New Pitcher: Order of Priorities
- Thread starter Ken B
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I think it depends on the rules you play under and maybe how much the Team needs a P. I agree with your order but sometimes strikes moves up high on the priority list when a Team needs a pitcher.
P that throws strikes will eventually be passed by the ones that do it in the order you mentioned then if they want to continue to P will need to circle back around.
P that throws strikes will eventually be passed by the ones that do it in the order you mentioned then if they want to continue to P will need to circle back around.
- Nov 29, 2009
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I work with a lot of young kids and you can put me squarely in the speed camp with the emphasis on good mechanics first. Without the right mechanics there is no speed, no control and no longevity. What I find is too many people have it backwards when it comes to teaching young kids how to pitch. They are too worried about the result of the pitch instead of the delivery of the pitch at the start of the learning process. When the mechanics come together and the delivery becomes consistent the results will take care of themselves without having to force anything. Now you have a pitcher who throws hard without having to relearn her pitching motion. This path takes a little longer to reach success but in the end the girls end up with a strong fluid explosion for a motion instead of something that looks and feels forced.
I usually go the opposite direction with grip, whip, circles then drive, but am very intrigued by your order and am anxious to try it.
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very helpful, thanks.
though can you clarify what you mean by the bold. I'm not sure I follow the terminology.
I teach "backwards chaining." Which starts with the grip and release and goes backwards from there. The feet come last, but I do introduce them, the first lesson.
I teach control, not speed.
I teach control, not speed.
100% agree. Good mechanics is everything is pitching. One of the best things my DDs first pitching coach did is what she DIDN'T DO which is mention strike or strike zone once for the first 6 - 8 months of lessons. As her mechanics got better, her accuracy and velocity increased exponentially. Remember it is almost impossible not to throw pretty hard when using good mechanics. Focus on proper grip (less skin on the ball = faster pitch), vertical arm circle, explosive leg drive down the powerline, glove pointed to catcher (not swimming), good resistance on stride leg plant, pull ball down the arm circle, good arm whip (IR), and pitching arm follow-through to opposite shoulder.
I tell parents that the last thing that develops will be control. The hard part is that in games pitchers have to throw strikes or it becomes a walkfest. I tell coaches to have a couple of lob ballers to use in games. I tell parents that if their daughter wants to become a successful pitcher they will have to deal with the walks/lack of control and understand that control will develop with a lot of practice. Most parents get it.
- Dec 7, 2011
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Don't discount the "wild" ones! Escobedo comes to mind....
Ya in the ole days my DD was the pitcher nobody wanted to bat against because of concerns of getting beaned. Well in the ole days DD & I both didn't understand what "lots of practice" meant. We do now and she can "control" with the best of them.
It IS amazing though what an "unintentional" FB behind a batter can do to their confidence,......just sayin.....
Ya in the ole days my DD was the pitcher nobody wanted to bat against because of concerns of getting beaned. Well in the ole days DD & I both didn't understand what "lots of practice" meant. We do now and she can "control" with the best of them.
It IS amazing though what an "unintentional" FB behind a batter can do to their confidence,......just sayin.....
- Sep 7, 2011
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I agree totally with Spark Guy when teaching a young girl that is new to pitching, mechanics come first, and mechanics and strength are related to speed. I think it is a good idea to have the girl to start by throwing into a net or a wall, so they will not worry about where the ball is going.
