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Typical pitchers parent. 2 weeks off the mound is NOT considered down time. Down time, IMHO should include a complete break from the sport, mentally, physically, and financially, for 4-6 weeks. This is what DD's PC says. This is what her strength coach says. This is what I say, too. In reality, I am like Bementb, 2-3 weeks no pitching; OK fall showcases start first week October! Hard to find a balance. What do people in Cali do where there really is no off season?
Well I will put in my 2 cents......
4-6 weeks is allso not real either .... At least not all at 1 time .... I feel younger pitchers need to stay working hard at there craft to continue to improve... Sitting idle for 4-6 weeks is counter productive IMHO...im allso a big fan of quality over quantity.... playing on a elite team that plays a tough schedule and plays fall tourneys/friendly, winter indoor,and then starts outdoor in apirl(or school ball) that dont leave a hole lot of time for a pitcher to sit idle for a long time and still be at the top of her game when entering the circle ....
I do agree that there needs to be a resting period and a time to work on the next level of your pitches but there is a fine balance to make it all work and still be ready to go when called apon..... i feel down time can still be part of a very light work out (very low pitch count )or even just working on spins .......all of the great stud #1 pitchers i have been around work all year round and do not shut down from the sport for 4-6 weeks they allso dont throw 46,000 pitches a year .....
Not sure why there are not more girls out there able to pitch at a #1 level but my guess wood be work ethic and getting quality instruction .....as they say if it were easy evey one would be doing it !
for new pitchers starting out i would work on soild mechanics build your foundation on doing it right if you only throw 50 pitches to the dad on the bucket make sure they are with good mechanics and do a little bit every day !