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Pitching is my
passion. Through my enthusiasm and instruction, I try to
pass on that passion to my students. A true passion for
this unique skill is the best internal motivator for
pitchers to practice. I've instructed young pitchers for
over 21 years. In 1997 I became a full-time pitching
instructor. I co-owned Batter Up, Inc. from November
1998 - August 2004. I opened up a new pitching school on
my farm in Hanover County Virginia, August 2004. I am
currently adding on to the training center.
Being a full time pitching instructor, I have the luxury
of spending a lot of time studying the motion and
inventing creative ways to teach it. Your greatest
benefit is my expertise. I model my instruction and
technique by studying the methods of the best softball
pitchers in the world: our Olympians...especially Lisa
Fernandez and Michelle Smith. Why would we copy anybody
else?
· I use video analysis to demonstrate the mechanics of
these elite pitchers to new students.
· I video students and then analyze and compare each
students' form to that of the Olympians.
· Then we go to work! We go step by step correcting and
adjusting the mechanics and enhancing their performance.
Efficient mechanics is our goal.
One of the best parts of my day is to re-video at the
end of the session. The student the can see her
improvement and see herself hitting the correct
positions. Some students can feel what their body is
doing whereas others learn better if they see it. Body
awareness is one of our best lessons. It is the
pitcher’s responsibility to come back with that same
perfect form. Bring a pitching notebook so I can write a
"prescription" for practice success. Students are to
have mastered their homework before returning the next
lesson. I keep an appointment page on each student and
document each lesson. I know what weaknesses had better
be gone when I see them again! Lessons are fruitless if
you don't practice at home. Practice with a purpose.
Know what you are working on and why. Terms/ideas you'll
become familiar with are attack position, reverse
posture, resistance, figure 4 and hips staying
open!!!!!! Review all the instructional videos on my
website's store before attending lessons.
The best way to improve a pitcher's accuracy and speed
is by correcting a pitcher's mechanics. Practice Makes
Permanent. Pitchers must practice correct mechanics at
100% effort. Aggressive mechanics done correctly builds
speed and accuracy will result from consistent
repetitions. “Strikes first” without regard for
mechanics and speed is an absolute plan for
failure…don't be fooled by instructors that teach
accuracy first!!!!! Ask the Olympic coaches – all say
teach speed first! Period.
I have a JUGS radar gun to monitor progress. My goal is
55mph for 7th graders and 60mph for 9th graders. We have
serious work to do to get you there or to get you caught
up. It may be too late if aggressive mechanics were not
ingrained in you from the start!I
I also use the new RevFire ball to measure spin speed of
each pitch. We want spin speeds in the 20+rps
(revolution per second) range. You must work on spins. A
ball moves because of two things: direction of spin and
speed of spin…nothing else. Too many kids have poor spin
and poor movement. I really focus on arm whip, snaps,
finger friction and spins!
Parents, this is your lesson, too. If your daughter is
going to be successful, you'd better prepared to get
involved. Go ahead and get shin guards because you must
spend years sitting on the bucket catching for your
pitcher. You must learn how to be positive. I don't need
a timid pitcher because you get after her for bad
pitches! You fail to realize how hard this is! You also
must set up a practice area she can use on her own as
well as during those cold, dark winter months when
practice is critical but hard to do because of all those
excuses. And finally, you are my eyes at home. You must
catch mechanical flaws and assist her in making
corrections. Learn how to say it so your daughter will
listen!!!
Students have several options for pitching instruction:
· I have "Pitching Programs on the Road" where I come to
your area several weeks in a row for group sessions. See
the tab on my home page for specific programs and
contact me to set one up in your area. These are
primarily held in the fall and winter. I opt not to hold
many of these due to lesson demands.
· Most students opt to train with me through individual
or group lessons at my training center. Sessions are 45
minutes. I'd recommend two back-to-back sessions for any
groups and for individuals over an hour and a half away.
Contact me through email to set appointments up and to
get prices. I book 3 months in advance so be patient and
book ahead of time! Out-of-state students get weekend
priority.
Appointments are your's once booked. Time is valuable
and I want to spend time with students who value their
time slots. I expect you to keep appointments and give
me the courtesy of a two-day notice of any
cancellations. The three ways to contact me are: H (804)
798-2772, C (804) 382-6211 and email:
mail@ritalynn.com
. Payment is expected for any missed appointments. My
mailing address is: 14244 Ashland Rd, Glen Allen VA
23059.
Always arrive early and let me know you're present.
Completely warm up before our start time! Since we're
indoors wear tennis shoes not cleats. Bring your own
taped balls, Spin Right Spinner, cannonball, weighted
balls, 14” ball, clicker and ball on a stick. New
students may purchase these their first session. It is
highly recommended you bring a video camera to record
your lessons. Pitchers are responsible for everything we
cover each lesson. Directions are on the website. Most
importantly, bring a good attitude and lots of energy!
Always email me to set up lessons! Resend if you don't
hear back. I always answer!)
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