Pitching with a slap

Question
Hello Scott,
This is my second year coaching 10U girls fastpitch. I'm working a lot with pitching this year and am hearing different opinions on the pitching technique where the pitcher slaps her thigh with her glove prior to the windmill. I've understood that it's not recommended, but I'm curious to hear your opinion of that style. There are a couple of parents who believe it's the more "professional" way for their girls to pitch.

Thank you!

Answer
Janet,

This was sent to the question pool by Scott as it is a coaching question not a rules question.

I have seen girls slap their thigh with their glove, I always thought that it would start hurting after awhile.  Try smacking your own leg 100 times fairly hard with a glove.  With this said no it is not more "professional" to slap your leg when pitching.

Now is a good time of year to catch college softball on TV.  Check a few games out then send me a follow up on how many girls hit themselves when pitching.

This goes under style v technique.  It really is not important.  If a girl is throwing hard, accuate, with movement, and she slaps her thigh, she can do it until it turns black and blue if she wants.  I would never reccomend or teach it.

Tom