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I have reviewed the comments above and I feel obligated to comment from a previous college pitching coach point of view....
I am currently coaching for a 18&U team and am carrying 4 pitchers. They have received communication regarding my expectations up front. they each understand that the best girls will receive pitching time during the game, but they will each have weekly feedback from me regarding their areas of improvements. Each of them will be pitching every day in practice and warming up along side the starting pitcher before games to make sure they are keeping their mechanics fresh.
I understand that some coaches feel that 4 pitchers is too many. I think we need to consider the talent in combination with the number. If you have 3 solid starters and one weak pitcher that you honestly cannot see getting much playing time...then yes....4 is too many, but when you are playing 3-4 games a day and all 4 of your pitchers are potential starters then 4 is not too many. In fact...it is a smart game plan.
One more thing....on the comment that pitchers should be playing other positions to gain playing time...I do not agree with. (maybe at the 12&U or 14&U level) At the 16&U or 18&U level these girls are obviously considering playing in college. Girls (pitchers) in college do not generally play other positions for a number of reasons. See below:
1. Infield and outfield players need to develop synergy and trust among each other just as pitchers and catchers do. When a pitcher rotates in to get playing time the team isn't always used to the change in synergy. Just as a pitcher sometimes doesn't feel comfortable with a catcher that she is not used to.
2. Pitchers spend all of their time at practice working on their mechanics, pitches, speed...etc. They will generally not be as comfortable during a game thrown into a role that they have not been practicing.
3. Increased likelihood of injury. Fast-pitch pitchers can throw a lot of games in a season. They should rest when they can.
Sorry this is winded, but if you can't tell...I had a lot to say
I am currently coaching for a 18&U team and am carrying 4 pitchers. They have received communication regarding my expectations up front. they each understand that the best girls will receive pitching time during the game, but they will each have weekly feedback from me regarding their areas of improvements. Each of them will be pitching every day in practice and warming up along side the starting pitcher before games to make sure they are keeping their mechanics fresh.
I understand that some coaches feel that 4 pitchers is too many. I think we need to consider the talent in combination with the number. If you have 3 solid starters and one weak pitcher that you honestly cannot see getting much playing time...then yes....4 is too many, but when you are playing 3-4 games a day and all 4 of your pitchers are potential starters then 4 is not too many. In fact...it is a smart game plan.
One more thing....on the comment that pitchers should be playing other positions to gain playing time...I do not agree with. (maybe at the 12&U or 14&U level) At the 16&U or 18&U level these girls are obviously considering playing in college. Girls (pitchers) in college do not generally play other positions for a number of reasons. See below:
1. Infield and outfield players need to develop synergy and trust among each other just as pitchers and catchers do. When a pitcher rotates in to get playing time the team isn't always used to the change in synergy. Just as a pitcher sometimes doesn't feel comfortable with a catcher that she is not used to.
2. Pitchers spend all of their time at practice working on their mechanics, pitches, speed...etc. They will generally not be as comfortable during a game thrown into a role that they have not been practicing.
3. Increased likelihood of injury. Fast-pitch pitchers can throw a lot of games in a season. They should rest when they can.
Sorry this is winded, but if you can't tell...I had a lot to say