ever since Java made this post a while back:
http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/23005-telltale-game.html#post310959
I always seem to be on the lookout for a "tell" with pitches when I watch games.
Seems like most "tells" are associated with the change up, more than any other pitch by a wide margin, in my experience. Is that a fair assesment?
The Change is usually just so deviant from other pitches in a players repotoire, with regard to grip, mechanics, follow through, etc. that if there is a "tell" to be had, its probably on that pitch, Ive found.
Young pitchers are just notorious for mashing their hand in the glove pre-pitch to get a "deep grip" on the ball, which is obvious; but older more accomplished pitchers also develop something deviant enough to pick up on with this pitch, as illustrated in Java's post.
at the young ages, I find it borderline un-ethical to tip your batters in a game; seems unfair to handicapp a young pitcher trying to develop the pitch like that; but in college/pro? All bets seem to be off. Its about winning by any means possible.
At the high school level, Im curious what you all think about the ethics of tipping your batters?
Personally, I find it too close to cheating to ever condone it for myself, but would be interested in this group's opinion.
This week, I watched a Sophomore D1 committ pitch a game, and by the 2nd inning, I could pick her change, during her pre-motion. I havent said anything to anyone, but am considering contacting her PC to alert him to my observations, mostly because she is a great kid and a helluva pitcher, SS, and batter that I respect and reallly want her to succeed now and in the future.
Her "tell" although not quite as obviousas Java's example, is easy to pick once you know what to look for. I doubt anyone at the HS level would pjck it. But this summer, playing high level 18U Gold tournaments, I wouldnt doubt an opposing 3B coach could/would identify it.
What would you do?
http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/23005-telltale-game.html#post310959
I always seem to be on the lookout for a "tell" with pitches when I watch games.
Seems like most "tells" are associated with the change up, more than any other pitch by a wide margin, in my experience. Is that a fair assesment?
The Change is usually just so deviant from other pitches in a players repotoire, with regard to grip, mechanics, follow through, etc. that if there is a "tell" to be had, its probably on that pitch, Ive found.
Young pitchers are just notorious for mashing their hand in the glove pre-pitch to get a "deep grip" on the ball, which is obvious; but older more accomplished pitchers also develop something deviant enough to pick up on with this pitch, as illustrated in Java's post.
at the young ages, I find it borderline un-ethical to tip your batters in a game; seems unfair to handicapp a young pitcher trying to develop the pitch like that; but in college/pro? All bets seem to be off. Its about winning by any means possible.
At the high school level, Im curious what you all think about the ethics of tipping your batters?
Personally, I find it too close to cheating to ever condone it for myself, but would be interested in this group's opinion.
This week, I watched a Sophomore D1 committ pitch a game, and by the 2nd inning, I could pick her change, during her pre-motion. I havent said anything to anyone, but am considering contacting her PC to alert him to my observations, mostly because she is a great kid and a helluva pitcher, SS, and batter that I respect and reallly want her to succeed now and in the future.
Her "tell" although not quite as obviousas Java's example, is easy to pick once you know what to look for. I doubt anyone at the HS level would pjck it. But this summer, playing high level 18U Gold tournaments, I wouldnt doubt an opposing 3B coach could/would identify it.
What would you do?
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