Transitioning from No Backswing to Backswing

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osagedr

Canadian Fastpitch Dad
Oct 20, 2016
280
28
When she first pitched DD (turned 13 a few weeks ago; playing for the top TB team in this area) used a backswing - but over time switched to no-backswing and has had good success. Our season doesn't start for about six weeks but we have been going reasonably hard (three times per week) in the "offseason."

She is a very strong pitcher but the start of her pitch has been pretty herky-jerky. Yesterday we were able to throw outside for the first time this year just on the street; just for fun she says "Hey Dad - backswing; check it out!" and throws a great fastball strike with perfect 12/6 spin. So we kept fooling around with it and the pitching was very solid.

So I'm hesitant to change from what was "working" but I did note her mechanics seemed much smoother (no "herky-jerky" with the backswing. Hard to describe; but a more relaxed pitch with better tempo. Given no loss in speed (and potentially a small gain, if anything - actually; it has crossed my mind that the backswing might come with a speed increase), should we keep working with the backswing? The kid seems pretty happy with it and I was actually thrilled with what I saw yesterday.
 
Apr 22, 2016
64
6
Texas
I see more pitchers with a backswing than without, but I have my DD pitching with no backswing per instruction and explanation from Hillhouse. I think if she can pitch equally either way, then the no back swing could be beneficial as she gets older, but I'm just another bucket dad. :)
 
Jul 15, 2016
115
18
My DD had a backswing when she first started pitching but found as she threw harder it actually got her off balance during the backswing. We eliminated it and it made all the difference in the world. Now, everything drives down the powerline and is much more consistent.
 

Merrill Danner

Relax and breathe!
Sep 26, 2012
130
16
74441 - Oklahoma
My DD started out with back swing, then Bill Hillhouse promptly eliminated it, said that extra motion doesn't gain anything, but also said it is a style choice to do the backswing.
That was about 6 months ago and she has never looked back.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
A backswing is clearly not an absolute. However, I've always liked Javasource's take on the backswing, but I can't find it. Ken?
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Go with what feels natural and she has the most success with. However, be aware that there are coaches/ opponents who like to pick pitches based on exposed grips in the backswing.
I personally like to hide the ball in the glove as much as possible...
 

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