In baseball, there are two main types of pitching styles: overhand and underhand. Overhand pitching is usually preferred for its greater speed and accuracy, but girls are often discouraged from using this style. This article examines the reasons why girls are discouraged from using the overhand style of pitching and the potential benefits of using it.
The Gender Gap in Pitching
The gender gap in pitching is striking. According to a 2016 study, only 16.5% of high school female baseball players used the overhand pitching style, while 83.5% used the underhand style. This gap is even wider among college and professional baseball players with only 3.2% of female players using the overhand style.
The reasons for this discrepancy are complex and varied. Many girls are told by their coaches that they should not use the overhand style because it is too difficult or dangerous for them to perform. This is despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that girls have any difficulty or disadvantage in using this style of pitching.
The Myth of a “Natural” Advantage
The idea that girls have a “natural” advantage in using the underhand style of pitching is pervasive. This is despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that girls have any special advantage in using this style.
In fact, some studies have suggested that overhand pitching is actually easier for girls than underhand pitching. This is because overhand pitching is more efficient and requires less energy to perform. Additionally, overhand pitching has been found to be more accurate than underhand pitching, which can be beneficial to girls who are learning the game.
The Need for More Education
The gender gap in pitching is a reflection of a larger issue in baseball: the lack of education about the importance of overhand pitching. Many coaches, particularly those who are not experienced with the game, are not familiar with the benefits of using this style of pitching.
As a result, they may be unaware of the potential advantages that girls can gain from using overhand pitching. This lack of education is one of the main reasons why girls are discouraged from using this style.
The Benefits of Overhand Pitching
The overhand style of pitching has several potential benefits for girls. For example, it can help build arm strength, which can be beneficial for girls who are looking to improve their pitching performance. Additionally, overhand pitching can help girls increase their accuracy and control, which can be beneficial for players who are looking to become more consistent.
Finally, overhand pitching can help girls become more confident in their abilities. This can be particularly beneficial for girls who are new to the game or who are feeling intimidated by their male peers.
Conclusion
The gender gap in pitching is due in part to a lack of education about the benefits of overhand pitching for girls. This is despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that girls have any difficulty or disadvantage in using this style of pitching. In fact, studies have suggested that overhand pitching can be easier for girls to learn and may provide them with a number of potential benefits.
It is important for coaches and parents to educate themselves on the potential advantages of overhand pitching for girls and to encourage girls to use this style of pitching. Doing so can help girls become more confident in their abilities and can help them reach their full potential as baseball players.