she was taught to push the ball downward with biggest circle possible. so her palm is behind the ball. The palm is facing downward as it is coming from 9:00 o clock position.
You have told us why she isn't gaining speed. The position of the ball is critical at that point. The ball should be facing 3rd base, coming down the circle and at at release.
It is not a push down. It is a pull and there is a big difference.
Most pitchers figure it out, if left to their own devices. I was shocked to finally she pics of my daughter and videos. I thought she was pitching incorrectly. Then, I started studying the science of the windmill and she had figured out the correct motion, herself.