Hitting and Hitters Discussion What to expect at 12U tryouts regarding hitting???

[default]

Please share how you as coaches evaluate hitters...live pitching, machine, etc.
Also, parents....what do you remember your DD's going through at this level of tryout???
Any tips to prepare??

 

[default]

I'm not a big fan of pitching machines. Prefer live pitching, but you'LL probably see both at tryouts.

 

[default]

If your dd has a good swing I wouldn't worry about it no matter what they do at a tryout. If not get her some good instruction and take it from there.

 

[default]

I would certainly work once a week with a machine just to get her used to it so the new factor doesn't throw her off. Work with her to recognize where the machine is throwing and adjust yourself to that, not the plate. Certainly don't be first in line on this, maybe 3rd or 4th to see how it is pitching.

 

[default]

What kind of speeds would be expected at the tryout from a machine? Low 50's? Faster, slower? I'm curious myself as to what some other tryouts are like?

 

[default]

We set 12u speeds at 50-55. Machine is used for keeping the tryout organized and on time. Live pitching is scheduled for another date if a coach needs a one on one and more evaluation. This date is usually for the team tryout that many like to see before committing.

If a player is strong we have them do the Barry Bonds drill to see what they got.

 

[default]

What is the Barry Bonds drill?

 

[default]

What is the Barry Bonds drill?

The purpose of the Barry Bonds drill is to simulate faster speeds without having to adjust the speed of the machine. There are a few variations, of this drill, but my favorite is where 3 plates are positioned in front of the machine. One plate is at the normal distance. Another plate is a couple of feet closer to the machine and a third is a couple of feet closer than the second plate. The hitter will start at the plate farthest from the machine. Once she is making consistent contact, she will move to the second plate. After succeeding at the second plate, she will move on to the closest. You can also just have the hitter step closer to the machine, instead of using plates.

 

[default]

Ahh ok. I've seen that before just didn't know what it was called. Thank You.

 

[default]

The purpose of the Barry Bonds drill is to simulate faster speeds without having to adjust the speed of the machine. There are a few variations, of this drill, but my favorite is where 3 plates are positioned in front of the machine. One plate is at the normal distance. Another plate is a couple of feet closer to the machine and a third is a couple of feet closer than the second plate. The hitter will start at the plate farthest from the machine. Once she is making consistent contact, she will move to the second plate. After succeeding at the second plate, she will move on to the closest. You can also just have the hitter step closer to the machine, instead of using plates.

And then when you are as close as you can go you start moving back. That helps them learn to keep their swing on pitches that seem slow to them.