Hi all -
I serve as a coach for 7-8 year-olds in our local rec league. We use a pitching machine for this league, using an umpire (high school player) to shoot the pitches. We use a low-compression ball on a standard Jugs machine.
At a recent coach/board meeting, a proposal was made to switch the ball for this league to some type specialized pitching machine ball. Apparently some parents thought there was too much inconsistency in the pitches - causing some kids to strike out. They took the kids to personal lessons where they hit consistently on pitches with these training balls.
To allow an unbiased discussion, I'll not elaborate on my opinion or reasoning. But - I'd like to hear what others think about such a move. Has anyone played this way - at this level?
I've coached for for the last 7 years at one level or another. I've always been extremely fortunate to be blessed with great kids and parents. Though I have my own opinion, I feel like I owe it to them to get the best information I can before taking a stance.
I'd appreciate any information supporting either side of the argument.
Thanks,
Steve
I serve as a coach for 7-8 year-olds in our local rec league. We use a pitching machine for this league, using an umpire (high school player) to shoot the pitches. We use a low-compression ball on a standard Jugs machine.
At a recent coach/board meeting, a proposal was made to switch the ball for this league to some type specialized pitching machine ball. Apparently some parents thought there was too much inconsistency in the pitches - causing some kids to strike out. They took the kids to personal lessons where they hit consistently on pitches with these training balls.
To allow an unbiased discussion, I'll not elaborate on my opinion or reasoning. But - I'd like to hear what others think about such a move. Has anyone played this way - at this level?
I've coached for for the last 7 years at one level or another. I've always been extremely fortunate to be blessed with great kids and parents. Though I have my own opinion, I feel like I owe it to them to get the best information I can before taking a stance.
I'd appreciate any information supporting either side of the argument.
Thanks,
Steve