- Feb 27, 2009
- 3
- 0
My daughter is college freshman. In middle school she had a problem shifting her weight so pitching coach said just keep one leg back further since it was allowed. In 10th grade she was considered one of the best pitchers in our area. She signed with an AISA school that she had fallen in love with. Her junior year she pitched 15 games in a row right at beginning of season when it was cold as heck, and hurt her arm. The February diagnosis was tendonitis. Second opinion in April confirmed diagnosis based on MRI. By June her stress fractures were no longer stress fractures - it was pretty much broken. The MRI was taken below the injured area and it was on side of forearm so first x ray missed it. Long story short - developed some quirks trying to pitch, play first base and hit through the pain. Rehabbed in empty gym and nobody noticed some incorrect mechanics. She pitched that way her senior year. College coach is now working with her. On top of moving to 43', and not being able to step back, she now has to hold glove behind back (something to do with a knuckle curve.) I saw her pitch in game the other day. Her whole form is completely different. Her pitches are higher in the zone and she has less speed. She went on mound with a 4 run lead and walked off two innings later one run behind. This was the second time she went in ahead and came out behind. I do not think she suffered permanent damage since arm healed completely. I think she has lost all muscle memory. She does not look comfortable with the new form. Its like learning to pitch all over again WHILE facing college hitters. Any suggestions of drills to do to get comfortable with new form as quickly as possible but not causing problems. She loves the school she is going to but I am not sure she will get many more tries or have the scholarship extended if she doesn't improve quickly.