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If you look at the results from the NFCA Camps in the fielding sessions, you will get a very good idea of what is to be expected and what is average in terms of throwing speed, both overhand and pitching, and just like the number of player pitching in the 65-68 range is RARE, the number of players throwing overhand in excess of 60 is exceptional also. It would seem that the same issues we have in pitching speed are carrying over into overhand throwing.
While there are some basic mechanics and techniques that need to be taught and we always need to protect our players from harming themselves, who is to say what is right and what is wrong, players are not cookies, again mechanics and technique are important, but the bottom line is, EVERY player is different, and it not only is likely but probable that something that works for and protects one player from harm, may cause a problem for another player.
I can't watch a game and tell you if a player is 10 degrees off in the angle of her arm any more than I can tell you if she likes rap or country&western, I can however after 35+ years of being around the game of fastpitch tell you if she is getting rid of the ball quickly enough and whether her throwing motion is helping her or harming her, I have seen players that were all americans that looked like they were trying to slap bees away from them, and I have seen players with text book techniques whose throwing motion was so mechanical that you could time their release and throws with a sun-dial, and as for accuracy.
No one can tell me throwing mechanics will help your 3rd baseman pick up a bunt barehanded and throw as she is falling to the ground and get that lefty at 1st base by an eyelash. If she stopped to pay attention to her mechanics the play is never made, the defensive game of fastpitch is about quickness and reaction, and keeping your feet moving, and maybe most important, BASIC ATHLETIC POSITION, nose over your toes.
I don't have any studies by people in controlled situations to back me up, I don't really care what they do anywhere else, I don't have a protractor and tape measure, or anything to measure lbs per square inch of pressure with me on the practice field, I and 100's of other coaches know how to teach our kids to throw to get outs, and it has nothing to do with speed of the throw or mechanics, it has to do with quickness and energy and the player staying on her toes.
My advice for any coach, make routine outs routinely, put a glove on take the field and TRY to make some of the plays you expect your girls to make, it isn't easy and it just does'nt happen, and there is no study or technique that is a magic panacea, like in life, hard work and focus will make you a success, my definition of success has nothing to do with what or how anyone else thinks the game is played, it has everything to do with being the best that you know you can be and working hard to achieve your best.
Sorry for the soapbox but some of the discussions on this site make me crazy (ier!!)
While there are some basic mechanics and techniques that need to be taught and we always need to protect our players from harming themselves, who is to say what is right and what is wrong, players are not cookies, again mechanics and technique are important, but the bottom line is, EVERY player is different, and it not only is likely but probable that something that works for and protects one player from harm, may cause a problem for another player.
I can't watch a game and tell you if a player is 10 degrees off in the angle of her arm any more than I can tell you if she likes rap or country&western, I can however after 35+ years of being around the game of fastpitch tell you if she is getting rid of the ball quickly enough and whether her throwing motion is helping her or harming her, I have seen players that were all americans that looked like they were trying to slap bees away from them, and I have seen players with text book techniques whose throwing motion was so mechanical that you could time their release and throws with a sun-dial, and as for accuracy.
No one can tell me throwing mechanics will help your 3rd baseman pick up a bunt barehanded and throw as she is falling to the ground and get that lefty at 1st base by an eyelash. If she stopped to pay attention to her mechanics the play is never made, the defensive game of fastpitch is about quickness and reaction, and keeping your feet moving, and maybe most important, BASIC ATHLETIC POSITION, nose over your toes.
I don't have any studies by people in controlled situations to back me up, I don't really care what they do anywhere else, I don't have a protractor and tape measure, or anything to measure lbs per square inch of pressure with me on the practice field, I and 100's of other coaches know how to teach our kids to throw to get outs, and it has nothing to do with speed of the throw or mechanics, it has to do with quickness and energy and the player staying on her toes.
My advice for any coach, make routine outs routinely, put a glove on take the field and TRY to make some of the plays you expect your girls to make, it isn't easy and it just does'nt happen, and there is no study or technique that is a magic panacea, like in life, hard work and focus will make you a success, my definition of success has nothing to do with what or how anyone else thinks the game is played, it has everything to do with being the best that you know you can be and working hard to achieve your best.
Sorry for the soapbox but some of the discussions on this site make me crazy (ier!!)
