best 12 u pitchers

[trainwrecker]

who stood out at the top of the hill this year at 12u

 

[leftyfastpitch]

The 3 I think stood out was Gracie "grand slam", Hannah "stingrays", Hope"storm" high velocity good movement on pitches.seen 2 of them also hit monster homeruns. Overall 12u pitching was very competitive across the board this year

 

[steelerpride]

I agree fully with the 3 mentioned above. All are very tough.

 

[BuckeyeBabe]

After seeing these 3, I would give Gracie a slight edge over the others. She has definitely been the most consistent. All 3 are great kids and any 12u coach would take any one of them for sure. The 12u class has a lot of great players this year and I think that's why it wasn't a two team race all year like last year. Any opinions on other positions in the 12u?

 

[FastBat]

How fast are these 3 pitchers throwing in games? What's the average 12u pitching speed in games? How many junk pitches have you seen them throw in a game? Just curious and trying to figure out what 12u pitching is like.

 

[teamsoftball]

I've gotten Hope at 57, Hannah at 54, Grace at 56. Grace is very consistent and throws movement.

 

[FastBat]

Wow, are these speeds fastest for their age in the area? Just wondering because in 10U every team has a 52-55 mph pitcher and I think I've honestly seen 2 all season in a game, maybe just one. One was probably in the high 40's, which would make sense, because if the 3 best 12u's in the area cruise in the mid 50's that is a 5-7 mph improvement over 2-3 years.

 

[teamsoftball]

Wow, are these speeds fastest for their age in the area? Just wondering because in 10U every team has a 52-55 mph pitcher and I think I've honestly seen 2 all season in a game, maybe just one. One was probably in the high 40's, which would make sense, because if the 3 best 12u's in the area cruise in the mid 50's that is a 5-7 mph improvement over 2-3 years.

Well there were some of these girls at 10 threw in the low 50s. Remember it's 5 feet back and your body is going through changes.

 

[Coachemup]

Wow, are these speeds fastest for their age in the area? Just wondering because in 10U every team has a 52-55 mph pitcher and I think I've honestly seen 2 all season in a game, maybe just one. One was probably in the high 40's, which would make sense, because if the 3 best 12u's in the area cruise in the mid 50's that is a 5-7 mph improvement over 2-3 years.

You have to realize that these girls have to pitch from 40ft at the 12U level. This is a significant change for them and it reduces their velocity. They also have to use a 12" ball for the first time. These 2 changes generally turn a dominant 10U pitcher into an average pitcher at the 12U level until she adapts and gets a little stronger.

 

[wow]

Right?? They are getting bigger and stronger... This years 10's have some flame throwers.. The lasers kid is clocked at 55-57 consistently.. Wizards, Sundogs, and Vipers all have 51-53 MPH kids as well... Stay tuned..!! There will certainly be a drop off in speed but at the rate these kids develop and grow no reason, with hard work, next summer they will be pushing the same or similar speeds in 12 months... But is all about movement anyway!

 

[spartansd]

I would disagree about movement at 10U and 12U. At these age groups velocity dominates 35 and 40 feet are very close.

At 14U and beyond you must have movement. But 55+ from 40 feet against 12 &13 year old bodies is very dominate.

 

[coachtomv]

I would disagree about movement at 10U and 12U. At these age groups velocity dominates 35 and 40 feet are very close.

At 14U and beyond you must have movement. But 55+ from 40 feet against 12 &13 year old bodies is very dominate.

I agree. My kid only throws in the low 50's at best at game speed, but very good spin and movement. When she pitched at 43ft in games vs 14-16u this past season, she was a much more effective pitcher. She has had a very good year overall, but we are looking forword to 14u next year.

 

[trainwrecker]

wow 14u & 16u that's shocking to hear, that low 50s can be successful,at the older ages .
I didn't read a hole lot about the 14s this past season . so I guess no one really stood out .
I all ways thought there was a big talent spread from the 14 to 16 ages .

 

[coachtomv]

wow 14u & 16u that's shocking to hear, that low 50s can be successful,at the older ages .
I didn't read a hole lot about the 14s this past season . so I guess no one really stood out .
I all ways thought there was a big talent spread from the 14 to 16 ages .

We are 12u, but played up in a HS league this winter and played a 14u tourney and some friendlies at 43ft.

As far as low 50's being effective, watch the Georgia pitcher that was throwing alot of 54-58 in D1 and was very effective this past year. I watched a couple of the games, she was incredible.

 

[trainwrecker]

We are 12u, but played up in a HS league this winter and played a 14u tourney and some friendlies at 43ft.

As far as low 50's being effective, watch the Georgia pitcher that was throwing alot of 54-58 in D1 and was very effective this past year. I watched a couple of the games, she was incredible.

ok got it .

why would a 12u team play up in a HS league (16s) unless there was no competition at there own age ? or they are just that good ?

Georgia pitcher: Chelsea Wilkinson throws high 60s with good movement her off speed is mid to upper 50s witch is very effective
BIG difference from what your trying to say ..... I think ...

 

[FastBat]

10u vs. 12u pitchers- I agree with the posts about moving back 5 feet in 12u, and I have heard that 10U flame throwers do figure out they need to work on placement and movement or they find a different position. I think placement and movement really help in 10u too, but many coaches fall in love with speed. They love that gun and most 10u coaches I have spoke to have said 10u pitcher's can't actually have movement pitches besides a change. Just gets me, sorry! I am eager to find out what 12u pitching is like.

Also very excited to hear that D1 pitchers can be effective with 54-58 mph pitches with good movement! Wow!

 

[softballmom11]

Who would be the next tier of 12u pitchers?

 

[jnewton]

Wow. That's impressive!! We are at a 12u Nationals tournament; live pitching speeds are not exceeding 55 mph - real radar and speed. Lasers 10u has a girl throwing 55-57! They will dominate 12u nationally next year!!

And several other 10's have girls throwing 51-53! That's awesome!!

 

[Mdfio]

Wow. That's impressive!! We are at a 12u Nationals tournament; live pitching speeds are not exceeding 55 mph - real radar and speed. Lasers 10u has a girl throwing 55-57! They will dominate 12u nationally next year!!

And several other 10's have girls throwing 51-53! That's awesome!!

Last year in 10u ASA/USA in Kentucky the team that won and runner up had the fastest pitchers there and they were throwing real speed 55, both teams from west coast! I agree if we have teams from Ohio throwing that now they should dominate, should be fun to watch them grow!

 

[LADY lOOKOUTS]

Wow: some impressive speeds! 10u pitches will dominate with speed, accuracy and an effective change up. 12u pitchers need decent speed, accuracy, effective change up and another pitch with good movement. The big ball and distance can be tough when moving up. but thats when the accuracy and mental toughness steps in. 2 pitchers clocked at the same speed at the same distance: One pitchers stride is long, one is way shorter. the radar gun shows the same speed but in all actuality the longer striding pitcher could throw 3 mph faster because of the reaction time. radar guns that most parents have are just a guide. some are not very accurate and if they arent they need to be alongside a professional gun so you can calculate the difference. Moving on to 14u, lots of movement!!! You can be effective if you don't have speed but you need to locate all pitches, with excellent movements. These pitchers will produce more ground balls and pop ups. Which is the name of the game, the strike outs will still come. A solid defense in that case is a must. I have not heard of many pitchers going D1 and only throwing 54 to 58. so awesome if that is the case. mos def i will be a georgia fan for life!! The game is ever changing and evolving I love It!!!!