Quote:
Originally posted by Coachtindell
I attended a 12U state tourny 2 weeks ago and every single pitcher on the 4 fields I observed for 2 hours left contact with the ground for anywhere from 4 to 12 inches. You had to really pay attention to see some of them, but it happened.
My daughter developed this about 2 weeks ago and I debate how much emphasis I need to put on it until season end as no one is calling it.
So I am interested to hear your responses.
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A small "leap" will not be called if there is a hole in front of the pitcher's plate, because no umpire is going to get down like a golfer lining up a shot to determine for sur whether she is above the level of the surrounding ground. However, I am surprised the larger leaps (you said up to a foot - I assume you mean vertical distance?) were not called. Those would be called in a heart-beat around here.
You should break her of it for two reasons:
1) It will get called, and it will happen when you are in a critical game, and it will shake up your pitcher.
2) It is a waste of energy that should be imparted into the pitch, and not in lifting her body weight off the ground.
Remember, a leap is not a crow hop. A leap (even though it is illegal) is a waste of energy and a waste of potential pitch speed (IMO).