I know I’ve sent a similar blog about high school tryouts a couple of times, but I’ve revised it based on interviews I’ve recently done with coaches in Chicago and the suburbs. Tryouts are this week so I wanted to make sure to pass along to you what I’ve learned so far. Coaches had common themes with what they were looking for in you.
Read MoreBeing a pitcher is a year-round commitment. As you know the learning curve is steep! If you want to contribute to your team and see playing time, your best bet is to practice multiple times a week, get professional instruction, and take planned breaks (not breaks where you don't quite "feel like it today").
Unlike a shortstop or a left fielder, you hold the ball every single play in the game. You have the power to strike everyone out or walk everyone. You have the power to affect the attitude of the rest or your team, whether you stay positive after an error or lose faith when a run scores.
You hold the most power in your hands and with this "power comes great responsibility." - to quote my favorite comic book hero, Batman.
Make the time to practice year-round and you might save the day, too!
One take-away I got from her presentation explained the importance of the grip. Did you ever notice that when you throw a curve ball it slides out of your hand and goes straight? I know, it happens all the time! You need to slide your thumb up on the ball and put extra pressure on your fingertips and thumb equally. Voila!
Read MoreDid you know that a great deal of the power a pitcher generates comes from her hips and core? The arm is not entirely responsible for generating hand speed. Hand speed is the ultimate indicator of the speed of ball speed.
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