When to Make a Pitching Change in Softball
Being a head coach at the youth softball levels can be a challenging task. Often, travel ball coaches are parents of players, who volunteer their time and energy. Being a parent coach is never easy, especially since many are pressured or feel obligated to fulfill the role. Most teams will have a head coach, an assistant coach, and a third coach in the dugout. The head coach makes all executive decisions on practice and game days. It’s important that the head coach learns each position on the field and how to move players around to improve the defense. This includes being able to identify when the right time is to substitute a new pitcher in the circle.
The pitcher position in softball is the hardest one to study. Softball pitchers are a different breed of athletes. The majority of softball pitchers are Type A personalities. They are stubborn and competitive by nature. Softball pitchers are gamers and want the ball in their hand. It’s important that softball coaches study and get to know their pitching staff. Pitching changes are regularly made in softball, and it’s the head coaches job to identify when to make the switch.
Below are five ways for softball coaches to identify when a pitching change should be made.
Playing with a Lead: If your team has a lead that cannot be blown, this would be a great time to get some other pitchers on the staff some innings. At the younger age levels, there is a runs-per-inning-cap in place. If your team is ahead, don’t be afraid to make a pitching switch. Even if the new pitcher gives up the maximum number of runs that inning, your team is still in the lead.
Catching On: Usually, a starting pitcher at the younger age levels will be able to hold their own in the circle at least one time through the order. The second and third time through, the hitters may begin to catch on. This is perfectly normal and a big reason why most teams carry two to three pitchers on their roster. If the third or fourth inning rolls around and base runners begin to reach base due to contact, make the switch and give the hitters a new look.
Walks: If your pitcher begins to fall behind in multiple counts and issues uncharacteristic walks, make a change. Walks usually occur when the pitcher is tired or is trying to force her pitches into the strike zone. It’s impossible for a defense to field behind a pitcher who is putting base runners on due to walks. If the pitcher cannot throw strikes, make the pitching change.
Frustrated Pitcher: Softball pitchers cannot pitch while riding negative emotions. A softball pitcher may get frustrated for a majority of reasons. Most of these frustrations will be out of their control. An umpire makes a bad call; a play isn’t made, her pitches are just missing or aren’t working, the field is wet, the ball doesn’t have a seam, you get the idea. If a pitcher is anything but zoned in on the mound, make the switch to prevent further damage.
Body Language: As a coach, it’s important to study and learn your pitcher’s body language. A pitcher’s body language is a direct correlation with her emotions. If the shoulders begin to slouch, if the hand goes to the hip, or if her eyes wander towards the dugout, these are all signs that the pitcher may be starting to fall out of her rhythm mentally.
The role of a youth softball head coach is never easy. With every pitching change comes a chance of a backlash from the pitcher or the pitcher’s parents. It’s important that the head coach always does what’s best for the team and makes coaching decisions that will benefit the team. If you are a pitcher or a pitcher parent, don’t take a pitching change personal. They are part of the game, and sometimes you have to tip your cap to the offense for being on that day. Having a short-term memory is crucial in softball, at every position and after every at-bat. One bad game or outing doesn’t define you as a player. The greatest softball players in the world have off-days, and they take those days as learning experiences so they can overcome them in the future.
