and whip using good posture and the pointe position.

The parent/coach/catcher is instructed for what to look for and reminded this is casual catch—not sitting on a bucket trying to hit spots. If needed, use a net and a bucket of balls to minimize the distraction of control.

Hope that helps,
Ken

Maybe Marc should sell T-shirts for DFPU to help fund the site.

I'll take one! 2XL or XLT if available.