Pitchers not pausing with hands seperated.

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by tmielke

My DD pitches. She takes the sign from the catcher behind the pitchers plate, positions the ball in her glove so when she brings her hands together the ball is in the proper position for the grip needed for the pitch.

After she steps on the pitchers plate she pauses shortly brings her hands together and pitches.

Every season, I have had to educate other blues and coaches that there is nothing wrong with taking the signal while not in contact with the pitchers plate.

I fully understand it is legal for them to take the signal from where ever they wish. But, after stepping on they must at least simulate (pause) taking a signal with the hands separated. What I was saying was Im not sure why suddenly so many pitchers seem to be taking the signal off the plate. By doing so it makes them have to make a concious effort to keep the hands apart after stepping on. Just to easy to forget and bring the hands together to quickly at a crucial moment in the game.

[hit4power]

What I was saying was Im not sure why suddenly so many pitchers seem to be taking the signal off the plate.

I'm also the parent of a pitcher. My kid's pitching coach wants her students to take the signal from behind the pitching plate, so that when she steps onto the plate she can initiate a consistent rhythm in her motion, i.e., doesn't have to wait for the signal which might come right away or might be delayed several seconds (or more) for whatever reason. The pitcher is free to move around behind the plate while she waits for the signal. Then, once she has it, she can step to the plate and use the same rhythm on every pitch. Only problem is making sure the "consistent rhythm" includes a pause before the hands come together. I've actually thought my kid should have been called several times for not pausing, but apparently the blues saw it differently (or didn't see it at all)