![]() ![]() Aim for 6-8 of the pitcher’s foot-lengths for an optimal stride length. Regardless of which mat you choose to use, include a Power Line (if one is not already printed on your mat), and be sure to mark your pitcher’s stride length. You can make even make your own with a piece of AstroTurf and wood for a mound, purchased from your local hardware store. Mats come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors. Some people try to save their yard and/or flooring by using a pitching mat like the one shown above. In a game, this would be called an “illegal pitch.” For some, this can be a difficult habit to break once it’s been rehearsed this way. Why is this so crucial? A pitcher that does not have a mound to push off of will often develop a “cheat step”or slide her foot forward before beginning her pitching motion. The important thing here is that she has SOMETHING to feel under her feet during practice. A simple piece of wood, cut to the specified dimension, is all you need. (If you’re not comfortable cutting the wood yourself, most hardware stores will cut the wood to your dimensions for free). Commonly referred to as “the rubber”, but your practice mound can be made of other material as well. Practice Space Essential #1 – MoundĪ standard softball mound is 24 inches across and 6 inches wide. A paved driveway or grass will work, too. Dirt is helpful, so she can see where her stride foot is landing and where her drag foot is going, but it is not mandatory. When she is outside, try to find the flattest land possible for her to pitch. As mentioned above, she doesn’t need to pitch at full distance all the time to make marked improvement. It can be a basement, garage, bedroom, hallway, kitchen…you get the idea. However, if weather is a deterrent from maintaining a consistent practice routine, then find a space indoors to practice when she can’t get outside. Games will be held in just about any type of weather, so it’s important that your pitcher practice in those conditions, so that she knows how to adapt. It’s too rainy, or too cold, or too hot, etc. Weather can easily be used as an excuse not to practice. Ideally, your pitcher has both an outdoor and indoor dedicated practice space. An effective practice space only requires 10-15 feet of space in total. More experienced pitchers should practice at a close distance when learning something new or making corrections for similar reasons. New and less experienced pitchers should spend the majority of their practice time pitching at closer distances so they can focus on their mechanics rather than accuracy. I’m not suggesting you break the bank in creating your practice space, but there are some basic necessities that will allow your pitcher to get the most out of her practice. You wouldn’t expect your student to succeed in the classroom without a proper workspace would you? The same applies to pitchers as well. Regardless of experience level, having a practical practice space is critical to a pitcher’s success! Colleges spend millions of dollars to have the best facilities for their athletes. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |