First FP games
 

So I finally got my first FP assignment under my belt this morning. Had three 10U games (VERY recreational ball), and you could probably say it wasn't really FP (more like modified or slow pitch, as this league doesn't allow the pitcher to windmill).

It's a start, but I'm well on my way. :)

YYYYEEEEAAAAHHH :D :D :cool:

Good start......but you may not like those games..........

Good 14U and above......18U A and womens is a ton of fun.

However.......there are a ton of GLSBM's in the stands in 10U........:D

Joel

I should have mentioned that with 10U, you get many games experience for every game.......tons of stuff usually happens there that you might not ever see in older kids games........

I had 6 years coaching experience at that level..........(more if you count the 8U level).......

The kids for the most part are great........just keep your eye out on the coaches........lol

Joel

This particular league is a very "instructional" league. For now, they don't want us to call IPs. In fact, they don't even allow the pitchers to windmill (yet).

I ain't worried about the coaches. They can bring it. :D

First REAL FP games
 

Finally called my first real FP games tonight - all pitching rules in effect, can steal any base, d3k in effect, etc.

Didn't do too badly. Still need to develop some consistency on the outside corner, but did all right. Already recognize a few things I need to work on, but those will come with time. My partner paid me a generous compliment, "you came here and brought your A game." That really helps. I don't think I flinched even once, and I've got the bump on my hand to prove it. :D

And for the record, the Shock Doctor carbon flex cup works well. Very. Well.

Assuming the generally obvious (you are in the slot, same spot every batter), the only items left for a consistent outside corner are 1) GPA, meaning a good heel/toe putting you looking across the zone (your navel pointed to to the front opposite edge of the plate), 2) good judgement (I would think that is a given with your background in softball), and 3) repetitions.

You can fix #1, force #3; #2 is G-d given (or not).

You get good judgment from Gerry Davis? :rolleyes:

:):cool::D

Yep, working the slot, right ear aligned with the inside edge of the plate, eyes at top of the zone, heel-toe with hips pointed at outside front corner of the plate. I'm tracking the pitch using my nose as the guide and not just eyeballing it.

It's repetitions that I need, just like slow pitch. Nothing more than an adjustment, and I'll make it. :)

Dave,

when you track, do you pick the ball up from where the pitcher releases it? I assume you do.

keep at it and way to go

As best I can, yes. I'll focus on that on Saturday morning (3 more games).

I'm really enjoying this. I'll always have a soft spot for slow pitch, but this is a good challenge for me. After 18 years of doing the same thing over and over again, it's exciting to have a new challenge in front of me. I'm getting almost "too comfortable" out there on the SP field.

Another little trick you can try is to get as close to the F2 as you feel comfortable. A lot of guys are 'guessing' outside because they are not actually 'seeing' outside.

At the end of the month I will be down your way for a tourney, you should come out, or maybe I will stop by on the way down if the schedule allows.

...but today IS the end of the month. :D

Oh, you mean October. Let me know where you'll be, and I'll make sure I come see you.

Will do, I also think I still have your Cell # and will call closer to the time. I know 2moro I am at a wedding (wife's weekend), after that it is all grey, LOL