You can't simply rotate the ball in your hand and get different movement. There are subtle differences in the finger pressure applied to the ball to get movement.Also try the 2 seam fastball. I know many don’t believe in it with softball but for some girls it can really move. Same mechanics just different spin and movement. Can be a quick learned approach for a little variation in the fastball.
My suggestion is a little different then most replies. The advice of others about change up is correct. But as a coach you have a responsibility to get better and helping your pitchers with pitch selection. Learn to read batters stance. Look for flaws in their swing. Even if you only have a fastball if they can locate on the corners you can help them by your calls. Also try the 2 seam fastball. I know many don’t believe in it with softball but for some girls it can really move. Same mechanics just different spin and movement. Can be a quick learned approach for a little variation in the fastball. If they have good speed then challenge batters on inside. Most girls in 12u are still close to the plate. You can get easy foul balls or weak hits on inside corners. Have a plan and be prepared to adjust as the other team adjust. Also teach your catchers to read the batters and adjustments to give you feedback since you are looking from the side. Don’t get caught up in too many pitches. A good fastball that can hit spots on demand and a change up will still dominate at the biggest 12A national tournaments.
Honestly, I would spend tons of time working on that changeup. Extremely important pitch. Pitching is all about disrupting the hitters timing. You could try the arc but it wouldn't be nearly as effective since the batter sees it coming slow out of her hand. Changeup should look identical to a fastball out of the hand, that's what makes it a devastating pitch if done correctly. Good luck!for 12 U ball, What should I have my pitchers do when the other teams' batters are hitting my their fastballs other than throw a faster fastball?! LOL
My pitchers cannot throw anything but fastballs at this time, we are working on change ups etc.
Does it make sense for my pitchers to throw slower to the batters like an Arc pitch? I'm wondering if the other teams' batters are using the speed of our fastballs to their advantage....
This has been my experience both in college baseball and in 10U softball. I threw 82-84 mph tops in college but had a very effective change up. This allowed me success at that level. My DD is in 10U and she throws anywhere from 36-39mph. She has developed a pretty decent change up that she hides well and throws around 29 mph. She throws a lot of strikes and mixes in the change up. Pitching this way gives her a chance to be successful until (hopefully) she picks up more velo. The days she falls behind in the count and can’t get the change up over the plate though...those days we hope the other team can’t hitHonestly, I would spend tons of time working on that changeup. Extremely important pitch. Pitching is all about disrupting the hitters timing. You could try the arc but it wouldn't be nearly as effective since the batter sees it coming slow out of her hand. Changeup should look identical to a fastball out of the hand, that's what makes it a devastating pitch if done correctly. Good luck!
*Get the change up in the mix today!
The best time to try it...
is right now
You can't simply rotate the ball in your hand and get different movement. There are subtle differences in the finger pressure applied to the ball to get movement.
While i recognize your discussion started focussing on pitch grips...I agree that with finger pressure and a few differences you can control the movement. I disagree on rotation of the ball having zero effect. With high velocity and spin rate the ball will react differently with 2 vs 4 seams. While a great change up or drop would be better for movement long term those pitches can take a long time to master. Playing with 2 seam fastballs does not take very long to get a different look then just a 4 seam fastball.
I agree that with finger pressure and a few differences you can control the movement. I disagree on rotation of the ball having zero effect. With high velocity and spin rate the ball will react differently with 2 vs 4 seams.