Pitching Mechanics / Illegal Pitches / Teaching Children Properly From Day 1

[Dakota]

"Times past the hip" is not an indicator of an illegal pitch. The pitcher in your example committed an illegal pitch when she brought the hands together a second time. If she had not done that, she would have been illegal when she reversed her forward direction to take the second backswing.

[LoRafter]

Yes, that is what I meant; however, you phrased it much better. Thank you.

[wadeintothem]

Dont forget the most important fundamental - and this is an issue that must be stressed to umpires often (especially umpires on this forum )

Let them play ball.

They got plenty of time, you are putting too much stress to even be thinking about this at that age IMO. Dont be one of "those dads" who often ruin the sport for their DD. Even if you want to do that to yours.. dont do it to some other coach, expect that of some other coach, or especially not to someone elses DD. Limit it to just your kid.

IMO, its not even a sport at that age, its a game and you guys are just parents bonding with your kids and its just fun - its hardly coaching.. teaching but not coaching..so

Let them play ball - have fun.

OK off my soap box...

[NCASAUmp]

Finally, someone said it.

[LoRafter]

I completely agree with "let them play and fun." That is our goal as parents and coaches aka teachers. As someone who grew up playing softball surrounded by supportive, no pressure, parents and excellent coaches from my rookie years through attending college on a softball scholarship, all I want to do is give back to my children and others.

I disagree with your statement that it is not even a sport at this age, 7-8, after 2-4 seasons of softball. IMO teaching fundamentals early on is important. It can be done in a fun way through drills that kids truly enjoy. I have seen and have watched the kids improve, gain confidence and become more and more excited as they improve and learn. At what point do you feel it is a appropriate to start teaching fundamental mechanics and basically reinventing the wheel.

Again, I feel completely misunderstood and a bit offended that I people think I need to take a chill pill or whatever. I know I am good with the children, respectful towards other coaches and umpires. I am appreciated by the parents who watch their children have fun and learn the game. My daughter is happy and has fun with the social and learning aspects of the game.

[wadeintothem]

Have you tried heybucket.com?

Those guys get all wild eyed over an 8 y/o illegal pitching. They would be a more suitable peer group for you IMO. For an IP, probably push ups and laps .. For bats, they'd probably recommend a 300 bat for an 8 y/o, me I recommend whatever color the girl likes best and can be found at walmart for under $40.

Give em a shot and good luck as you embark on your new softball quest - the coach!

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

For bats, they'd probably recommend a 300 bat for an 8 y/o, me I recommend whatever color the girl likes best and can be found at walmart for under $40.

Don't you realize how competitive it is these days? If 8Us don't start getting college scouts at their games now, they are way behind the curve.