The Pressure on Softball Pitchers

National Scouting Report Softball Combines have become a big part of my weekends lately. We have a blast being able to get free metrics done for athletes wanting to play in college. At the same, we get to evaluate their talents. Having been a pitcher all my life, I, of course, work the pitching station. Seeing young pitchers step on the rubber takes me back to the days I got to do that. The days where I threw until my finger bled. The days when my dad sat on the bucket. The days when my mom cheered in the stands. Fun times! I see that same spark in so many families, but I also have seen a lot of frustration.

What Kind of Pressure?

These days Pitchers have so much pressure on them. They feel like if they aren’t throwing 65 mph+ they are failures. I’ve been doing these combines for years, and very few girls hit 65mph. Not only do pitchers put pressure on themselves, but their parents are right behind them saying “Snap harder!”, “Speed up your arm!”, I have even heard “Use your knees!”. Seriously, what does that even mean?

Parents, please understand that if your daughter isn’t throwing the speed you think she should or you have been told she hit one time at a lesson, she is not a failure. I see the girls get this look in their eyes when they hear your disappointment, and have even seen girls drop the ball and leave the field in tears. It’s disheartening and uncalled for. Female athletes are usually the hardest on themselves, so be there to encourage and support them!

Pitchers, stop having unrealistic expectations for yourself. Be great at being you!

Learn From Your Metrics

One more thing… please trust that the thousands of dollars we have in radars is trustworthy and accurate. The Stalker Sport 2, the Jugs Professional Radar, and the pocket Radar Pro Radar System are the top of the line. They are all side by side being compared. If we tell you you are throwing 57mph, you are throwing 57mph.

We do these combines so that athletes have the chance to present that accurate information to college coaches. We do these so that athletes have an opportunity to see where they are and where they need to improve.

Our next combine is coming up at the Bolts 5 Star, and I am excited about seeing more talented pitchers and hopefully less parental pressure!