first game pitching

[Coach-n-Dad]

Well my dd is 9 and has been taking lessons for about 10 months now. This weekend she gets to pitch in her first tournament,I think I'm more nervous than she is (our at least I hope so). Is there any advice that I can give her or outs there any advice you can give me lol.

gasfreak,

I am jealous! My DD has her first college practice on Monday, at a school 1,800 miles away!

I have a few comments for you:
1) Yes, you are probably more nervous than she is.
2) The best advise you can give her is "have fun"
3) The best advise I can give YOU is to cheer for the team, not just your DD and DO NOT coach from outside the fence.

You have many years of watching your DD grow up. Make them good years.

Oh, one last bit of advise for you; HAVE FUN!

 

[softball_mom#7]

If you practice 1/100th keeping quiet about the game as she does preparing for it, you'll do just fine Eat something instead, since it's rude to talk with your mouth full. Put the radio on and rock out.

-W

I go through quite a bit of sunflower seeds and gum while DD is pitching.

 

[softball_mom#7]

How did it go? (axiously waiting...)

 

[marriard]

ps. tell her something Jennie Finch said, "Pitchers are so special that they're the only one on the field with a circle around them"

I tell my catchers they are the most important which is why home plate points to them.

Ride home/after game we only talk about the game if she wants to. There are plenty of practices to work on things and talk about what I think.

I can remember my DD's first game pitching. She was 7 and playing in a really poor YMCA league which included 12 year olds. Lots of balls, some strikes and a big smile on her face.

No coaching on game day unless they ask for it. Say "have fun" and let them go do it. When I am a spectator I stay out of her eye sight (though she says she doesn't see anything but the catcher so she doesn't care) and cheer (but no coaching). When I am coaching I am generally calling pitches or asking her what is working/not working today.

 

[gasfreak]

The tourney starts tonight and hours till Sunday,I'll let you know how it all turns out

 

[gasfreak]

We both made it through the first day, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be lol. She pitched 5 innings during 3 games, she threw 98 pitches 56 balls and 42 strikes and struck out 10. Also she played the position really well a far a covering home and all

 

[Rocketech1]

We both made it through the first day, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be lol. She pitched 5 innings during 3 games, she threw 98 pitches 56 balls and 42 strikes and struck out 10. Also she played the position really well a far a covering home and all

Great job to your DD. Each game she pitches she will gain more and more confidence in the circle.

Now, her next goal is to be more consistent with her fastball. Right now she is throwing 40% strikes. Ideally she wants to throw around 60% strikes and her strikeout to walk ratio at a minimum 2/1. Once she is more consistent with the fastball, introduce the changeup. She should be practicing a least 3x a week.

Good luck.

 

[cuzmail]

gasfreak,
You have many years of watching your DD grow up. Make them good years.

That is quality advice. Take it seriously.

 

[gasfreak]

I am enjoying these years for sure we have a great relationship. she was brought in in the first inning today because the other pitcher was struggling and had bases loaded no outs,one girl scored on a passed ball but thats it she dug us out of that hole and pitched 2 more innings with no runs scored. im very proud of her and how determined she is.

 

[softball_mom#7]

That is awesome! I bet you are so proud of her.