Its High School Ball

[Cannonball]

I don’t doubt that at all. DD’s JH/HS coaches are very adamant that parents are not to be coaching or yelling at umpires from behind the fence. For the most part it works out that way. I’ve seen some ice cold death stares from the HC at parents. And word is he’s escorted a couple out over the years.

DD also likes that she gets to play with all of her school softball friends. Once season is done they all split up for the year. This aspect is a big deal to her.

I have escorted my fair share out of the facilities and in multiple sports. One situation turned into a truly tragic event. We have moved our HS home game starting times to enable more parents to get to the games. I think it is a good public relations move but as important is the fact that with a change in times of 30 minutes, we opened up the window for more umpires to take our games after they get done with work.

 

[CoachJD]

Well, not exactly. One of the neighboring districts just hired a 20 year D2 coach whose college merged with their D1 program two years ago. We have qualified coaches in the area, but our AD refuses to get rid of our HC and AC. Our coaches do the bare minimum. When I procured an indoor space for hitting a defense at no cost, the coaches said no thanks since it was going to be volunteering for them.

I'm sure we'd love to have someone as dedicated as you. Sadly, ours are only collecting a paycheck.

I spent six months trying to fill paid coaching positions for softball and didn't find anybody. Are you certain there are plenty of people out there just waiting for the positions to open?

I've had to settle for mediocre coaches for some of our middle school teams. I know they aren't good, but they're all I have.

 

[LEsoftballdad]

I spent six months trying to fill paid coaching positions for softball and didn't find anybody. Are you certain there are plenty of people out there just waiting for the positions to open?

I've had to settle for mediocre coaches for some of our middle school teams. I know they aren't good, but they're all I have.

There certainly aren't a bunch of D2 coaches just falling out of trees, but where I live it's a district person who gets first dibs on a position. The problem is the math teacher who wants the position will be offered the job before the outside qualified coach.

 

[Mike-Coach Q]

On hitting days, we also have a multiple station approach. My assistant is a mens fast pitch pitcher, so along with our pitchers they throws live. The other pitchers throw a bunting station in the bullpen. We do a front toss station and a tee station. We give the girls the option to hit off the pitching machine in the cage. The machine throws all kinds of pitches automatically, a real challenge to the hitters . About half the girls hit off the machine.
I’m a firm believer that the player owns her swing and we discuss their development in a general approach. We discuss timing, focus, mental approach mostly. The players I work with one on one , I’m give a more in-depth assessment of their swing mechanics.

 

[Mike-Coach Q]

we are trying to create an environment that helps the athlete find the best version of themself. We try to meet them at where they’re goals are. I’ve been blessed to have several Division 1 athletes come through our program but we equally give our best to the ones that only want to excel and play HS ball. It’s about competition.

 

[El Oso]

On hitting days, we also have a multiple station approach. My assistant is a mens fast pitch pitcher, so along with our pitchers they throws live. The other pitchers throw a bunting station in the bullpen. We do a front toss station and a tee station. We give the girls the option to hit off the pitching machine in the cage. The machine throws all kinds of pitches automatically, a real challenge to the hitters . About half the girls hit off the machine.
I’m a firm believer that the player owns her swing and we discuss their development in a general approach. We discuss timing, focus, mental approach mostly. The players I work with one on one , I’m give a more in-depth assessment of their swing mechanics.

That’s awesome. The fact that you have a pitching machine that throws multiple types of pitches randomly immediately puts you in the unicorn section of high school ball. Heck our batting cages have needed nets for three years and are essentially unusable but you guys have an elite level pitching machine. Probably hard for guys like you and @Cannonball to relate to the rest of the high school world!

 

[RichK]

Good high school ball is the BEST, especially as travel at older ages turns more and more to exposure. I am NOT saying a high school team can win the PGF championships. I AM saying a good high school softball season against local rivals (and sometimes travel friends) leading up to a weeks-long state tournament and championship game can be the highlight of a player's softball career if they are lucky enough to be in a good situation. Keep it up Cannonball!

 

[Mike-Coach Q]

We use the fastball / change up the most. Sports Tutor is the brand

 

[CoachJD]

That’s awesome. The fact that you have a pitching machine that throws multiple types of pitches randomly immediately puts you in the unicorn section of high school ball. Heck our batting cages have needed nets for three years and are essentially unusable but you guys have an elite level pitching machine. Probably hard for guys like you and @Cannonball to relate to the rest of the high school world!

Yep.

Our "pitching machine" is me, and I broke my hand 15 minutes before the first practice on Monday. I can get em there left handed, but it's not the same. I'm able to pitch Lite Flite balls (and we're mostly inside still anyway) with my right hand, but it's painful.

I've never had anybody else throw BP before. My hope is that once I get these pins put in on Thursday I get a different kind of splint/cast that makes it a bit easier to throw. Otherwise, I really have no idea how I'm going to get my girls the hitting practice they need during the early part of the season.

 

[El Oso]

Yep.

Our "pitching machine" is me, and I broke my hand 15 minutes before the first practice on Monday. I can get em there left handed, but it's not the same. I'm able to pitch Lite Flite balls (and we're mostly inside still anyway) with my right hand, but it's painful.

I've never had anybody else throw BP before. My hope is that once I get these pins put in on Thursday I get a different kind of splint/cast that makes it a bit easier to throw. Otherwise, I really have no idea how I'm going to get my girls the hitting practice they need during the early part of the season.

Ouch Coach!! Your girls are lucky to have such a committed coach. I'm afraid I would have to turn the BP duties over to the kids if I were in your shoes. Hoping you heal quickly.