1st Lesson will Bill Hillhouse tomorrow!

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Jan 10, 2012
6
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Taking my 10 yr old dd to Bill Hillhouse tomorrow! What can we expect? We are both excited/nervous!
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,133
113
Dallas, Texas
First, his stretch limo pulls up, while police hold back the admiring crowd. A pair of 8U softball players spread QuickDry before him as he enters the building. To get Bill into the proper state of mind, a 12U team does a selection of softball chants specifically chosen for the occasion. Another of his many employees brings him a gold leafed box containing Bill's Sacred Glove. Bill dons his bejeweled baseball cap, and the lesson begins.

And remember: No autographs.
 
Last edited:
Oct 23, 2009
967
0
Los Angeles
Hortond - I guess I am not as cynical (or funny) as sluggers and knighsb :) While I have never met him in person I do have his DVD, corresponded with him through this forum, and have watched his videos on fastpitch TV. My DDs current PC knows him and they both teach similar pitching techiques which I believe to be more correct than what most instructors teach. What I like about BH approach:

- glove and ball hand go back together on the same side on the backswing;
- drive the glove and ball hand directly down the power-line towards the catcher on the initial stride;
- pivot toe down during stride;
- get your body open at stride;
- finish your arm follow-thru after release to the left shoulder, naturally (no "hello elbow"!);
- the pitching mechanics for every pitch should look exactly the same to the batter;
- master 3 pitches: peel drop (which is the fastball), change-up, and riseball;
- finger pressure and grip control the spin and rotation, not arm, shoulder, stride manipulation;
- don't do unnecessary isolation drills like wrist-snaps, etc. They are a waste of time and do absolutely nothing for the pitcher

So what to expect from BH, he seems very easy going, admits he doesn't understand all of the technical aspects of the windmill pitch but he knows what works and what doesn't work after years of practice, playing, and coaching at the highest levels. I would take a notepad and ask lots of questions. Remember YOU are your daughter's pitching coach so you need to take the information and apply it to all the countless hours you will be sitting on a bucket catching and coaching your DD. Good luck.
 
Jan 10, 2012
6
0
SoCal,
We have the video and have been working on doing what he says. I just hope that he can validate what we have been working on. I would hate to get there tomorrow and have him say that we have been doing things wrong the last 4 months.
 
Jul 26, 2010
3,567
0
First, congratulations, great choice.

SCSBD has it correct. Bill seems easy going, and you should take notes. Don't expect instant improvement and changes, in fact, expect your daughter to take a few steps backwards. Bill will evaluate her and give her a few things to work on that he believes will make the most improvement. It's up to you and your daughter to go and practice these things. This is really true of all lessons, the lessons are there with the instructor to evaluate, correct, and "give homework". It's the homework that makes the improvements happen.

Good luck!

-W
 
Apr 25, 2010
772
0
My Dd takes her lessons from Bill. What you can expect is that he will be very personable. He's great with the kids. Does a lot of joking to put them at ease. He breaks it down so that it is very easy for student and parent to understand. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. He makes the whole process very simple and easy to understand. What is really nice, is that he teaches the girls how to recognize their mistakes and how to fix them for themselves. My DD said she will never go to another PC as long as Bill is still alive. I keep telling Bill that he needs to hurry up and teach her EVERYTHING he knows so that if he moves or retires, we're good...lol. He even harasses my non-softball-playing 9yo when she comes to lessons with us. My girls love him. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about him. Great coach, great guy.

Have fun and learn lots!!
 

gvm

Sep 3, 2010
311
18
if you have been doing the wrong things? he will tell you and tell you whats the best way to fix it. which is just another great thing about bill. he is honest and really wants your daughter to be the best that she can be. and yes he harrasses my son, my wife and me... and it's just a great day for all of us. i really can't say enough,you and your daughter are in for a great day. i can't wait till we meet again. goodluck and let us know how things went.
 
Feb 24, 2012
1
0
I would take a notepad and ask lots of questions. Remember YOU are your daughter's pitching coach so you need to take the information and apply it to all the countless hours you will be sitting on a bucket catching and coaching your DD. Good luck.
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