My DD had batting practice tonight. In the next 2 tunnels were pitching coaches teaching a string of methods that are hard to understand in this information age. I saw them work with 3 pitchers – 12, 14 and 15 year olds. Each of the pitchers struggled even though they are terrific athletes. Here’s why.
Hello elbow – After the pitcher released the ball, she would lift her elbow up at least to shoulder level if not higher. If the pitcher didn’t raise it high enough, the coach would correct her and help her by showing her how high it should go. The pitchers clearly released the ball and then dutifully raised the elbow as instructed afterwards.
Completely closed style – The pitcher launched themselves towards the catcher with very little opening and released the ball with the body pointing directly at the catcher. The arm path was wobbly and it was not a pure circle. Each of the pitchers had to go around their hip to release the ball. They often “suitcased” the ball and released it with the thumb almost pointing to the catcher.
Bowling – There was no internal rotation. The hand (and often the elbow) was behind the ball for most of the arm circle. Sometimes their elbow would bend before release.
Weight forward at release – The pitchers often walked through the front side instead of pitching against resistance and keeping their weight back. Sometimes their right side would swing around the plant leg at release like a slow moving garden gate (all three pitchers were right handed).
The flap – The pitchers used a flap attached to their leg. I assume it was the Markwort Perfect Circle Pitcher's Training Aid. The flap was on a wide elastic band that went around their thigh. They had it positioned so it stuck out directly to the right of the body. If the pitchers got open at all, they would not be able to touch the flap at any time in the release phase of the motion.
All three pitchers were very slow and were wildly inconsistent.
I remember posts about the Hansen principle. These folks can’t be comparing themselves to anybody else. The pitching coaches had pretty good careers in high school and college locally. I can’t imagine they actually pitch like they are teaching.
These parents are dedicated and their DD’s are great kids.
I keep rolling over in my head what I should do. There are a couple of problems. I can’t imagine these pitchers can succeed. I wasted several years with a pitching coach before I could research enough to have a strong opinion. I wish I could have changed pitching coaches earlier. Also the owner of the facility is my DD’s batting coach and she is absolutely terrific. She has made a big difference in my daughter. Recently there have been a lot of new baseball/softball facilities opening up within a 6 mile radius. Competition is going to get hot. If the pitchers flop it will hurt her business. Also if the ladies move to other pitching coaches, that will hurt her business too.
Should I say anything to either of them? What is the ethical thing to do?
Hello elbow – After the pitcher released the ball, she would lift her elbow up at least to shoulder level if not higher. If the pitcher didn’t raise it high enough, the coach would correct her and help her by showing her how high it should go. The pitchers clearly released the ball and then dutifully raised the elbow as instructed afterwards.
Completely closed style – The pitcher launched themselves towards the catcher with very little opening and released the ball with the body pointing directly at the catcher. The arm path was wobbly and it was not a pure circle. Each of the pitchers had to go around their hip to release the ball. They often “suitcased” the ball and released it with the thumb almost pointing to the catcher.
Bowling – There was no internal rotation. The hand (and often the elbow) was behind the ball for most of the arm circle. Sometimes their elbow would bend before release.
Weight forward at release – The pitchers often walked through the front side instead of pitching against resistance and keeping their weight back. Sometimes their right side would swing around the plant leg at release like a slow moving garden gate (all three pitchers were right handed).
The flap – The pitchers used a flap attached to their leg. I assume it was the Markwort Perfect Circle Pitcher's Training Aid. The flap was on a wide elastic band that went around their thigh. They had it positioned so it stuck out directly to the right of the body. If the pitchers got open at all, they would not be able to touch the flap at any time in the release phase of the motion.
All three pitchers were very slow and were wildly inconsistent.
I remember posts about the Hansen principle. These folks can’t be comparing themselves to anybody else. The pitching coaches had pretty good careers in high school and college locally. I can’t imagine they actually pitch like they are teaching.
These parents are dedicated and their DD’s are great kids.
I keep rolling over in my head what I should do. There are a couple of problems. I can’t imagine these pitchers can succeed. I wasted several years with a pitching coach before I could research enough to have a strong opinion. I wish I could have changed pitching coaches earlier. Also the owner of the facility is my DD’s batting coach and she is absolutely terrific. She has made a big difference in my daughter. Recently there have been a lot of new baseball/softball facilities opening up within a 6 mile radius. Competition is going to get hot. If the pitchers flop it will hurt her business. Also if the ladies move to other pitching coaches, that will hurt her business too.
Should I say anything to either of them? What is the ethical thing to do?
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