IT’S TIME TO PITCH - A Spring Article To Get You Going! by Jerry Johnson

Pitching coach and author of The Triple Pitch DVD

Cheerleading & basketball seasons are over;
GIRLS ARE READY TO START BACK PITCHING.

How many times have pitching coaches heard “I have a daughter that is thirteen years old, can you have her ready to pitch within three weeks?” My answer “You bet.” Not so fast my friend as one famous sports announcer would say.

Anyone who has never pitched a softball, especially parents, has no idea how difficult it can be but… every year I hear the same question from them. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being mean spirited, I am just telling like it is.

If you want to get good at anything you must devote time to it.
The more productive the time spent on anything the better the results.

The number one question I am asked from girls and parents is how to increase velocity! My answer to them is pitch the ball correctly and the speed will come provided you do all of the other drills and set goals, and I want to stress HIGH GOALS, during your practice sessions.

Pitchers must challenge themselves, especially if they are working alone. They must have a plan and stick with it. Know what is going to be done before the pitching sessions are even started. Take interest & control of your own training!

Pitchers need to practice a minimum of three or four days a week.
If for some reason you can’t get outside because of the weather in the area you live in during the fall and winter months, then you need to work on your spins and your speed.

Work smarter not harder and you will be prepared when you finally can start your sessions outside. Bottom line there’s no excuse for not practicing.
Pitching requires hard work and dedication I can’t express that enough.

Parents must motivate their daughters to ensure they do their work outs and may even need to participate as well. In most cases the pitching Instructor or coach usually only sees a student one day a week. Pitching must be a partnership between the student, parent(s) and pitching coach… it takes the three of us to make her a great pitcher and that should be our goal. If for some reason you (the parent) must push your daughter to practice… then I would say she may really not want it enough and it maybe it’s you who wants her to pitch. In most cases, if your daughter really wants to pitch, she will be coming to you with enthusiasm saying “Mom, Dad Lets Pitch.”

Yes, it’s time to pitch and I wish all of you the very best this coming season and more. To all the parents… be patient and supportive. To all pitchers… when you walk into the circle for the first time on game day, the majority of you will be nervous, and it will take time for you to get into your rhythm. Win or lose it will be a lasting experience for you and one you will treasure for a life time. Let this be the foundation for your future success.

Good luck and always remember that practice and commitment make the difference,
Always strive to be better today than yesterday!

Jerry Johnson, inventor of the Triple Pitch, has coached at every level of softball and has over 30 years of coaching experience in the sport. Most recently, he served as the pitching coach for Mountain State University in West Virginia. He now devotes his full attention to giving private pitching lessons and organizing and participating in pitching clinics throughout Southern West Virginia.