Is Your Pitcher Ready for Lessons? 7 Keys Every Parent Should Know

Hey There, Friend!

The start of the training season is right around the corner! As I prepare to open registration for both my in-person and online training program, I wanted to share seven key things that will:

• Help you determine if your pitcher is ready for lessons (or my training program)

• Set her up to get the most out of what she learns

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of pitchers—athletes from 27 states and three countries—and I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what truly sets successful pitchers apart. These seven keys are the foundation I’ve seen help pitchers grow, gain confidence, and enjoy the process.

1. Is Your Pitcher Excited to Learn?

This one matters most: does your pitcher want this for herself?

A pitcher came to me two years ago because her dad thought she should pitch. She had talent but zero passion—and within a few weeks, practices became a battle. Fast forward to last year: she decided on her own that she wanted to pitch, and everything changed. She’s staying consistent, pushing through the hard days, and growing in both confidence and love for the game.

Pitching takes work, and if your pitcher isn’t excited about putting in that work right now, it may not be the right time to start lessons—and that’s okay. Passion matters, because when a pitcher chooses to chase a goal, she’s more likely to stick with it when challenges pop up. By helping her discover what she’s truly interested in—whether that’s pitching or something else—you’re setting her up to develop confidence, resilience, and self-motivation that will serve her far beyond the softball field.

2. Does She Like Practicing Outside of Lessons?

Here’s the truth: lessons teach the skills, but at-home reps build the pitcher.

One of my first-year pitchers came to her very first class having never pitched before. From day one, she committed to working just 10 minutes a day on the drills we covered. Those short, consistent sessions helped her create solid mechanics, gain 7mph, and throw strikes with confidence—all in her very first year of getting to pitch for her team.

Even better? Her mom made practice fun by joining her once or twice a week to catch, encourage, and challenge her. Pitchers can practice on their own, but when a parent occasionally gets involved, it makes a world of difference.

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: whether it’s a first-year pitcher just getting started, a college athlete chasing the next level, or watching the best in the AUSL, the pitchers who succeed have one thing in common—they love the process. They don’t just attend lessons; they take charge of their learning and invest in becoming better every day.

3. Is She Developing Mindset Skills, Too?

Pitching success isn’t just about mechanics—it’s also about mindset.

I worked with a pitcher, Maddie, who used to get frustrated every time she gave up a big hit. One bad pitch would spiral into two, and suddenly her confidence was gone. Once she learned how to have a short memory and developed a practiced plan to “reset” for the next pitch, everything changed. She was able to keep her composure, stay focused, and continue competing hard for her team—every single pitch.

Mindset skills are just as important as mechanics. In any quality pitching lessons or training program, your pitcher should also be learning how to:

• View failure as feedback instead of a setback

• Develop routines to manage nerves and stay focused

• Bounce back quickly after giving up hits or walks

• Build confidence by setting small, achievable goals

• Grow leadership skills that help her support teammates

The pitchers who thrive at the highest levels—whether in high school, college, or even professionally—don’t just train their bodies. They train their minds.

4. Does She Get a Say in Setting Practice Goals?

Giving your pitcher a voice in her training builds buy-in and confidence.

Have you ever asked your pitcher, “What’s the one thing you want to improve today?” Focusing on just one goal makes practice feel achievable and keeps her engaged. Over time, those small wins stack up into big breakthroughs.

When you involve her in setting goals, practice stops feeling like something she has to do and starts feeling like her choice—and that’s when real growth happens.

5. Does She Have a Plan to Follow?

A clear plan takes away the guesswork—and the arguments. 😉

Whether you train in person or through an online training program, your pitcher should have structured workouts designed to build on what she’s learning in lessons. These might include quick 5–10 minute “daily drills” or longer 30–45 minute sessions a few times a week.

If your pitcher’s coach isn’t giving her a plan, ask for one! Without direction, it’s easy to feel frustrated and lose focus during practice. A plan also makes progress easier to see—for both pitchers and parents.

6. Does She Have a Space at Home to Practice?

A consistent spot—even a tiny one—changes everything.

You don’t need a full bullpen setup. If your pitcher has 10 feet in front of a net or wall, she’s got enough space to build good habits and keep her training consistent, no matter the weather or schedule.

Two quick, budget-friendly options:

• Option 1: A portable net + bucket of balls. I love PowerNets because they’re lightweight, quick to set up, and versatile enough for indoor or outdoor use.

• Option 2: A couple of old socks turned into “softballs” and an open wall. Perfect for working on mechanics, power, and accuracy—without needing a catcher.

The easier you make it for your pitcher to practice, the more likely she is to do it consistently.

7. Does She Have an At-Home Practice Schedule?

Consistency builds confidence.

I always encourage pitchers to practice at the same time, in the same spot on specific days. When practice becomes part of her routine, it’s easier to stick with—even on the busy days when motivation dips.

Here’s a pro tip: tie practice to something she already does daily. For example, “after dinner, before homework” or “right after school.” Anchoring practice to existing habits makes sticking with it much easier.

Bringing It All Together

If you answered yes to most of these, your pitcher is likely ready to make great progress with lessons this training season. If not, that’s okay too! Work on setting up a few of these foundations now, and you’ll set her up for success in the future.

The right training environment should give your pitcher the skills, structure, and mindset tools she needs to grow—not just as an athlete but as a confident, resilient leader.

And if you’d like support or have questions about helping your pitcher succeed, you can always email me at: [email protected] 

I’m here to help you every step of the way, my friend!

All my best,
Myndie