Softballfamily
Member
Start getting her to a pitching coach as soon as possible. It is worth the time and money as you don't want incorrect habits to develop.
I have to disagree with you there.
As in real estate; location,location,location... Get the ball over the plate first. Then "paint the corners". Then 70 MPH.
All the speed won't do you any good if you can't control it. Throw strikes - even if they hit it, you have 8 other girls trying to get the runner out.
Start with pitching coach ASAP once you get the wrong muscle memory it can take years to correct it
no point in starting bad habits
Please please go to someone who knows what they are doing
1. So there are no injuries!!
2. So they are not getting the wrong muscle memory
3. So there are no injuries!!
PS Did I mention getting her a face mask and making her wear it.....
Ron these are good questions and I am sure some of the pitching gurus will "pitch in" suggestions and answers.forum,
What is good coaching... what are the things a pitcher must do... what is '' style '' and what is an '' absolute ''... What does a good pitcher look like ... how do we get there...What are good mechanics...
Ron
Ron these are good questions and I am sure some of the pitching gurus will "pitch in" suggestions and answers.
I by no means claim to be a pitching instructor but I have been around the game long enough to have the following observations.
What is good coaching... There are a lot of Pitching coaches out there. Just go to your local batting cage or sportspark and you can generally find a flyer or card. My answer to your question on what makes one better than others would be experience...Not to say you cannot find good first or second year instructors because they are out there but in my mind a good coach has vested the time to not only understand the safety, warm up and injury prevention aspects of the position they also understand how to model and deliver the mechanical instruction along with quality drills that will enhance the players abilities, They have a means of assessing growth or charting progress and can communicate in a fashion the ladies and parents can understand. More experienced coaches advise the parents/player on needed strength training and drills that are as big as a part as the pitching mechanics. They have learned from their early mistakes and have recent student success. A lot of the more established coaches have a "wall of fame" with letters/photos of their current and past students and where they are now.
What is "style"From what I have seen over the years there are really only two styles of softball pitching; Step style and Leap and Drag. There are many variations of both those styles. Some coaches teach the hip angle to stay open while others close the hip. Either style can be thrown with either an open or closed finish and there are a ton of videos to be found on both styles at all levels of Fastpitch mens or womens. The type of windup used is also often referred to as a separate 'Style' slide step etc. Many instructors refer 'Signature pitch' that they specialize in as their own 'Style'. Some coaches hitting and pitching instructors teach their signature first that may be a pre delivery movement, post delivery movement with the finish, Grunt double grunt, glove slap etc.
What is an absolute? ?How do we get there??
One absolute that come to mind is do your homework and make sure the instructor is a good fit with style etc. Sometimes finding the right instructor is like finding the right team and I will say the ladies I have had over the years all ended up with different instructors from the ones that built the foundations by the time they were in high school. Sometimes seeing another instruction perspective can get a few more revs/mph. It does not mean the coach that built the foundation is bad just that the player maxed out under that instruction happens with hitting etc.
What does a good pitcher look like (mechanics)
The good ones I have seen over the years are fluent and makes pitching look effortless. Their mechanics are in time and they have great balance and confidence in the circle. The good ones do not work from behind and pitch to the outer third of the plate. They understand grip and how it can add pitches by changing velocity/spin without slowing down any motion.Most by the time they are 16 become team leaders and do not get upset over calls, errors etc.
An 18U stud just didn't drop from heaven, she started as an 10U that couldn't hit the broadside of a barn and became a truly elite pitcher.