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Wind-Pitch: Questions
E-Mail:
ron@windpitch.com
512-965-6500 |
How long will it take to become a pitcher ?
Learning the windmill pitching motion is a slow process.
There are no instant results and no shortcuts.
Using my 'QUADRANTS SYSTEM', it will take between 6-8 weeks
for a beginner to learn the full circle and actually pitch
with any consistancy. The process includes the introduction
of the 'Quadrants of the Circle' along with the fundamentals
of each quadrant. Every class builds upon the previous class
until the pitcher is making the full motion. For those with
pitching experience, the process will be similar, but will move
at a quicker pace. In my experience and most instructors I
have spoken with agree, realistically, it will take between 1 & 2 years of hard,
dedicated work to become a reliable, self-confident windmill
pitcher. That does not mean it will be that long before the
student can pitch. A beginning pitcher will be capable of
pitching in a game after about 2-4 months of lessons.
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What do you mean by 'QUADRANTS SYSTEM'?
I have broken the windmill motion down to four quarters of the full
turn of the arm. Each quarter turn has many specific fundamentals to
be learned such as location of the arm, thumb, shoulders, hips etc.
By breaking it down to quadrants, and learning one quadrant at a time,
we can focus on a smaller portion and better utilize each lesson to enforce
muscle memory and build upon what we learned and practiced the previous week.
Once the four quarters are properly performed, we add the beginning motions,
weight transfer, footwork, the finish and we learn how to become a fielder
after the ball is released.
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What about advanced pitching?
Bring it on! I LOVE to work with advanced pitchers. I work with
collegiate pitchers to help them tune what they already have and expand
their tools. You can never learn too much or have too many tools.
Teaching advanced pitching techniques is a hoot! Typically the
older pitchers grab new concepts and new grips and are able to use them
quickly. I like to teach advanced pitchers how to 'season' things up.
Usually between the catcher and the coach, the pitches are called for
the pitcher. It is up to the pitcher to add the spice by aggravating
the batter and mixing the speeds.
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How do your classes work?
It depends on whether the student is a beginner, intermediate or
experienced pitcher. I have teaching programs for all levels of pitchers
and each student will receive a custom tailored pitching plan designed
specifically to help them. I have two types of lessons.
Individual Instruction: Classes are 60 minutes long. We move
quickly and cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. You have
my full attention for the entire class, and there is less distraction.
The biggest drawback is that my individual instruction does not come
cheap. I produce results quickly and for intermediate or advanced
pitchers, I can teach specific pitches, speed tips and psychological
tips in just a couple of lessons. Personally, I think a great way to
go is to start with about 6-8 individual lessons, depending on your
current level and then move into a group environment.
Group Classes: Classes are 'officially 45-minutes long. However,
the 15-minutes between classes is used to transition one class out and the other
class in Each pitcher must
have their own catcher. With beginners, the idea is to start a class of about 4 or 5 pitchers
together so everyone is on the same page and we all progress at the same rate.
As you might guess, eventually there are those who miss lessons, get sick, go
on vacations, quit, etc. All of that just comes with the territory. As
a result, some flexibility is required as I play 'catch-up' with students who
have missed classes, or as new students come in. If a class dwindles, I may
be forced to incorporate two smaller classes together
so I can start a new group class. The benefits of the group environment include
a lower price for the instruction and a little competition among the pitchers
which normally develops. Different pitchers develop different habits which
can be used to compare and discuss certain problems and resolutions. I work
hard to ensure that my group lessons are as personal as possible.
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What kind of pitches will I learn?
To begin with, you will learn the 4-seam fastball.
We will learn at least one change-up starting with a 'Modified Backhand'. I teach
about 4 or 5 different change-ups and we'll search until we find the right
one for you. Once you can throw to 4 corners reasonably well and throw a
changeup, the normal progression will be a 'slip curve', 'drops' (both peel
and roll-over), 'hard curve', 'slow-curve', some work with 'offspeed' pitches,
'in-shoots' and ultimately the 'rise'. I can pitch all of the pitches I
teach. I understand what I am teaching as well as what affects the
ball positively and negatively. I not only teach the pitches with words
and slow motions, I can show the student how to actually pitch each
pitch by throwing it to them and letting them see the effects of the movement
or the precise element we are learning.
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Are there any other aspects of pitching that you teach?
Yes, the physical motion is only 50% of pitching. The other half is the
mental aspect. Pitching requires strong mental power. Throughout this
process, I will teach tips for gaining control and learning to locate
and stay in 'the groove' as well as pitch selection based on the situation
and batter. You will learn about 'perception'. With proper mental
attitude and 'perception' on your side, you will begin to learn how to
gain a psychological advantage over the batters.
I also teach pitchers about game situations and what to do AFTER the
ball is pitched including moves to stop runners from scoring from 3rd on a
hit ball and how to control the 'stroll' from 1st to 2nd with a baserunner
on 3rd without giving up the run from 3rd. At younger ages, and unless
your team has two perfect throws (catcher-2nd, back to catcher) from two
players with cannons for arms, the pitcher controls the 'stroll', not the catcher.
| What about fielding and batting?
Initially, I taught fielding and batting, but pitching has taken over
all of my available slots. As a result, I am hard pressed to teach any
batting or fielding on a regular basis. However, if you are interested in a
clinic, drop me a note.
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E-Mail:
ron@windpitch.com
512-965-6500
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My Questions To You |
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Why do YOU play?
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Why do YOU want to pitch?
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How much effort are YOU willing to put out?
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Are you willing to work 2-3 hours a week
in addition to your lessons?
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Fastpitch Softball Pitching Lessons
