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You have a #1 pitcher out of 5 or 7 games how many times do you pitch her? Tell me how you would share the time between your #1,2and3... Come on coaches spill it:cap:
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I hate starting an answer with it depends- but- it depends. What age group are we talking? What type of tournament are we talking about? Is it a 6gg showcase? What is the parity between the #1 and #2 and #2 and #3?
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Not a showcase just a regular tourney. It's 12u ball the difference between 1 and 2 is accuracy and about 5 mph in speed. #3 is accurate but slower in 40's and rolls across plate a lot. But coach seems to like this girl and gives her a lot of pitching time.
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Just one clarification ... there are no showcases at 12-U!
Anyhow, a lot depends on what the coach told the families when they came out for the team. Did he tell them they would earn pitching time or that they would each pitch 1/3 of the time or what? If there were no commitments, it sounds like there's a pretty significant difference between #1 and #2, and #2 and #3 ... 5 mph and more accuracy is a big difference at any age level, but especially at the younger ages. Even so, it's important at this level to develop all your players and to not burn out a #1 pitcher. I might expect something like #1 pitching about 45% of the time, #2 pitching 35% of the time, and #3 about 20%?
Anyhow, a lot depends on what the coach told the families when they came out for the team. Did he tell them they would earn pitching time or that they would each pitch 1/3 of the time or what? If there were no commitments, it sounds like there's a pretty significant difference between #1 and #2, and #2 and #3 ... 5 mph and more accuracy is a big difference at any age level, but especially at the younger ages. Even so, it's important at this level to develop all your players and to not burn out a #1 pitcher. I might expect something like #1 pitching about 45% of the time, #2 pitching 35% of the time, and #3 about 20%?
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Is #1 more acurate and #2 throws harder but less accurate or do I have it backwards. Or is #1 both more accurate and faster? As for your #3, do not discount her. I know quite a few #3's when my dd was 12U becomes the #1's while those #1's dropped to #3's.
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There are several possible answers here depending on the situation but if it is a typical 5GG tournament that means that there will be 4 pool games. The fifth game is elimination, win or go home and I hate playing a single game on Sundays.
I would make sure that my #1 pitcher is NOT worn out by overwork in the pool games. She would get the fifth game and be ready to come into other games on that Sunday. She'd get some innings on Friday and Saturday but she'd work on Sundays. In 28 innings of pool play I'd probably split it out #1-12 and #2/#3-16. She'd then get 7 innings minimum on Sundays and then its all hands on deck.
We'd look at our success or lack there-of and make adjustments to the work load for each kid. It is important that all the pitchers get stronger throughout the season and they can't do that if they are worn down by over-use. At 12U, a coach should not ride a single horse into the ground!
I would make sure that my #1 pitcher is NOT worn out by overwork in the pool games. She would get the fifth game and be ready to come into other games on that Sunday. She'd get some innings on Friday and Saturday but she'd work on Sundays. In 28 innings of pool play I'd probably split it out #1-12 and #2/#3-16. She'd then get 7 innings minimum on Sundays and then its all hands on deck.
We'd look at our success or lack there-of and make adjustments to the work load for each kid. It is important that all the pitchers get stronger throughout the season and they can't do that if they are worn down by over-use. At 12U, a coach should not ride a single horse into the ground!
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fairman gave a pretty good assessment here. Just a couple points I'd like to share on my own thoughts. The #3 pitcher doesn't sound ready yet so until I see some better control and consistency I would reserve the right to throw her in game situations and encourage some off the field work to catch up. The other point is that I sorta keep track of pitch count on the girls over a weekend and take in to consideration the conditions such as heat. I monitor the girls to see how they handle things and of course every girl is different. I worry about long innings and big pitch counts just as I consider the amount of foul balls and length of games. You can burn out a pitcher mentally and even tho her arm is fine her mind might need a break. That's a lot of mental strain on a 12 yr. old girl in the circle. What for signs of mental fatigue.
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OP asked how many "times" you pitch your #1 out of 5-7 games. Their user name (xxx02) suggests they're 1st year 12U.
I'd aim for 3 times with the other 2 pitching 1-2 each. Probably not what the parent of #1 wants to hear, but it would be best for #1's health and the development of the team.
I wouldn't start #1 more than once in pool play. If there are 2 pool games, start #2 in the other game and try to get #3 in for a few innings between the 2 games. If there are 3 games, have all 3 start a game. Starting a game doesn't mean they get to finish it.
The rotation for bracket games depends on the format - sgl or dbl elim - and how your team stacks up against the opponents.
I'd aim for 3 times with the other 2 pitching 1-2 each. Probably not what the parent of #1 wants to hear, but it would be best for #1's health and the development of the team.
I wouldn't start #1 more than once in pool play. If there are 2 pool games, start #2 in the other game and try to get #3 in for a few innings between the 2 games. If there are 3 games, have all 3 start a game. Starting a game doesn't mean they get to finish it.
The rotation for bracket games depends on the format - sgl or dbl elim - and how your team stacks up against the opponents.
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Another problem with pool games is you don't want that last seed for bracket because then you end up playing the one seed first thing sunday morning. So I see coaches start there one and try to get a lead and then go to the two or three.
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lol, What?
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Agree with SoCal that in pool play all three get a start and they are in the order that best fits the opponents and our schedule. If 1 & 2 are close in ability they are fighting for that time on Sunday. if I can get to elimination with each only pitching one game I'm happy to have fresh arms on Sunday!!
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There isn't a rule. Some times you save her for the next game. Sometimes you just come out firing.
if there is a perfect formula do you have found the holy Grail of softball!!
if there is a perfect formula do you have found the holy Grail of softball!!
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Just trying to get a feel on what to expect on pitching time this weekend for my DD!
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just understand that the majority of girls playing college ball or high level softball were at one time pitchers. most stop pitching at 13u/14u/15u when they realize they are never going to be the #1 pitcher on a team.
Like others have noted, there are too many factors that go into deciding who should start, etc. in Pool Play- each pitcher should start a game. there are ways to match up which pitcher against which team.
My thought for anyone raising a young pitcher, at 10u make sure she is in a situation where she is getting mound time. if she is only getting about 25% during the weekends, have her play rec ball during the week to get some innings. same for 12u. ideally, you want your kid to be the #1 or #2 on the team- never the #3 but someone's always the #3- this isn't something you can usually figure out at tryouts either- including the growth/improvement of the girls during the off season. The majority of the kids that change teams at the younger ages are pitchers looking to be the #1 on a team- and usually if they are not #1 on their team they won't be number 1 on the new team either- its just the way it is...
Good luck to you- no matter what position your child plays- focus on hitting, hitting and more hitting. If you hit, you play
Like others have noted, there are too many factors that go into deciding who should start, etc. in Pool Play- each pitcher should start a game. there are ways to match up which pitcher against which team.
My thought for anyone raising a young pitcher, at 10u make sure she is in a situation where she is getting mound time. if she is only getting about 25% during the weekends, have her play rec ball during the week to get some innings. same for 12u. ideally, you want your kid to be the #1 or #2 on the team- never the #3 but someone's always the #3- this isn't something you can usually figure out at tryouts either- including the growth/improvement of the girls during the off season. The majority of the kids that change teams at the younger ages are pitchers looking to be the #1 on a team- and usually if they are not #1 on their team they won't be number 1 on the new team either- its just the way it is...
Good luck to you- no matter what position your child plays- focus on hitting, hitting and more hitting. If you hit, you play
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