Pitch Calling

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May 7, 2017
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This forum is full of so much information that I have a question for anyone that has a DD pitching HS varsity or college. Or anyone that may coach and call pitches at those levels. What percentage of time are you throwing fastballs? And in what situations are you calling fastballs and what situations are you avoiding fastballs? Assuming the pitcher has a few other movement pitches that they can command. Thanks.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
What is your definition of fastball? My DD throws a 2 seam that she can move left or right through 2 planes. I imagine it is somewhere around 50%.
 
Last edited:
May 7, 2017
2
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Thanks Riseball. I should have been more specific. DD also throws 2 seam but I am talking straight fastball. Should also have stated that speed is slightly above average but not blazing.
 
Aug 21, 2008
2,350
113
I realize I am living in a different world but, why would anyone through a "straight fastball" where a ball doesn't move?

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've given up HR's and hits on balls that didn't move and stayed "straight".

This is the beginning of the conversation I have with people that years throwing a straight fastball is years lost learning how to make the ball move and yes, I mean from the beginning of their pitching careers. No, a 7 year old isn't going to throw a dropball with bite, but why not start them on that path? In Mr Myagi (Karate kid reference) style, I get my students (young and old) to start getting the right spin so their first pitch will DROP not stay straight. This is done without telling them this immediately so they aren't intimidated by thinking they are learning something that they will have to "over try" on. But before you know it, you have girls throwing "fastballs" that have nasty drop action to them.

Bill
 
May 17, 2012
2,803
113
I realize I am living in a different world but, why would anyone through a "straight fastball" where a ball doesn't move?

Because pitchers do not throw strikes early in the count and they fall behind. Coach starts calling fastballs for strikes as they don't to want to walk the batter. You see this a lot the lower levels and younger ages.

I agree that throwing straight fastball's in the strike zone is nutty,
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Because pitchers do not throw strikes early in the count and they fall behind. Coach starts calling fastballs for strikes as they don't to want to walk the batter. You see this a lot the lower levels and younger ages.

I agree that throwing straight fastball's in the strike zone is nutty,

14 or 15 it starts leaving field quickly, depending on batter.

As long as ball is not leaving field a straight fastball is OK.

I would assume 99.9 of college players can hit it out if they want to so any straight fastball even close to zone is probably a bad idea.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,131
113
Dallas, Texas
In a perfect world, the pitcher would always throw 70 MPH breaking pitches for strikes at the edge of the strike zone.

But, it is not a perfect world. Softball umpires rarely call the rule book defined strike zone. If the umpire is squeezing the strike zone, the pitcher has to throw a lot of fastballs. If the pitcher is having difficulty with a breaking pitch, she has to throw more fastballs.

Two or three years ago, Monica Abbott won a WPF championship game throwing almost 100% fastballs.
 
May 23, 2014
41
6
I fundamentally agree with having pitches move. My question would be around something like 10u tournament ball. Lets say you simply want to spot a high-inside "fastball". Would you suggest throwing something different at that age, assuming you want to hit that spot?
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
As long as ball is staying in field, I am OK with it.

I do not know if you have seen Hillhouse's video's but, sorry if I am misrepresenting it, but he always teaches a hard 12 6 spin on all their fastballs. Ball needs to get moving a little bit before it will actually drop but nothing straight.
 

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