Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitching Aids

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What types of pitching aids are coaches recommending and your dds using? (i.e. the tight spinner, the x factor, etc.) Which pitching aids do you truly find beneficial, if any?

 

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My DD's been pitching for a few years now. We've tried different pitching aids but for us seems like it's all about focusing on good technique with drills and lots of reps. Having said that, still look and try out pitching aids as you never know if one will really stand out. Good Luck.

 

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Lots of times, the best training tools can be home made, if done properly. Of course, it depends on your instructor what they prefer you use. Some things my DD used over the years:

* Striped ball to show spin direction (a black marker works fine)
* 18" PVC pipe for rope/weight rolling (forearm strength)
* Surgical tubing hooked to weight belt (used for resistance training)
* Popcorn can filled with rice (finger/wrist strength)
* Nerf size football (for spin)

Good pitching starts with good physical conditioning - ESPECIALLY legs for women. The pitcher is the most physically active player on the field, and cardio training for endurance and leg strength are often overlooked. In retrospect, I would say that just being in excellent physical shape is half the battle. Most of the rest of the specific skills can be taught through many thousands of quality pitching repetitions. The toys may help, but there is no substitute (or shortcuts) for quality repetitions.

 

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Pitching aids can be helpful. Mine were all made by my dad. Weighted ball with nails in it, (grip stick) He used wooden, sanded down with hole drilled in middle with weight dangling down for wrist and fore arm strength. But most of all I had Ernie Parker, George Duhon and Dan Greathouse keeping my mechanics stellar. Repetition and hard work is what I preach. I also used a homemade aparatus for drop. I have never seen anyone use that yet.

 

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Great advice.

 

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DD has been pitching for a few years now and what I found most beneficial is good old fashion repetitions... During those hours and hours of practice and the constant reminders of technique and form does your DD eventually emerge into a competitive pitcher. I've also found useful a book I bought online called "Fastpitch Softball - The Windmill Pitcher" The book contains a ton of information on anything you want to know about pitching, from the wind-up and push to the type of pitches thrown. I've also found that having a good pitching coach that does try to force kids into all sorts of pitches too early. I've seen so many times where a pitcher says they have a Curve, Drop Curve, Screwball, and Rise but when thrown they are all look like fastballs. Coach needs to be sure they have movement and have the basic mechanics down before moving on to the next pitch. This could take up a whole season. If done properly and started early enough a girl should have confidence and decent command of many pitches before she starts high school.

 

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I just finished a camp with my 10U daughter. We had the luck of having two well known D-I Asst. Coaches help my daughter and our second pitcher. She started showing them a curve ball, which made me look like this She recommended using a Frisbee in a reverse motion for the snap action for the curve.