I took an active part in my son’s development, using information obtained from here as well as reading books and talking to knowledgable players. I’ve learned lot about the physics and anatomy of pitching these past six years. I’m not athletic, 50-ish, my knees and hips hurt after playing catch or catching a 40 pitch bullpen session, but from ages 6 thru 12 I’ve been his pitching coach and directed his development. We’ve checked out the professionals in our area, but my son prefers dad’s knowledge and ways than theirs.
A good, understanding coach is essential, but what qualifies as a good coach for youth development is the unknown. For my son, I became the good coach through necessity. For the most part I let him figure out how to pitch, gave him guidance and understanding on what his body was doing and how it perfoms, a few pointers here and there and sat behind the plate many, many evenings catching fastball after fastball.
Was it a good choice to be his coach and not send him to a professional? Saturday’s game was 3 innings, 10 K’s, 1 walk and 1 hit. He threw 71% strikes as well. He threw his heater once, and it hit the catcher square on the front of the helmat and knocked him down. I don’t know how fast it was, but it was fast enough that from 46’ the catcher didn’t have time to respond, and the hitter never loaded. The opposing coach, who has coached High School ball for the past 30 years (and last year they went undefeated) , stated not only does my son have D-1 talent (I was not expecting such a compliment), but also from a HS coaching perspective, he’s a once in a lifetime talent. He finished by stating that whoever his pitching coach is has done a great job, and he has peferct form. Wow! Never expected that. He further shocked me by stating he wants to see every game my son pitches, and find some way to recruit him to his school (we’re in different districts.)
My point is I let my son figure out how to pitch, using his God-given natural talent that he showed very early in life. I’ve guided his progression and given him pointers, but mostly I’ve been his catcher and friend. It doesn’t always take money. Sometimes it takes time and patience. Enjoy these days. They go by fast.