ASA has not formally said it will go to 43' at 14u, and many girls are switching the distance for high school and a league that goes unnamed. I never want the girls to focus on release point, that is best handled in terms of other elements or spinning the ball.
I pitched from 40' for 20 years, and I find it difficult to switch to 43' when I go out there (don't bring up age either, thanks, ha ha), although it is good for the riseball....urgh...
If it just comes natural for the girls then I will be a happy teacher! This is all made harder by some coaches who will want them to tryout at 40. Many pitcing rubbers here are in the way, so I see from camps, they still have them pitch the 40' so the pitches are high (of course!).
Really, besides the obvious long toss or just throwing from both distances, what are some good practice drills? What are good thoughts so not have the 'just throw it harder' mentality which leads to break down, just like talk of release point?
I know all about the leg drive; I am small. Some girls are throwing breaking pitches while others are new to it, so the easy answer of spinning the ball more is not universal.
Thanks!
I pitched from 40' for 20 years, and I find it difficult to switch to 43' when I go out there (don't bring up age either, thanks, ha ha), although it is good for the riseball....urgh...
If it just comes natural for the girls then I will be a happy teacher! This is all made harder by some coaches who will want them to tryout at 40. Many pitcing rubbers here are in the way, so I see from camps, they still have them pitch the 40' so the pitches are high (of course!).
Really, besides the obvious long toss or just throwing from both distances, what are some good practice drills? What are good thoughts so not have the 'just throw it harder' mentality which leads to break down, just like talk of release point?
I know all about the leg drive; I am small. Some girls are throwing breaking pitches while others are new to it, so the easy answer of spinning the ball more is not universal.
Thanks!