[aceholleran]

PA is talking about LL softball, where I have a bit of experience.

I have never adjusted my zone more than in LLSB.

First off, it is the same rulebook zone as in hardball, verbatim.

When chuckers are throwing a legit fastpitch (windmill, slingshot), it's much easier to call balls and strikes. However, when teams get deep into their pitching ranks, you'll see the inevitable "lobber." Here, just using simple physics, every pitch has lots more chance of being a strike because of its arc.

You vets may chastise me, but I have called strikes on pitches that bounced into F2's mitt. Why: Such pitches grab plenty of zone; they are eminently hittable, and defense is putting itself at risk by a pitcher throwing virtual BP.

One off. coach moaned about my zone when the other team used an "archer." I replied, "You're up 10 runs. You've gone through their whole pitching staff, and this girl is dishing them up on a silver platter. Yes, expect more strikes."

The vagaries of youth-league pitching are many. I am verrrry careful during inning 1, and let the level of pitching (and hitting) determine the nuances of the zone. But my colleagues are right, in essence; really futzing with your zone can lead to the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Ace