Maybe pitching is like the theory of evolution (sorry Creationists!), where major leaps in development happen suddenly, rather than cosistiently/gradually over time?
My 9U DD is exhibiting a significantly improved velocity/accuracy over our last few practice sessions during the past week, after a summer of mild improvement but essentially "stagnation".
She seems to have gained a heightened "body awareness", where if she makes a form and/or timing error, she immediately comments "I felt that" and then describes the breakdown. Next pitch is always "corrected", it seems.
I used to grab a 1/2 dozen balls for practice, to keep beside me so we could keep momentum and I wouldn't have to chase-down the errant pitches that sailed out-of-bounds. The last couple sessions we only needed a single ball - everything she threw was right around the zone. And her demeanor remained upbeat and positive the whole time - never even a hint of frustration.
Maybe there was "environmental impetus" to elicit the change? She has transitioned from 10u/35'/11" to 12u/40'/12" in the past few weeks. Throws the "big ball" with equal velocity, but larger surface area + 5' extra feet allow for movement! FB now drops noticeably, and CU "wanders" erratically at times. And all with noticably improved control. Hard to explain. Has only been working out 2x, maybe 3x/week vs. the ~5x she was doing during summer 10u travel.
For those who have witnessed their own DD's development from beginner to accomplished - is this how it goes?
Pretty neat...
My 9U DD is exhibiting a significantly improved velocity/accuracy over our last few practice sessions during the past week, after a summer of mild improvement but essentially "stagnation".
She seems to have gained a heightened "body awareness", where if she makes a form and/or timing error, she immediately comments "I felt that" and then describes the breakdown. Next pitch is always "corrected", it seems.
I used to grab a 1/2 dozen balls for practice, to keep beside me so we could keep momentum and I wouldn't have to chase-down the errant pitches that sailed out-of-bounds. The last couple sessions we only needed a single ball - everything she threw was right around the zone. And her demeanor remained upbeat and positive the whole time - never even a hint of frustration.
Maybe there was "environmental impetus" to elicit the change? She has transitioned from 10u/35'/11" to 12u/40'/12" in the past few weeks. Throws the "big ball" with equal velocity, but larger surface area + 5' extra feet allow for movement! FB now drops noticeably, and CU "wanders" erratically at times. And all with noticably improved control. Hard to explain. Has only been working out 2x, maybe 3x/week vs. the ~5x she was doing during summer 10u travel.
For those who have witnessed their own DD's development from beginner to accomplished - is this how it goes?
Pretty neat...
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