Anna Kasner, Most Improved 10 year old pitcher

"Anna locks on Target"

Anna Kasner, 12u Pitcher

Most Improved

10 year old

Pitcher
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Every year I will see up to 200 players needing instruction. Anna came to a private evaluation in 2009. I just thought she was a little kid wanting to have a little fun learning about fastpitch hitting. Dad, Jason, was an All League player in his day from Mt Tahoma and showed her a few batting tips. Anna showed me she had an aggressive swing and would let go of her bat each time with one hand. In fastpitch we instruct the hitter to drive through the ball and to hold-on to the bat with both hands over the shoulder for power. After few laps around the park after disciplining her (with fair warning) each time she let-go of the bat, Anna realized she got herself into a situation she never seen before with a coach... discipline. Self discipline is the basic fundamental for the beginner and advanced pitchers. A pitcher just cannot survive on the mound without it. The big "D" is what pitching or hitting or fielding a ball properly in tough situations is all about.

" I saw that Anna needed discipline, she was used to being in the limelight at home and center of attention. But most of all Anna came to camp in excellent physical condition. That is what make trainers just a little excited when evaluating an athlete. I knew from first glance and how she ran on those "D" runs this kid was going to be a special player. Young athletes want to learn. Anna learned to apply her skills with each lesson and on her own with dad Jason. She is also very stubborn, in a positive way. Maybe a perfectionist. That will also come out in practices. After months of training I was able t pull-her potential out of her. A great character trait to have, being stubborn. Some kids don't have it. Later on she struggled with her new skills at LL games and took her lumps. Now, no longer playing little league, Anna stepped it up a few notches after several months of pitching, fielding and hitting training. Pitching and playing up at 12u Club ball for a 10 year old is very,very hard for anyone. Anna not only showed she could impact her team with hits, runs,stolen bases... but also pitching. Anna not only played up, she proved she belonged there competing with the big-girls. She is one of them now."

-Coach Adam

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" Anna pitched 5 innings against a big team and hit for 3 of 4 at bats with 3 rbi's. She struck out 7 batters and allowed only 2 hits! Your pitching practices with Anna have really helped allot. All her pitches looked good. Anna really focused well when she was behind in the count a couple times and was able to strike them out. She remembers what Adam told her about keeping her inside fastball mechanics as well as being consistent on each location of every pitch. At Western Worlds she was a different person, possessed! The first 3 innings she got ahead in the count and struck out the lead hitter and we (coaches) were just quiet, probably because we were in shock. What a jump from the beginning of the season where she would get behind in the count. By far her inside fastball is the best I have seen, with speed. The lead-off hitters get jumpy when it comes flying in. Now we are working on more power from her small frame with Adam. Other coaches are noticing a huge improvement. WE really did not expect this to happen so soon. Anna works hard and wants to pitch, I don't have to remind her about practice."
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Thanks Adam,
coach Jason and Diane Kasner
2009 Acers Kasner 12u