I'm no expert either but from one mom to the next I feel like she looks really good up until 9:00 - then she starts to get behind the ball and pushes it down the circle into release. The bend forward and collapse of the landing leg I feel is due to the pushing/bowling motion. If it were my dd...
And let's not forget being able to field the position defensively. Pitchers that can can help out defensively are a huge asset to the team imo - have seen some great power pitchers in my dd's league that just can't get to the balls quick enough to help out the defense, especially in the short game.
This is a great thread! I think most are wondering where their dd fits in on this spectrum. Nice to hear honest responses from parents that don't have anything to prove or have dd's that are competing for circle time�� Btw mine (freshman) cruises around 55 and tops out around 57...
Where in the Midwest? We are in desperate need of some good quality instruction here in MN! Been through several instructors over the past year and just can't find anyone who teaches much of anything!
Playing in Indiana for a PGF berth this weekend. After a long drive down the girls are in the fitness room working out and watching movies:) Wish I had just a little bit of that energy still!
Got some video at a game a couple weeks ago and I noticed a couple things. First I noticed dd has developed a little toe tap with her left foot prior to pitch - I'm thinking this could easily get called ip, hasn't yet but should I nip it in the butt now? She's using it as a rhythm or timing...
DD used to throw the screw but had several coaches that didnt like it because of the "tell" of striding outside the power line and the change in mechanics she was using. She has recently started throwing the inside cutter that's been described on this forum using just finger pressure and a peel...
8th grade dd has been playing on the HS Freshman team - district rules don't allow MS players on JV/V teams. There is an ability for a MS player to be "accelerated" if stats prove well and there's a need for pitchers or catchers. DD was brought up to pitch her first V inning today! Threw 8...
Thank you Mike! I so wish we had access to you and your expertise! She's gained so much just from your drive mechanics threads and the time she spent with you at the clinic. If you're ever anywhere near MN let us know!
Thanks Java. She doesn't intentionally throw it off speed at 50 that's just what she's getting on the pitch when she throws full out. I'm going to have her continue to focus on the spin and not taking speed of with a funky grip or slowing her body down. Seems much less complicated!!
That's exactly what I was thinking! She has a great change at around 40-45. He had her totally trying to kill herself at practice the other day to slow the rise way down. Nonsense!!
Thanks for all the validation - all what I was thinking but thought maybe I was missing something. He keeps referencing a girl in our program who is three years older and has a fast rise and a "float rise". aparently it's an unhittable pitch for her - but she throws in the 60's so I'm sure the...
Help me through this - dd's coach wants her to really focus on changing speeds on all her pitches. While I agree with this, he wants her throwing a super slow rise at 40ish. Her regular rise comes in around low 50's which is about 5 mph slower than fastball. She gets very nice backspin on it...
I agree - somewhat. My dd played 1st year 10's and 12's on a team where both the hc and ac had pitcher daughters. They only put my dd in to clean up their messes, usually bases loaded and 2 outs or when we faced very good competition and they knew their dd's would get rocked. It was frustrating...
Thanks 1bucket! I wish I could've had the chance to meet and spend more time with you and Mothgirl! Just not enough hours! I think as women/moms we feel we need to defend/prove ourselves more in the softball arena. I've resigned myself to the fact that the only person I care that listens to...
sounds familiar! I can tell just by the facial expressions of coaches, floating pitching instructors (aka former college pitchers who have deemed themselves pitching coaches), and even some clueless parents that when I try to chime in or ask legit questions that most think I am just a dumb mom...
^^^This! My 8th grader still struggles with the drop, it is still a very mediocre pitch for her, but she gets decent backspin on her rise. She certainly took lots longer than a month to throw it but it definitely came more naturally to her. We started her just getting comfortable with spinning...