Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitching Tryouts

[default]

With the tryout season here, I just wanted to get some ideas as to how the different organizations handle their pitching tryouts. ?

Is it based strictly on what the "gun" says or do you also have the pitchers pitch to locations, situations, etc.? ?Do you use the same methods for all age groups or do you have different evaluations for each age group?

If you base your tryouts mainly on a "gun", what speeds are you looking for at the different age groups or do you typically see to get you interested in a player? ?(If you are not using the guns recently used at the NFCA Camps ?;D)

 

[default]

I look for 4 things. Speed, location, change of speeds and movement. All of this needs to be done with good technique.

The actual speed on the gun isn't important. What is really important is the speed compared to other pitchers using the same gun. However, generally speaking, 12U should be over 48 mph. 14u over 53 mph. 16u over 56mph...

Pls remember that speed is only ONE of the above 4 factors... I recently saw a 16U pitcher throw between 48-54 and hold two of the top teams in Ohio to 2 runs each. She had excellent change of speeds and location.

Hope this helps.

 

[default]

Agree with cdmx5. Not necessarily speed. I want to see good location, consistency, true movement on moving pitches and good variation of speeds on the pitches. A pitcher who throws her fastball at 60mph, has no change up and throws her curve ball at 60 mph will get blasted before the third inning.

In evaluating, I look at each of their pitches and then have them run through some called pitches to check their ability to locate and vary pitches. At 16u, pitcher also has to have more than just a fastball and a change up. Need to have at least 1 breaking pitch to keep the batters honest.

 

[default]

Saw an interesting idea at one of the tryouts we attended last year. It became part of the pitching and hitting tryouts. All the pitchers at the mound with (net set up for them to stay behind when not pitching). Each batter got one strike from each pitcher. Allowed coaches to judge hitters abilities against various pitchers, and put pitchers in the position of throwing live to batters.