10 U Pitchers

Question
Mr, Mielke,
Can you give me an idea of the average pitcher's ability at the 10U STATE CHAMPIONSHIP level.  We will host a Regional Tournament and have 3 great pitchers (one that has been gunned @ 50 mph - we think this is pretty good but this is a big country with alot of talented kids...) We've never been at this level before and want to know  what speed the pitching machine should be set at.  Can you also give me an idea of what pitches are thrown.  Thanks so much!

Answer
Eric,

I think if you head off to a National 10U Tournament and you have a girl throwing 50 with control, you will be doing well.  I think most 12U teams would be pleased with 50, the very best 12U pitcher can go mid fifties.  

At 10U I don't think you are going to see any serious junk ballers with control.  The girls are just too young to have developed several pitches with control.  Look for some speed with some control and maybe a decent change up.  The ones that take lessons may throw their fast ball with a flip release, so look for some downward movement.  You should be able to pick this up pretty quickly.

If your girls have control with their speed, it is time to teach them a change up.