Rock back or forward lean start

coach james said:

Which it better? 1 piggy tail or 2? Braid or pony tail?
point here is this.... its a personal preference. Has no bearing on the pitch. Whats most important here is this...
1. Did she get a negative move
2. Was there overlap
3. Was it an explosive and powerful drive
4. Was her timing good

However you achieve max results on these 4 indicators, more power to ya!!
Don't be afraid to experiment on the variables. Things like backswing, grip, or load are all styles. See what feels "right" to her and go with it.

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throughout the years, DD tried many combinations, backswing, no backswing, half/short backswing. i don't think there's any wrong or right, but as what Coach James mentioned, if you can hit all 4 of these points however you do it, do it.
for DD, the backswing was important and so was the lean forward.

i posted a thread a while back and someone pointed that getting the correct shin angle was very important in getting to drive OUT and not UP. and that is very true.

Thanks. After reviewing everything. Even though she was rocking back I’m not sure she got the full benefits of it. When she goes into lean. It seems it more forced instead of just pushing into it. If that makes sense. I have a better understanding of this now. Will use the 2 step drill and have some ideas of my own that will hopefully help. She’s only 11 so plenty of time to get it right. I have to remind myself it’s a journey not a sprint.

catmaster said:

Thanks. After reviewing everything. Even though she was rocking back I’m not sure she got the full benefits of it. When she goes into lean. It seems it more forced instead of just pushing into it. If that makes sense. I have a better understanding of this now. Will use the 2 step drill and have some ideas of my own that will hopefully help. She’s only 11 so plenty of time to get it right. I have to remind myself it’s a journey not a sprint.

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But we do want to see that sprinter pose....

shaker1 said:

Blaire has a great lean. Added in a couple of pauses, one at the top of the back swing, peak of the lean, and one at 3 o'clock, when she leaves the rubber. Like how she stays on the balls of her feet once she gets going. Just something for a comparison or check points for your DD.

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shaker1 said:

There needs to be a transfer of weight to get the party started

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Cat, I posted the two above so you can compare to your DD. Try to time the videos (use slo-mo) setting to compare with the backswing and push of the model pitchers. At first glance and just my opinion,she is working thru a timing issue more than anything else. While what everyone has said and I am sure you have read, viewed, etc. it is important to get a strong push, overlap, etc. etc. however, you have to have rhythm and timing in-line to make those work. IMO, I think her backswing it too far delayed. It looks like she is pushing off well before she ever starts it and then really struggling to get it back and start it forward. While we don't want a "back together forward together" start which would minimize or take away important overlap you have to find the right amount of delay (not too much, not too little) to get a good rhythm and timing down. Look at the model vids above and compare to your DD.
Again, just my opinion and I hope comparing the vids above may help.

S3