Softball is simple, score more runs than the other team and you win. Within that simplicity there is a multitude of layers to uncover. The more you learn/master, the more there is to learn/master.
The data captured via chartIT can be used for the following reasons:
- Scouting on opposition pitching – this can help to ensure your team is ready with as much information as possible, e.g., pitch types the pitcher throws, tendencies, effectiveness of change of speed, measure of control, success against left-handed vs. right-handed hitters.
- Scouting on opposition hitting – this can assist with ensuring your defense is setup correctly, ensuring that you are throwing the best pitch in that scenario to that hitter, deciding when to pitch around hitters, practicing your ability at hitting specific pitches or locations, verifying success against left-handed vs. right-handed pitchers.
- Discovering more about your own players – you can identify aspects to focus on or highlight aspects that you do better than you thought, use data as a reference with your players (or parents) rather than verbal opinions, use it as an educational tool to develop pitch calling and game awareness.
“To not look at the data is foolish, but to look at the data as having all the answers is even more foolish. It is a collision of new-school statistics and statisticians against old-school managers, coaches, and instructors. Neither side is right, neither is wrong; there is so much to be gained from listening to both sides.” – Tim Kurkjian