Follow up - which is harder to achieve?

[Izzy's Dad]

I posted a couple of weeks back on the subject of control and speed. Also, stated I would be having daughter's speed checked.

So, here are last nights results compared to last November 21 (her 12th birthday).

Nov 21, 2008:
Fastest pitch - 53mph (hit it 3 times)
Cruising speed - 47-49mph (consistantly)
Change-up - 38mph

May 28, 2009
Fastest pitch - 53mph (hit it 4 times)
Cruising speed - 50-52mph (consistantly)
Change-up - 38mph

We are working on screw, drop (throws it during games), and curve.

This was checked using the Rev-Fire, which measures speed and spin.

Her pitching coach always pushes her for more speed, but says ball spin is critical. If you can't spin the ball, it won't move, and they with hit the crap out of it (which was proven by Missouri's fire-baller yesterday).

So, pitching coach says this: 15 to 20 revolutions per second is high school ball spin. 20-30 revolutions per second is college. Daughter's ball spin is 14.5 to 17 revolutions per second. This may be why when she pitches in a game, all of the hits against her are "in the dirt" dinkers or pop-ups. I was really impressed with her spins.

BTW, he didn't start "clocking" her until pitches 60-80. And, told her she was throwing faster before he he started clocking her. Said she was tightening up.

So, ultimately, is this a good place for her to be for her age? She will be starting 7th grade in the fall.

 

[Mark H]

It's fine. Now it just depends on how she develops physically the next few years. Keep it up. And yes, more spin is better. Controlling the spin axis is just as important. Tape the ball and be brutally honest with yourselves about spin axis.

 

[calgofo]

It's fine. Now it just depends on how she develops physically the next few years. Keep it up. And yes, more spin is better. Controlling the spin axis is just as important. Tape the ball and be brutally honest with yourselves about spin axis.

What he said.

 

[sluggers]

Yes it is a good speed for her to be. It is also good that you've stumbled on a pitching coach who has a clue. So, you're in pretty good shape all around.

As to the tightening up--teach her. Say, "Did you notice that the more relaxed you are, the faster you throw? That is why you can't let bad pitches or fielding errors by your team bother you. If you do, you tense up and throw slower."

Ray