I get these thoughts rolling around in my head and I need some direction from time to time from you good folks with a lot more experience than me.
Since my daughter began 12u her primary pitch was her drop ball backed up by her change. She had average speed, but was effective even against teams with big sticks simply because she could keep it low in the zone and change speeds.
She in now 15 YO and playing 16u on a very good team that play good competition and showcases. She has been successful against these team with average speeds in mid to upper 50s. The past year and a half she has worked on curve (and backdoor curve). However, it is the pitch she usually gives up the big hit with. Myself, I am not a fan of curves and screws, at least not for my DD.
She has worked a little here and there with a rise and the past few weeks it has begun to click and she even used it this past weekend some in a showcase she was playing in. Is there anything wrong with being a North-South pitcher and leaving the curve and screw alone? Does it hurt her any in regards to recruitment? I guess it depends on the coach? or for the most part is being an effective pitcher all you need to be regardless of how you do it? She has lived off of her drop and change for a long time so if she can progress with her rise that is 3 pitches to work with....please give me your thoughts and thanks for your time!
Since my daughter began 12u her primary pitch was her drop ball backed up by her change. She had average speed, but was effective even against teams with big sticks simply because she could keep it low in the zone and change speeds.
She in now 15 YO and playing 16u on a very good team that play good competition and showcases. She has been successful against these team with average speeds in mid to upper 50s. The past year and a half she has worked on curve (and backdoor curve). However, it is the pitch she usually gives up the big hit with. Myself, I am not a fan of curves and screws, at least not for my DD.
She has worked a little here and there with a rise and the past few weeks it has begun to click and she even used it this past weekend some in a showcase she was playing in. Is there anything wrong with being a North-South pitcher and leaving the curve and screw alone? Does it hurt her any in regards to recruitment? I guess it depends on the coach? or for the most part is being an effective pitcher all you need to be regardless of how you do it? She has lived off of her drop and change for a long time so if she can progress with her rise that is 3 pitches to work with....please give me your thoughts and thanks for your time!