The #1 Measure of the Quality of a Fastpitch Pitcher

[Ken Krause]

Ask a group of fastpitch softball coaches or fanatics what the best way is to measure the quality of a pitcher and you’re going to get a variety of answers. Most of which come down to the three S’s – speed, spin, spot. The most popular, in most cases, is likely to be speed. There’s […]

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[uncdrew]

Nice article.

There is that intangible quality in pitchers. "She just wins games" or "she just gets girls out". I too think it's due to the three S's in large part, but sometimes a pitcher who might not look as good on paper or in tryouts simply gets girls out.

 

[Barb]

Those stations at tryouts never assess the mental game: confidence on the mound, handling stress, encouraging the fielders, remembering batters and their weaknesses, and knowing what to throw when.

 

[Rolling Hard]

IMO, the three S's order of importance:
Spot
Spin
Speed
Speed is way overrated. Good hitters love straight 65 with a telegraphed CU.

 

[CoachCeetar]

good argument for pitcher's calling their own game, pitch sequencing, etc.

 

[LEsoftballdad]

Oddly enough, the linked article was right below Ken's article. It argues that speed is number 1, which I tend to agree with.

Yes, Virginia, In Pitching Speed Does Matter

Photo by Mateusz Dach on Pexels.com Spin. Spot. Speed. Everyone involved in fastpitch pitching, whether as a player, parent, coach, instructor, or just interested observer loves to talk about those…

fastpitchlane.softballsuccess.com

 

[TwoPitcherFam]

Age old debate.. may never be settled but priorities often change depending on age level: IMO—> Rec League & 6-9u = spot/throw strikes, 10-12u = speed at close range, 13-14u = whatever combo to be successful/win and make a desired club team, 15u =speed for D1 attention, 16u =whatever combo gets you committed at your appropriate level, 17u and college= be good at whatever the coach recruited you for.

 

[daywalkerdad]

Consistent and fearless. Guts to attack the hitter getting ahead, and making good pitches no matter the situation. Good pitching for 7 innings usually beats great pitching for 5-6 with below average for 1-2.

 

[lostcreek1]

Oddly enough, the linked article was right below Ken's article. It argues that speed is number 1, which I tend to agree with.

Yes, Virginia, In Pitching Speed Does Matter

Photo by Mateusz Dach on Pexels.com Spin. Spot. Speed. Everyone involved in fastpitch pitching, whether as a player, parent, coach, instructor, or just interested observer loves to talk about those…

fastpitchlane.softballsuccess.com

I agree with this article.

 

[Vertigo]

I’ll just go with being able to throw the changeup for a K on a 3-2 count with bases loaded. Takes a certain set to be able to do it.