Some things to consider when looking for pitching instruction:

(1) Many pitching instructors are men pitchers. A 200+pound male, teaching a girl pitching student “the way I do it” is not necessarily beneficial. Male former pitchers need to know procedures and techniques that perhaps they did not personally practice, but which may be more beneficial to young girl pitchers. Female pitching students often relate better to female pitching instructors who have successfully “been down the same road.” 

However, regardless of the gender of the instructor, when choosing someone to teach softball pitching be certain that s/he either was an accomplished pitcher OR has been a true student of girls fastpitch pitching… former softball position players do not necessarily know or relate to the mechanics and intricacies of pitching. 

(2) Not all pitching students are alike...consequently pitching instruction needs to be tailored to the girl. Her size, physical attributes, athletic ability, and "learnability" all demand that pitching instruction and techniques be customized. In nearly all aspects of softball pitching, there are very few “one method fits all” rules.

(3) Get individual instruction. Although less costly, group instruction…even two pitchers at a time…can be distracting. Often, the more accomplished pitcher (and perhaps the one with the most promise) gets less attention from the pitching instructor who spends more time with one who is struggling. Nearly everywhere, there are some instructors who are more interested in building a relationship with the check-writer rather than the pitching student. Be careful…if a pitching coach pays more attention to a parent rather than giving quality instruction to the pitcher, choose someone else.