Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
/B]
In addition to evaluating what's working that day/inning for the pitcher, a critical part of your catcher's job is to learn the umpire's strike zone and use it to maximize the pitcher's effectiveness. If you can't get objective feedback discreetly from your catcher (and a good catcher WILL always tell a P that they've 'got the most awesome stuff today' when they've actually got nothing), either they're not doing their job or your not teaching them/letting them do it! The time and responsibility you invest in teaching your catcher to be an on-field coach will pay dividends in both the short and long term.
IJS - GM
I don't understand why you have felt a need to rely on the parent behind the screen in the first place.IMO I'm working on my pitcher with the illegal advice. I guess I never thought of it as ' cheating ' the other team, just adjusting my pitcher. As we all know sometimes the pitcher and catcher will say " yes coach, those 'balls' are right across the plate ". But I also try to be a role model for my girls, I will restrain from use of the device from here on out.
GD
In addition to evaluating what's working that day/inning for the pitcher, a critical part of your catcher's job is to learn the umpire's strike zone and use it to maximize the pitcher's effectiveness. If you can't get objective feedback discreetly from your catcher (and a good catcher WILL always tell a P that they've 'got the most awesome stuff today' when they've actually got nothing), either they're not doing their job or your not teaching them/letting them do it! The time and responsibility you invest in teaching your catcher to be an on-field coach will pay dividends in both the short and long term.
IJS - GM