Beth Torina: Answers to Pitching FAQs that Every Coach Wants to Know

with Beth Torina, LSU Head Coach;
4x Women's College World Series qualifier (2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017);
former Head Coach at Florida International;
2x Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year (2008, 2010);
former USSSA Florida Pride Head Coach (National Pro Fastpitch League);
pitched for the University of Florida; 60 career wins (tied for fourth all-time at UF)

Ever wonder how the best college softball programs approach pitching? Have you ever wanted to ask a top-tier coach questions about their process?

If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then this video featuring LSU softball head coach, Beth Torina, will be of immense value to you and your softball program. In this presentation from the 2020 National All Sports Coaches Summit, Torina addresses some of the biggest frequently asked questions that she gets regarding pitching, including:

• What do you look for in a pitcher?
• How do you design workouts for your pitchers?
• What do you chart?
• How do you increase your pitchers' speed?
• What change-up should pitchers throw?
• How do you troubleshoot problems?

Coach Torina provides her answers and more inside!

Identifying and Working Out Pitchers

To begin, Torina breaks down the main things she seeks out in pitchers. Her three main components for great pitchers are spin, spot, and speed. Once you've selected the athletes you want to pitch, Coach Torina suggests identifying each player's individual strengths. She outlines ideas to get the most out of every pitcher on your roster.

Next, you'll get an overview of many of the workout ideas that Torina incorporates at LSU. Her philosophy is, "Everyone is special, but no one receives special treatment." Coach Torina passes along three in-season pitching workout examples and also covers some specific drills that have been particularly useful to her pitching staff. You'll also learn her charting method for in-game and post-game review.

Pitching Tweaks and Troubleshooting

In order to increase pitch speed, Torina uses Long Toss and Sock Ball drills at practice. She also covers a list of strength and conditioning guidelines that are meant to promote increased velocity.

An elite change-up can be a game-changing weapon. Coach Torina passes along change-up tips and breaks down some of the different styles of change-up that she's seen used effectively in the college game. Finally, near the end of her presentation, Torina includes some tips for troubleshooting common mistakes, including leaping/crow hopping, leaning, and front side flying.

The information provided in this video courtesy of Coach Torina is sure to get you on the right track when it comes to developing your own pitchers. Her coaching methods have proven to be successful in the college game and are easily replicable at any level of play!

45 minutes. 2021.