Originally Posted by Matt13:
The gun can be a teaching tool and a means to evaluate development. If they want to work on a changeup, for example, they may be using it to look at the difference in speeds between that and a fastball, so they can see what they need to work on.
Yes, it CAN be a great tool. I’ve seen it used to measure the difference between a FB and CU myself, but as I read what you posted, something occurred to me. I understand that in looking at a CU, it’s a great way to measure the difference between pitches, but how does that direct anyone to something they can work on. I’m thinking in the sense that the only things that can be done are to slow down the arm, which is a definite no-no, or to adjust the grip, which is typically what’s done.
But the difference in velocity between the pitches isn’t necessarily what makes it effective. It certainly can be a factor, but so can other things that the gun would never pick up. None-the-less, whether a coach drags out a radar gun on 10YOs isn’t a real indication of whether or not that coach is good or bad. But, its certainly should turn on a red warning light that a parent should recognize as saying that coach needs to be watched closely. 