Fastpitch Softball Bunt Coverage

By Guest Author: Jim Moyer

To be a solid fastpitch softball defensive team, your team must be well-drilled in fastpitch softball bunt coverage. This article will discuss the standard scheme that works best for your base defense. Moreso than other softball skills, practice and repetition will be paramount in executing bunt coverage, as this play requires an inordinate amount of team chemistry.

The typical layout of your defensive unit should have the 1st baseman playing in towards home about 3-5 feet. The 2nd baseman and Shortstop should be positioned somewhere behind the baseline (depending on the age and level of competition). The 3rd baseman should be positioned about 10-12 feet inside the bag towards home plate. This base positioning dictates that the 3rd baseman, 1st baseman, pitcher and catcher are the four players in position to field the ball. The ideal player to field the ball is the 3rd baseman. She needs to be the General on the field on bunt coverage plays as she is the player moving towards the play at 1st base and she should have the best vision of the entire play. As she is charging the ball, she needs to make the call as to who will field the ball. How many times have we seen 2 or more players converge on the ball and think the other player will make the play only to make no play at all? Too many! The 3rd baseman should be charging the ball and call the position of the player that is in the best position to make the play.

Probably the hardest bunt to field is the ball placed about 6 feet in front of home plate and down the 1st baseline. This is a prime example where team chemistry will come in to play. The 3rd baseman will have to quickly assess who has the best play on the ball. Typically, the catcher would be the preferred choice since her momentum is headed towards 1st base; however, she may have been slow getting out of her position.

Softball Bunt Coverage - No Runners on Base

With no runners on base, 1st, Pitcher, Catcher, and 3rd are going to crash the ball. The 2nd baseman has the responsibility to cover 1st base and receive the throw. The rightfielder should take an angle to about 20 - 30 feet behind 1st base and near the foul line to cut off any errant throws. It's critical for the rightfielder to maintain a safe distance behind 1st base otherwise the errant throw to 1st base could well end up in the right field corner for a homerun. The centerfielder should take an angle to be positioned behind the rightfielder to help with retrieving an errant throw. The shortstop should head to 2nd base in case of an error at 1st base. The leftfielder should take an angle to position herself behind the shortstop.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runner on 1st Base

TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Don't even consider going for the lead runner and trying to get the out at 2nd base. It's fools gold and you would be lucky to make that play 10% of the time. All of the player's positioning is the same except for the shortstop and leftfielder. This is the MOST DISCIPLINED PLAY the shortstop will have to make. Her instinct is to cover 2nd base for a steal, however, if she does that and the bunt is put in play, it will turn into a foot race between her and the runner to get to 3rd base (If the runner on 1st sees the shortstop at 2nd, she just continues running to 3rd knowing it's going to be a very difficult play for shortstop to run from 2nd to 3rd and be in position to make a catch and tag). To play this correctly, position the shortstop 5 feet closer to 2nd base so she is in position to cover the steal without having to break to the base prior to knowing if the ball is successfully bunted. If the ball is not bunted, she covers 2nd base for the steal. If the ball is successfully bunted she covers 3rd base. She can't cheat to cover 3rd base either, or if the runner on 1st is stealing the shortstop will be out of position to take the throw. The leftfielder will take an angle to be about 20 - 30 feet behind 3rd base and on the left field foul line to back up an errant throw.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Runners on 1st and 2nd Base

Again, TAKE THE OUT AT 1ST BASE!!! Depending on the age and skill level of your team, it may be possible to get the lead runner at 3rd base. If the bunt is very short so the catcher can make a quick play, of if the bunt is too hard and the pitcher or 1st baseman can make a quick play, it COULD be possible to get the runner out at 3rd base. However, the odds are certainly not in your favor, and if the play is unsuccessful the result is having the bases loaded. Coverage on this play is the same as the coverage for a runner on 1st base coverage. The noted exception is the rightfielder needs to know on an overthrow she should be prepared to throw the ball home. Also, the leftfielder needs to take her backup position behind 3rd base in case the play is attempted at 3rd base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Bases Loaded

The unique thing about this play is that either 1st base or Catcher needs to make the call as to where to throw the ball. The 3rd baseman and pitcher have a much more difficult time knowing how close the runner is to home plate. Also unique for this play, is that the catcher needs more discipline. She must immediately determine if another fielder can play the ball and toss it to her for the force out at home. If this is the case, she needs to take a 1st baseman's stance at the plate and be prepared to receive the throw and then throw to 1st base for a double play. She must also determine if she is the only player that can make a play on the ball and get the out at either home or 1st base. This is a pressure play on the defense, but with a fair amount of practice should be able to make the play at home on a fairly routine basis. If there is ever ANY DOUBT about making the out at home, the fielders must take the out at 1st base.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Look for the Double Play

When runners are on base and the bunt play is on, this is an ideal time to look for the double play. Typically the runners, especially a trailing runner, will take sizeable leadoffs on when the bunt is on. Train your players to react to a bunt that is popped up in the air. The easiest runner to double up is generally a runner on 1st base. Catch the pop up and fire the ball to 1st base for the force out. The lead runner is usually in a good enough position to be able to return to her base safely, however she probably is out of position to be able to advance when you throw to 1st for the double play.

