What to Watch: A Parent & Coach’s Guide to Pitching Mechanics

Hey There, Friend!

Are you as excited as I am to watch some postseason college softball?

If you get the chance, I highly recommend tuning in to some of the conference tournaments this week. Not only are they fun to watch, they’re packed with teachable moments—especially for parents and coaches supporting young pitchers.

Here are a few things you can watch for together with your pitcher—or observe on your own and bring into your conversations or coaching:

• Pitching Mechanics
  Remember, these pitchers are throwing more than just fastballs. You'll see subtle differences in mechanics depending on the pitch type.

• Command of the Zone
  Pay attention to pitch location. Most big hits at this level happen because of mistakes in location.

• Smart Misses
  Even when a pitcher misses her spot, is she missing in a better direction based on the count? Watch how strategic these misses are.

• Disrupting Timing
  Does the pitcher change speeds, work all parts of the zone, or go inside on hitters to jam them?

• How She Creates Outs
  Is she going for strikeouts or pitching to contact and trusting her defense?

• Spin + Movement
  Can you spot sharp, late break on movement pitches? You might even catch some great slow motion shots of her spin!

• Pre-Pitch Routine
  Look for a consistent and intentional routine—including a deep breath—before each pitch.

• Handling Adversity
  When things don’t go her way, how’s her body language? Does she stay steady for her team?

• Bounce-Back Ability
  After giving up a big hit, how does she respond to the next hitter? Watch for resilience and quick recovery.

• Energy + Enjoyment
  Does she light up when her team succeeds? Is she having FUN? Passion is part of presence, too.

Now here’s where YOU come in...

As a parent or coach, one of the most impactful things you can do is help your pitcher see what you see—and use that insight to guide her development.

That’s why I offer a FREE side-by-side video analysis!

Just send in a clip of your pitcher, and I’ll sync it with a model pitcher—then send you a checklist you can use to evaluate her mechanics. It highlights what’s going well and what may need more attention, giving you a clear, practical tool to guide your feedback and make training time more effective! HERE is the link with directions on how to shoot and submit your video!

The checklist includes key checkpoints for:

• Proper stance and start on the rubber

• Efficient weight transfer during the windup

• Explosive and balanced stride mechanics

• Glove arm and throwing arm position during stride set

• Backside drive and posture through release

• Loose arm circle and follow through

• Balanced, athletic finish

Want to go a step further?

I’ve brought back my Voice Over Video Analysis option—
I’ll walk you and your pitcher through a detailed, frame-by-frame breakdown of her mechanics. You'll not only hear what’s working and what’s not, but I’ll also give you customized drills to help her strengthen the specific areas that need it most.

👉 Click HERE to request your FREE side-by-side synced video or to purchase the voice-over analysis upgrade!

Building a pitcher’s foundation takes more than reps—it takes understanding. And mechanical weaknesses always show up somewhere: velocity, command, consistency, confidence.

Helping her learn what needs work and how to fix it? That’s what creates long-term growth.

Thanks for being part of her journey. Keep cheering her on—and helping her get better every step of the way.

All My BEST,
Myndie

P.S. Have you registered for a Summer School yet? Spots are limited—and I’d love to see your pitcher there!