43 Foot Question

With the approval of 43' pitching distance in high school next season, at what age should pitchers begin working from that distance? Also what ages in travel ball should go to 43'?

Some I have asked have said 12U, some 14U and others say wait until 16U (too late IMO).

The answers and comments will help travel ball coaches and tournament directors determine the best thing for the players and teams.

Should this fall's travel ball tournaments go to 43'? If so, what ages?

Also, what about middle schools? Any change for these teams?

 

Hi BMAC,

I would say that 14U is where they should go to 43 feet. I agree with you that 16U is too late. Back when my daughter was 10U there were a lot of hard throwing pitchers...especially from 35' with the small ball. I thought back then the 10U should stay with the small ball, but throw from 40'. If 10U is going to stay at 35 then I guess 12U should stay at 40'...8ft of distance and going to the larger ball seems a bit much of a jump for 1 age level. All of this is just my opinion.

 

I'm happy about the move to 43' but it might be a good idea for teams take a pitching rubber with them for a while just in case.

 

we need to take the approach to this like baseball. in middle school, they throw from 54'. then when they get to jv they move back to 60' 6". middle school at 40' then back to 43 when they hit high school. my jv/ middle school coach asked me the same question. that was my answer. the problem with the state of nc is that middle schools are looked after in raleigh rather than chapel hill. kymm ballard at the dept. of public instruction would be the person to ask.

 

No doubt we should stay at 40 in middle school and step up to 43 for high school. Travel ball presents a little more of a problem though.

 

FYI, Kymm Ballard left the dept. of public instruction. I forget the name of the person that took her responsibilities.

 

So is the 43' rule official in NC for 2010?

 

yes

Yes, this will be in effect for the 2010 spring season.

 

NSA is going to 43' for 16 and 18u for the rest of the year. I hope the rest of the organizations do the same

 

I agree and I also hope they do it at 14U next year.