Curveball Strategies for 12U Fastpitch: Coaching Tips

Question
Tom - I coach a 12U fastpitch team. For most of the girls this is their first experience with facing pitchers who my throw a curveball. Is there any advice I can give them to better prepare them for this type of pitching.

Thanks
John

Answer
Regardless of the speed of the pitcher, have them move up in the box.  This will take a few feet of the distance the pitch travels.  Most of the curve happens at the end and this should allow them to have a better chance to hit the pitch before it breaks.

You can also tell them to just let it go if they have a hitters count on them  (2-0 or 3-1), and look for something different.  This may be alot to ask of 12U players.

Tom