Lol! I love this thread. Earlier this week DD was scolded in practice for doing this exact thing. Some background.... I have been a travel ball coach for several years. Currently coaching a combination 18u/23u team with several girls currently playing in college. I helped the high school program the last couple of years as a volunteer assistant. I told the head coach in the fall that I was unable to continue in that role due to my work schedule, so she hired another coach to fill the slot. Apparently this new coach feels that different arm slots should never be utilized under any circumstances. DD was taking some ground balls at 3b when the coach asked the players to 'turn 2'. Ground ball directly at her, she fielded it cleanly, and quickly threw to 2nd base with a near side arm type slot (exactly how I would do that particular throw). This is something we have been working on since 12u. Anyway this new coach proceeded to make his point. "That's the worst arm angle I have ever seen!! I know several college coaches and they would never even look at a player that throws like that." DD just shrugged it off. Personally, I found the story amusing when she told me about it. I agree with your assessment of the arm angles and teach them the same way. It is important for the fielder to assess the situation prior to the throw and adjust as needed to make the play. Thanks for sharing. This definitely brightened my day!!
So over the top for slow rollers, DPs,etc?? Lol..has the guy ever watched a MLB game?
Just wondering if he meant that he isn't requiring masks for non pitchers or was he saying he doesn't think you should wear if you aren't pitching? The phrase non needed can mean several things.
I am resurrecting this post because I notice 2 or 3 players on our team not wearing their fielding mask. Just so happens to coincide with starting HS ball. Really locks my jaws that ignorant these coaches would prescribe and suggest that wearing a fielding mask make the player appear to be afraid of the ball. Perhaps the stockcar racers should forgo their safety harnesses and fire suits too! I mean doesn't those harnesses and fire suits make them appear to be afraid of a little accident. Oh, BTW, those hockey players that wear mask look like sissies too!DD plays second. She throws side/3/4 arm all the time on a grounder, especially with a fast runner. Third charging a bunt, short stop fielding a ball and going to 2nd. All kinds of times when it is appropriate imo.
Now on to the side rant. ..Did you tell DD to wear the mask and just nod and say dad says I am wearing it? DD's teeth costed around 4k to straighten with braces. Until coach is footing the bill, he doesn't decide if dd is protecting her face or not.
I am resurrecting this post because I notice 2 or 3 players on our team not wearing their fielding mask. Just so happens to coincide with starting HS ball. Really locks my jaws that ignorant these coaches would prescribe and suggest that wearing a fielding mask make the player appear to be afraid of the ball. Perhaps the stockcar racers should forgo their safety harnesses and fire suits too! I mean doesn't those harnesses and fire suits make them appear to be afraid of a little accident. Oh, BTW, those hockey players that wear mask look like sissies too!
I will take the other side of the coin and claim wearing a mask can and will make the player more fearless and confident fielding those hard-hit pea shots.
Note to these old school dummies. The bats are hotter, the balls are harder, pitchers throwing faster and EVs are up. Now is the time for you guys and gals to come out of your cave and evolve. Safety is not a dirty word.
Of course she didn't say that and thank God she never has had a neanderthal coach suggest that wearing a mask makes her look like she is afraid of the ball. And if a coach ever does suggest that hopefully she will strong response.DD is a Senior in HS this year. Will go on to play in college and plans on wearing a mask at SS for as long as she plays. Never one time in her career has she come to me and said "Dad, I was unable to make that play because I was wearing a mask."