Pitching and Pitchers Discussion what pitch do hitters like least ? (at 14-18u)

[default]

IMO it's the change --they are either taught to take it IF the count is even or in their favor (I hate that "don't swing at it with less than 2 strikes rule from some coachs) OR from what i've witnessed over watching a few dozen games (ok maybe 1000's) is that girls flat out don't like having to hit the ol flutter ball. Very Very rarely have I seen a change get drilled for extra bases. not as often as a 2-0 fastball groved down broadway. opinions ?

I hate to see a kid facing above average to dominate pitching take a 1-1 or 0-1 change for a strike , you get behind 0-2 , 1-2 against those type throwers your average propably drops 200 points . MD

 

[default]

I would think its the change, mainly because its the one pitch in which you can look so silly. And girls do not like to look silly! At least with the other pitches you LOOK like you're taking a good cut. With a nasty change up......it can look really bad.

 

[default]

I never minded the change, I hated a nasty rise ball. I don't care what anyone says, I've SEEN them rise.

 

[default]

Its for sure a good change-up against good hitting teams, if its a team of not such good hitting players it would be a rise ball. ( not referring to you Klump hahaha just seen what you said as I typed lmao). This past fall I seen some of the best hitters at the 18U level, most going on to college at each level, the one pitch they scuffle with as a whole is a good change-up.

 

[default]

It depends on the hitter's skill level, and the pitcher's ability to conceal the pitch. Some kids are great change-up hitters BECAUSE they have developed excellent recognition of that particular pitch. Other hitters may be great inside rise hitters - because they work on that. They all have their favorite pitches they are waiting on. The pitch they like least is probably one they haven't been working on!

IMO, a well thrown change will devastate a typical high school team. BUT, I've seen MANY change-ups go over the fence in college. So, it depends a lot on how much a kid is willing to work on her hitting and pitch recognition skills. I have seen change of speed be far more effective at 14u - 18u than movement pitches. Maybe because many pitchers haven't developed good enough spin or concealment of their pitch? Many factors come into play.

A pitcher who has great command and concealment of her change-up, and can pin-point spot a fastball at 14u - 16u is going to frustrate her share of batters. But she can't rest on her laurels - because as she gets into older age groups at a competitive level, the hitters get a LOT better.

 

[default]

I really agree about that good hitting VS not so good hitting . The rise makes bad hitters something beyond bad. Like they can't even foul a pitch off. good example : Piketon with Shiela Zimmerman VS Portsmouth West with Lexie Kegley. Zimm was throwing about 56-58 with great spin and Kegley was throwing about 60-61 , NEITHER THREW A CHANGE. But IMO neither team hits worth a penny, not even a nickel. Zimm throws a no hitter and Piketon gets 1 or 2 hits . Zimm has 19 K's , Kegley has 14. only run scored on a over throw at 3rd. Both pitchers worked up in the zone quite a bit. MD

 

[default]

really good points Sammy. MD

 

[default]

...a well concealed pitch that changes levels.

Len

 

[default]

...a well concealed pitch that changes levels.

Len

Agreed!!

 

[default]

At the D3 college level, my DD throws a fair amount of change-ups. Yes, they get hit sometimes, but so do every other pitch on occasion. Possibly the HR off the change up is more memorable because everyone can see it was a change up. To me the biggest factor is it makes the rest of the pitches work that much better. More often than not, the 59 MPH curve that may come next blows right past because it seems a lot faster after the floater.

Show the same pitch too many times to a good hitter and they will hit it no matter how good the pitch is. Have to keep them off balance and uncomfortable.

Based on batter reactions, the change is the most frustrating when they miss it just because it looks SO easy to hit!

 

[default]

My college playing DD says she has always hated the curve.

 

[default]

my dd hates the low corner balls

 

[default]

The pitch directly at their head.......

 

[default]

An inside fastball...............lol

 

[default]

Nothing more embarrasing than striking out on a good changeup!!! Nobody says a word on the other pitches but a great changeup can make the best batters look like a fool!

 

[default]

She HATES the pitch that puts her on 1st base with no contact.
BALL 4

 

[default]

DD don't like the rise or the drop... she either gets under the rise for the pop up or top of the ball for a dribbler to the infield on the drop.... no probs with the change usually sends it for a ride

 

[default]

I'd say CHANGE-UP, no doubt. Most pitcher's pitches speeds are within 6-8mph of each other, but a nasty change with a speed drop of 8-15mph where you pull the carpet out from underneath the ball, and the hitters are swinging twice at it before it floats by... yeah, those are the ones that are fun to watch.

 

[default]

14u to 18u a pitcher who sells the pitch and can throw it for a strike where she wants it. Rise ball coming in second it the pitcher can work the ladder.

 

[default]

14u to 18u a pitcher who sells the pitch and can throw it for a strike where she wants it. Rise ball coming in second it the pitcher can work the ladder.

Change up being number 1.