14 Common Misconceptions About Pitching - Part 2 of 3

A couple of weeks ago, I shared the first round of common misconceptions about pitching—and the response was overwhelming. So many of you reached out saying, “This is exactly what I needed to hear.” As promised, here’s Part Two.

These ideas are shaped not just by what I see on the field every week, but also by what I’ve learned over the years attending the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) conference. Though I’m not currently at a conference this week, I always come back from NFCA events with pages of notes and fresh insight—especially around the myths we unknowingly pass down about pitching. One of the biggest reminders? Sometimes, when players struggle to execute a skill, it’s not about mindset—it’s about physical limitations like strength, mobility, or coordination. That understanding changes how we coach and how players improve.

With that in mind, here are four more misconceptions I hear all the time—plus what to do instead.

7. “I’ll start training three months before the season in January. I’m only 10 and have other sports. I’m not trying to be Monica Abbott.”

I hear you! But remember Misconception #3? The chart we shared there applies to every athlete—regardless of age, talent, or how many activities they juggle. Whether she plays piano, basketball, or is acing her schoolwork, improvement takes consistent reps. Ideally, 4 days per week.

That said, it’s totally fine to pitch part-time, as long as your expectations match your effort. Pitching is one of the few sports that can be practiced solo—10 minutes a day throwing socks into a wall can add up. I often say, “Pitching is her other number one sport.” Even on a busy day, there’s something she can do.

For beginners or 7–8-year-olds just trying it out, one session is perfect. You’ll learn enough to keep things going at home until she decides if pitching is for her.

8. “My daughter is plateauing. She must be doing something wrong. Maybe it’s time for a new coach.”

Plateauing isn’t about one wrong move—it’s about the big picture. True plateaus usually only happen when a pitcher is consistently doing all the work: lessons, practices, strength training, the whole deal. If after all that, there’s no progress, then sure—trying a new coach to hear a different perspective could help.

But for most young pitchers, especially in their first few years, development isn’t linear. Speed, mechanics, and accuracy can change daily. Progress sometimes looks messy. Stick with it—she’s not stuck. She’s learning.

9. “I’m not going to practice, but at least I’ll improve a little just by going to lessons.”

Let’s be honest: pitching isn’t like playing the outfield. An unskilled hitter strikes out, and the game moves on. But an unskilled pitcher can throw 10+ wild pitches in a single game—and suddenly the game isn’t fun for anyone.

Going to lessons without practicing in between isn’t “better than nothing.” It’s expensive and ineffective. The players who practice even one extra day a week see real gains. The ones who go all-in? Their progress is incredible. That’s where the value of your time and money really pays off.

10. “If I don’t pitch on my team, I must not be a good pitcher.”

Coach Andrea tells a story that I love: She didn’t pitch for her high school team because another pitcher earned the starts—and eventually a D1 scholarship. Instead, Andrea played outfield and won “Best Outfielder” that year.

But here’s the twist: Andrea still pitched regularly for her travel team, kept training, and eventually became a high-level NCAA DIII pitcher. Her journey wasn’t about being the best on one team—it was about becoming the best version of herself.

If your daughter loves pitching and keeps putting in the work, she should never let one team—or one coach—decide her future.

I thought this list would be shorter, but I’m clearly not done yet. Stay tuned next week for Misconceptions #11–14.

In the meantime, follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates from lessons! I’m bringing back tons of insight to help you become the best pitcher—or pitching parent—you can be.

See you at practice.