Coachs Pitch

Question
What is the best way to throw to young hitters in a coach's pitch league.  I've tried throwing by standing up and on one knee to no success.  I've noticed that some coaches throw hard and some lob the ball.  What is the best way?

Answer
JAmie -

Thanks for writing.  Well, there is no right and wrong answer to this question.. How to stand, what speed to throw, etc.  Those are all questions to which responses depend on a lot of factors.  But there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what is best for your child and your child's team / league.

First and foremost is WHY these kids are in coach pitch in the first place.  This is the first time most of these kids are playing with a pitcher of any type. So as a coach, your goal should be to help the kids learn baseball, learn how to play baeball, and enjoy the game.  Thats it.  At that age, winning and losing matters NONE! Most every one of those kids are more concerned with where they are going for ice cream after the game than who wins and loses.  So you as the adult, as the grown up on the field need to consider what is best for them.  Dont do anything that you feel isnt in the best interest of the child when pitching to them.  It does NO GOOD to throw hard to these kids.. What does that do?  They sure arent going to make the big leagues straight out of coach pitch right?  They have YEARS to learn how to hit. Its about participatig and keeping these kids intertested.  So I definitely recommend a slower, easier to hit pitch at that age.  If there is a kid or two who are just heads above the others, and you feel as a group that the speed can be increased on him to make it fun for that kid, fine.  But in general, keep it slow and simple to hit.  No one likes to miss, not even a small child.  Letting them hit the ball, run the bases is the point, right?  Thats why they are out there. If a child just cannot hit the overhand pitch, and you have tried everything, there is nothing wrong with throwing it underhand.  Its all about the child.. Whats best for that particular child.

As for how to throw (position), I definitely recommend standing normally like a regular pitcher would.  As they are playing, you also want them to get a realistic view of the game.  Sitting, or kneeling isnt very realistic.  HOWEVER, what you can do to make it easier is to move up closer for those who arent as skilled.  The longer the ball is in the air, the harder it is to follow for a child.  Thats why you see parents of young kids (2-3 years old) standing right in front of the child when throwing to them.  So if you see a child having trouble, move in a bit for that child.  

Now keep one thing in mind on moving closer.  The closer you are, the faster the pitch will be.  So as you move closer, make sure and slow the ball down on the throw..

Keep those in mind, and give it a shot.  I think you will find these tips helpful in making sure every kid has a chance to succeed at that level.

Best wishes

Coach Perl