Would you agree with the below statements and if you disagree, why?:
1) Historically, the "riseball" has been very effective and could be thrown for high strikes. But because of the recent changes in the strike zone with the lowering of the high strike from arm pit to sternum, this type of pitch will be less effective in the future and will become more of a set-up pitch than a pitch thrown for a strike?
2) As pitching distances become longer (ex. 43') at earlier ages, speed will become less important than excellent movement, location, change of speed, and pitch strategy?
3) The reason a "fastball" works at the 10U and younger ages is that a) the players are still learning how to hit; b) the distances between the pitching plate and home plate are shorter (less reaction time); c) less movement of the ball for breaking pitches because of the shorter distance and the surface area of the ball is less (10" or 11" versus a 12" ball) and all things being equal, a smaller ball is more difficult to hit.
4) As soon as a pitcher is physically developed (so as to lessen any arm and shoulder injuries), she should learn movement/breaking pitches?
5) We all need to rethink how much time pitchers practice their craft. QUALITY of practice time may be more important and less injurious (ex. Washington Nationals pitching phenom Strasburg's season ending elbow injury) than amount of quanity of practice hours?
1) Historically, the "riseball" has been very effective and could be thrown for high strikes. But because of the recent changes in the strike zone with the lowering of the high strike from arm pit to sternum, this type of pitch will be less effective in the future and will become more of a set-up pitch than a pitch thrown for a strike?
2) As pitching distances become longer (ex. 43') at earlier ages, speed will become less important than excellent movement, location, change of speed, and pitch strategy?
3) The reason a "fastball" works at the 10U and younger ages is that a) the players are still learning how to hit; b) the distances between the pitching plate and home plate are shorter (less reaction time); c) less movement of the ball for breaking pitches because of the shorter distance and the surface area of the ball is less (10" or 11" versus a 12" ball) and all things being equal, a smaller ball is more difficult to hit.
4) As soon as a pitcher is physically developed (so as to lessen any arm and shoulder injuries), she should learn movement/breaking pitches?
5) We all need to rethink how much time pitchers practice their craft. QUALITY of practice time may be more important and less injurious (ex. Washington Nationals pitching phenom Strasburg's season ending elbow injury) than amount of quanity of practice hours?