There are SO many reasons that this approach is sub-optimal IMO, I couldn't begin to cover them all........
Starting with the simple fact that to be successful, a young student must be able to "reach the catcher" from 35 ft. without a significant "hump" in the ball. Teaching fastball with some amount dynamic gyroscopic stability allows the ball to remain in flight long enough to be successful, and is paramount to building self-confidence and self-esteem.
There is a reason for using human learning behavioral building block patterns that reach far beyond whether a pitcher will ever throw a fastball past 16U.
When is the last time you consciouly remember needing the first line in the follow learning pattern. However, whether you know it or not, you call on the first line everyday of your life, because it formed an understanding of how all things relate.......
1+1=2, 1+2=3, 1+3=4, 1+4=5.......
2+2=4, 4+4=8, 8+8=16, 16+16=32.......
1x1=1, 2x2 = 4, 4x4=16, 6x6=36, 8x8=64, 10x10=100.......
I can't tell you the amount of times I've had to tell a dad: "call me when your DD can reach the catcher", because "drop" was the first pitch they learned, and under the pressure of tryouts, nerves and fear of failure has overwhelmed the ability to control a pitch that is inessence doubling the effects of gravity.
In the following clip, the FIRST pitcher appears to be about 8-9 years old. She is throwing a peel drop. In the 3 pitches she throws, 2 must be short-hopped by the catcher. The other is thrown with a significant "hump" and barely reaches the catcher.
Now compare that to this 10yo throwing 52-55 mph to locations, combined with a good change.
I guarantee you "peel drop" was NOT the first pitch she learned.
Give me this 10yo all day long, and I'll teach her to spin it..........
I always start with fastball as a basic fundamental mechanical building block..........
But hey, what do I know. I topped out at mens A.......And never won a national championship......
Thanks for the analysis BM. I think your credentials speak for themselves, no need to downplay it. I guess my point is that the "peel drop" is essentially the traditional "fastball" but with more 12-6 rotation caused by different finger pressure and thrown off of the finger tips more. New, young pitchers are probably "naturally" throwing some form of "peel drop" while trying to throw their fastball. There are certaintly times when I catch my DD that the "fastball" dips down more than others. Her speed is above average, so I am not concerned about the ball bouncing in front of the catcher (per your video). Nor I am advocating changing anything else in her arm swing in an attempt to create more spin (forward lean, shortened stride foot, etc.). Just don't want to waste my DD's time perfecting a relatively flat, fastball that does not have movement and might never be used after a couple of years.