Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Bowling the ball?

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we had a girl in 12u rec that bowled/pitched that way (and took a step back from the rubber, which is quite prevelant in rec leagues--sometimes we still see it on 7 or 8th grade school teams)...this is what made her successful...she later changed some aspects of her approach, i think she pitched some for her school team, but sadly those that recieved more instruction are playing more...great kid, doesn't bother her a bit...the 10u pitchers were doing this as well..believe me, those parents that can get their 10u DD's to a pitching coach without their DD's crying about "all i wanna do is dance!" or "can i wear pink or purple today?" are going to win out in the end

 

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Seriously, how in the world could a whole team of parents blindly pay a fee of several hundred dollars to an organized travel team without first checking the credentials of the coaching staff? Do they also own Florida swamp land?? I could understand signing up for a rec league team and getting this coach. Didn't anyone see this team play last year?

Besides, if it's all that important to a parent that their DD learns proper technique and mechanics, they should probably find a private coach that specializes in pitching (or hitting, fielding, etc.). Few travel teams have a pitching/hitting specialist on staff. There are some excellent head coaches, but rarely will you find one that "wears all the hats".

If you're fairly new to the travel softball community, you'll soon find that the good coaches tend to avoid problem parents who sit in the bleachers complaining about anything and everything. They're usually not invited back next year.

 

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Hey! It's not April Fools anymore. You have to keep us posted, as the season progresses. Sounds like good read for Monday mornings. Kinda feel sorry for the girls though.

 

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we had a ?girl in 12u rec that bowled/pitched that way (and took a step back from the rubber, which is quite prevelant in rec leagues--sometimes we still see it on 7 or 8th grade school teams)...

My youngest DD was in an 8U rec tournament this weekend. They also held the 12U rec tournament at the same park. All day Saturday I witnessed this style of pitching. I saw girls stepping back.... I saw girls starting with a foot forward and then stepping off the rubber.... amazing the lack of pitching fundamentals considering these were 11 and 12 y.o's. Now, I will say - on Sunday when the bracket had thinned down to the final few teams, then the better pitchers began to show with good mechanics.

I can see this on a rec team with first time pitchers and a coach without much time or resources to teach - but why this happening on a travel team is sad. Of course I don't think the team coach should be teaching pitching either - that's why we pay for pitching coaches.

 

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tnt--i outsourced pitching instruction as a rec coach (feeling ashamed) :-[

 

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tnt--i outsourced pitching instruction as a rec coach (feeling ashamed) ?:-[

I wouldn't be ashamed at all.

 

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but, i've seen enough from some great coaches over the past 2-3 years, that if i was thrown into the rec-ball fire again, I could do it....i think as a student of softball, it's good to pick up coaching tips, stattips, life tips from those that have proven to do so...those parents that know all facets are the ones that don't complain and really help out the most by being supportive

 

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In this area must Rec teams play under high school rules. ?You can step back in high school rules. ? There are other differences with ASA. when it comes to pitching! The back foot can be behind the rubber and not in contact. ?Not sure if this explains some of the things you are seeing.

 

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You can step back in HS rules? Really? :-? I did not know that. See, I did learn something today!

The rec league I was referring to plays under USSSA rules and it is prohibited. I've never seen and umpire call it though. I think at the very least they should go to the coaches and explain the rule so they can correct in the future.

 

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Actually, USSSA does allow the step back. The rule in their rule book is basically a word-for-word copy of the high school rule.

Maybe there's a good reason you've never seen it called in your league!

 

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I think I would have seen enough at the tryouts to know not to go with the team that has no pitchers.

 

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Good ole sammy - if you dont agree with him you are a hater or a parent on the sidelines that should shut up. We have all seen your posts sammy and you are no different than anyone else. Some of your advice is good and some of it is not. There isnt a team out there without some parents that think they know more than the coaches that is just people. If you have command of your team and are a leader you deal with the parents you dont just kick their kid off the team. That is what a coach that is insecure in themselves does. Anyone disagree and you are the enemy. Too many coaches forget that they can and will learn something every day if they let it happen. Too many coaches want to have their ego stroked rather than what is best for the kids. If a coach is legitimately not up to par the parents not only have the right but absolutely should address their feelings.

 

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ThatGuy, are you carrying some angst over from your baseball days? Grow some thicker skin, and we can have a civil discussion, because no one enjoys a lively discussion between folks with different viewpoints more than I. That is what I feel this board is about. If everyone agreed, with pats on the back and all, this would be a VERY boring world. I enjoy a lively debate, and I respect anyone who presents a dissenting viewpoint, and can back it up with proven facts and data.

I am one of those parents sitting in the bleachers and standing on the sidelines, and not a coach. I do not pretend to be an expert at anything, especially softball, so that dispels the ego trip myth. But there is one point you make that I absolutely disagree with, and that is "problem parents".

Rec coaches sometimes have the unfortunate situation of being a babysitter. That just goes with the territory. But when it comes to club ball, just one problem parent can spread a negative attitude that can destroy team unity. A club coach has no obligation whatsoever to appease that one problem parent. As a matter of fact, the coach owes it to the REST of the team to eliminate the problem. My DD worked hard to get on a respected club team, and that's why they were and still are, respected. The coach didn't put up with any BS - he expected quality athletes with a positive winning attitude at every practice and game. It's called respect, my friend, and it's a two way street. If you're coaching a 10u team, you'll find out soon enough as you progress up through the age brackets. When you get out away from community based tournaments into the more competitive arena, the bad apples, if you have any, will test your patience. I hope your skin is a little thicker by then.

Oh... and you'll also find that most of the bowling pitchers stayed back in rec league - just playing ball and having fun.

 

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Actually, USSSA does allow the step back. The rule in their rule book is basically a word-for-word copy of the high school rule.

Maybe there's a good reason you've never seen it called in your league! ?

DOH! I stand corrected - I could have swore the USSSA rules read the same as NSA or ASA in that respect. I'll crawl back in my hole now.

 

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Here is another one that Bretman helped me with last year. ?Difference. ?Pivot foot just has to have contact in high school and ASA. ?NCAA reads 1/2 the foot on the rubber. We got a NCAA umpire last year ?that had just called a college game call this on our pitcher, I had to explain the rule difference to him, and he changed the call.

Sammy: Couldn't agree more on problem parents!

 

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well said, sammy (davis jr.) as usual!

 

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Problem Parents in select softball......... Naw Never. :