Loss of pitching speed 12u

[Softball fan dad]

We can’t figure out why she has suddenly lost speed. Background; she changed from hello elbow about 4 months ago. She was at 43 mph early then jumped to 46 quickly. She pitches about 3-4 a week and has had some ups and downs this season. She pitches for a rec team and backs up on her travel team. She has always struggled to stay back and not lean in to catcher. Last week noticed she seemed slower. Put her on the gun and she is now struggling to hit 40 mph. Her accuracy is better, but don’t see any change to explain the loss. Any thoughts? Is this a normal thing to happen sometimes ? Any advice to get it back?

 

[Chris8]

We had/have a similar experience...similar time frame, speeds etc. When we changed from HE to IR our girl was hitting 48 regularly...it dropped to 42-43 for awhile. We're now seeing the speed come back up. She has very good accuracy.

We noticed the drop in speed as she learned and continues to perfect her mechanics and not let old mechanics/habits (leaning) creep back in. Our new pitching instructor said it takes practice, which you're doing, and time. Be patient. For us this was a long term change knowing we'd have some short term setbacks or adjustments.

We've saw incredible improvement right away, but not in the speed department. We were having chronic back issues as well. Haven't had any problems since changing mechanics. We too play rec ball during week 2-3 games and tournaments on the weekend 4-6 games. She's seeing lots of circle time and no issues with injuries or nagging pain. The switch in mechanics was worth it just for that alone.

Hang in there. Keep working hard. We discovered that things continue to improve as she uses her lower body correctly and more efficiently...before with HE it was all upper body and the arm creating the speed.

GOOD LUCK! Be patient. Keep working. Lots of resources on this forum to go back and read and reference.

 

[Laphoneman]

Every time my dd has a loss in speed it’s a drive mechanics issue or lower body issue if accuracy issues look upper body. It’s there keep looking slow motion video is only way I can find problems.