It wasn't the work I am worried about, it is my mental state.
With you, this is a valid concern,
It wasn't the work I am worried about, it is my mental state.
Mine says I'm obsessed.Oh, yes, I am. Just ask my DW!
Me after she issued to 2 BBs in a row:With you, this is a valid concern,
Mine says I'm obsessed.
My default answer is, as you already mentioned, just playing catch underhand.
But to really be able to help her - you have to try to figure it out for yourself as well. I'm 12-18 months into the process myself - and if nothing else, it's let me appreciate even more how far my own daughter has come during that same time. That doesn't mean what works for you will work for her, but it at least gives you a better reference point than trying to translate "pitcher"-perfect mechanics from a video straight to your daughter. Because as I'm sure you're aware - "Just do [this]" is easier said than done!
To better understand the feel for yourself, the BoardMember video of him swinging the bat back and forth is a good demonstration of going from palm up to palm down. I also like it b/c it's a drill you can have anyone do, and not really have to explain anything ahead of time. (OK - maybe this is the one exception to when "just do this" actually works?).
You may have already come across references to skipping rocks. I've skipped rocks all my life, but for me, that motion just didn't translate at all into an effective underhand motion. But it must work for some people, b/c I keep seeing it as a suggestion (One of the Ken's on DFP has a slow motion video via the link in his signature line). Don't be afraid to try different things, b/c you never know what's going to stick.
If you don't already have some, get a few of the 10" Easton Incrediball to use (or 12", but IIRC, she's 9?). I don't have anywhere to really hang a tarp, so the incrediball ("squishy" softball - it's the standard ball our league uses until 4th grade) is great for throwing against the brick wall at the local school. Depending on your glove skills, it's also much more forgiving on your shins.
Lastly - keep her relaxed during all the drills. She's probably going to want to just windup and start muscling it in there - and that's when you'll see the straight, locked out arm and monkey-butting that you're trying to avoid. If she can stay relaxed, and just "let the whip happen", you just might get to hear her admit "wow - did you see how fast that was - I wasn't even trying to throw it hard!"