Pitching coach rec in Indiana

[Nun40]

whatever was said I meant it.

[ballguy]

I just talked to Jerry Owens about that and he replied that he only mainly used CJH for hitting and not for pitching. If you don't believe me then I will ask him if I can give you his number so that you can check it out for yourself.

I think you would be surprised who was her main pitching coach and it was not CJH>

I'm not going to argue with you over this. I have seen W. Owens throwing with CJH while she was in high school. She may not have been her main pitching coach but they did use her. Doesn't really matter, I was giving the guy options which was what he was asking for. Guess he should have talked to you first and saved time since you have all the answers. Have a good day.

[killerbee]

I apologize MR. Killerbee. I got it mixed up what he told me about bat drag vs. bat lag. I know Bell such a great expert in hitting that he must have played fastpitch at a high level and has a unbelievable batting ave. It sounds like he has the knowledge that is equivalent to the two best men's fastpitch hitters in the world, Jodi Eich and Sorenson. I wonder what fastpitch team Bell played for and what his batting ave really is? Maybe if I ask around someone who knows him might be able to give me that information.
I showed Bell's definition to several expert men's AA fastpitch hitters that I know and they said it does not make and sense to them. Maybe they don't know what they are talking about but since they carry a .450 batting ave facing some of the fastest pitchers in the world I would have to have a tendency to believe them.
My grandaughter is just starting to play this year and I would take her to Bell only if I knew that he has played fastpitch and has been there and done it. I personally don't think it is a good idea for my grandaughter to take hitting lessons from someone who has never played the game and cannot hit.
Here is the definition these expert guys gave me which makes much more sense than what Bell says:
<The simplest definition of Bat Lag is that the hitter's hands go through the zone first, thus causing the barrel to lag or follow ...>

HI JOHN! Bat drag...bat lag, I knew what you were trying to say. It's all the same when it gets to be your age. I just figured with all your pro games you pitched in for the Knights of Columbus, you knew the difference. Missed ya buddy!

[Nun40]

Hitting coach criteria- in looking for a hitting coach for my gd I did some research into the matter and came up with this valuable information that will help me hopefully make the right decision.


1) does the hitting coach have a plan?
2) Can, or could the coach demonstrate a reasonable profieiency in hitting?
3) Is what the coach teaching safe?
4) A coach must connect emotionally-
5) Networking with other professionals

After talking to many people in the Indianapolis area I found that Bell is considered one of the major hitting coaches in Indianapolis and from what they say he teaches well. Does he have a plan? I would assume so since he has helped many girls to become good hitters, especially beginners.

In the second category can Bell demonstrate a reasonable proficiency in hitting? Has he played the game and can he really hit good pitching like he teaches. After seeking that information I came up empty on that one. Apparenty he has not played the game nor can he hit good pitching. So he has not mastered the skills of the game.

Is what he teaches safe? I havn't heard any complaints so category 3 is OK.

Can he connect emotionally? I have heard he is good at that so he passes on that one.

Has he networked with other professonals? We are living in the information era, videos, computers and other devices make coaching easier., but students can use all these things as well as the coaches. Truly professional coaches go beyond what is simply available, and connect with the very best of the game, hitters, trainers, and teams across the nation. The best coaches can quote others int the field on the cutting edge of training, and bring their thoughts and beliefs into every pitching session. If the vast majority of good coaches and pitchers believe something, it is generally correct.

Now on this last category Bell surely reads all the tapes and videos, etc to learn what he knows, but the networking with other of the top professionals I cannot answer that since I don't really know who he has connected with on learning the basics.

My conclusion from all this research is that Bell can teach beginners very well up to age 11 but to become advanced they need to go elsewhere. I guess I should take my gd to him to learn beginning basics but I have decided not to because I can go to the computer and teach her off of tapes and video's just as well as he can and save a lot of money in the process.

[DrHeat]

[quote="frigate10"]Hitting coach criteria- in looking for a hitting coach for my gd I did some research into the matter and came up with this valuable information that will help me hopefully make the right decision.


1) does the hitting coach have a plan?
2) Can, or could the coach demonstrate a reasonable profieiency in hitting?
3) Is what the coach teaching safe?
4) A coach must connect emotionally-
5) Networking with other professionalsquote]

So who did you come up with for your GD for a hitting instructor? Never been to Bell for hitting. I have watched some of the ones in the area, like Lewis, Kreich, Lloyd, Baker, Slinger, and some girl at TITTL on the Southside. Who did your research lead you to. It might help direct me to getting my DD on the right track.

[Nun40]

Dr. Heat, all the hitting instructors seem to be doing well in helping out the girls and making softball more competitive in the Indy area.

My research so far has come up with Brad Lewis. I called him and talked to him about how he teaches and from what he says really interest me.

He video tapes the student and works a lot on teaching the swing from using other good hitters set up in his computer program. His software allows him to split the screen and go step by step. I like that because it is visual.

He also goes to lots of clinics to learn from the best so his networking is pretty good.

To me this is important so I will try him out.

[slapperdad]

I'm just curious, all this high level hitting experience, how would that help a guy who's getting his ass whipped by an Xcel mom?

[looking in]

I didn't realize the Excel did any "a#$" whipping, what age group would that be??

[slapperdad]

Lookingin, I didn't say anything about Xcel whipping anyone's posterior.

[killerbee]

Thanks John(Bat Drag)! Those are the nicest things I've heard you say. I appreciate the pub, but I'm actually looking to scale back.

I'm assuming your hitting criteria holds true for for pitching as well.

1) does the pitching coach have a plan?
2) Can, or could the coach demonstrate a reasonable profieiency in pitching?
3) Is what the coach teaching safe?
4) A coach must connect emotionally-
5) Networking with other professionals

I do know classes seem to be full for the pitching coaches that haven't thrown at the level such as yourself.
Smith, Morris and Wise seem to have full classes and yet to have thrown a pitch in the AA World Series.

Unlike you, I am not threatened by others that want to reach out and attempt to teach our young athletes the game of softball. I actually appreciate the help that has been passed on to me from Joe, Roger, Tony and others in the area. Never have I claimed to know it ALL or want ALL the business.
This is a forum and many opinions are expressed. Whether right, wrong or indifferent. This being said you should take GD to CJH as she holds the best criteria that you lay out for pitchers and hitters.

p.s. Don't ruin this board too! Many were hoping you wouldn't find us here.