Softball Bunt Coverage - Take the Out

Almost without exception, your team is far better off taking the out at 1st base. Considering the difficulty of getting the lead runner and the position you leave yourself in if the play is not successful, it's hardly ever worth the risk of going for the lead runner. I would submit the only time when it is imperative to get the lead runner is when the game-winning run is on 3rd base. Even if it is the game tying run on 3rd base, I would strongly consider taking the out at 1st base and allowing the runner on 3rd to score. If you go for the out at home and are unsuccessful, you have allowed the game to be tied and allowed the winning run on base or advance on the bases without getting an out. As a coach, you are finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and that's not a good thing.

Remember that the key to having a successful fastpitch defense is to make a very high percentage of easy outs. You must avoid giving up big innings to your opponent. In fastpitch softball, one big offensive inning can very easily decide the game. If you repeatedly play for the lead runner, you will consistently give up big innings. Further, if you can NOT shut down your opponents bunting game, you don't have much of a chance to win. In another article on this site, I tell the story of bunting 10 batters in a row one inning. Trust me, you don't want to be the team that sees 10 bunts in a row. That means your team can't cover the bunt, and you can't win the game. For the best way to practice your softball bunt coverage scheme please refer to the article The Bunting Game located at http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/bunting.html.

Now, Go get ‘em coach!



Jim Moyer - About the Author:


Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to make his unique knowledge available for free by creating http://www.mysoftballcoach.com. Youth softball coaches/parents can take advantage of numerous softball strategies at his web site.


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Frozen Ropes: Fast Pitch With Kaci Clark - Torso Track

Frozen Ropes: Fast Pitch With Kaci Clark - Torso Track.

Kaci demonstrates pitching techniques

Michele Smith Riseball Tip from WCWS (Coach's Clinic)

Softball Drills - Easy Steps to Create Top Softball Pitchers

Softball Drills - Easy Steps to Create Top Softball Pitchers
By Guest Author Geoff James

Movement, Tempo and Control are all important parts of throwing a great pitch. Here are a few drills to help you perfect all aspects of your throw:

Drills to be done inside:

Practice control by using a rubber ball and your mitt. Stand facing a wall in your stride position. Using only your wrist, flick the ball at the wall. The ball should come straight back to you if you are using proper form and control. Once you have mastered control at that level, repeat but from 8 ft away. When throwing from such a distance use your windmill.

Field Drills:

Ball Juggling can be done with two pitchers or a pitcher and a catcher. Give the girl on the mound two balls and the player at home one. The pitcher throws the ball to home, and after the release but before catching it the catcher returns a pitch with her ball. The goal is to keep balls constantly rotating so the players can throw as many pitches in one minute as possible.

Making sure that pitchers have proper form is important especially in their early stages of learning. Have pitchers stand just a few feet from the pitching coach and slowly go through the windmill motions, trying to pull their arm far behind them and touch the sky before releasing. Focus on weight distribution and proper rotation through the windmill but especially at the point of release. Once the pitchers have proper form in close range, move them back 25 feet. Go through the cycle again, then have them pitch full speed from the mound.

Get the girls who try their hardest in practice and during games softball medals as a thank you for all their work each season.

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Youth Softball Coaching Tips

Drills for Girls Softball
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
If you're searching for the best infield drills for girls softball, then look no further. This article details two excellent combination drills that aim to improve your infielders' throwing accuracy and pivot skills in both regular play and double play situations.

Free Softball Drills
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Softball drills are what ultimately trains a team to win. It's very important that the various drills are adequate in teaching skills for different parts of the game. As the coach, it's your job to decide which drills will give the team the best practice. Here are some free softball drills that you can use.

Teaching Softball Drills To Win
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Teaching softball drills can be extremely challenging for new softball coaches. Here are a few strategies you can use when teaching softball drills to your team.


Softball Coaching Drills
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
This softball coaching drill is explained as a defensive exercise but the skills that are being used will help to improve the players all-around. The Bubble Drill will help to ensure that your team is a step ahead of the other team. The Bubble Drill teaches the skills that a team needs to make it all the way.


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A Summer's Day of Softball Quotes

A Summer's Day of Softball Quotes
By Guest Author: Shawn Manaher

Softball - there is nothing soft about it. This is one of the many inspiring and memorable quotes of softball players. Teams use this type of inspiration to get out there on the field and do their best. Softball is all about working together and cheering each other on as a team. Players and coaches alike have come up with many softball quotes that help them to remember at the end of the day it is not always about winning, but being part of a team. With softballs flying through the air and fans cheering their favorite players on, it is also a friendly reminder that spring is here and summer is on its way.

Eat, sleep, play softball. Sounds like a great life, but if you are a dedicated softball player, it is a way of life. To a softball player, there is nothing like hearing the crack of the bat against the ball as the pitcher throws another fast pitch across the mound. The batter hits the ball and softball gloves reach high in the air as the players run around the bases to score home runs.

Softball is as American as hot dogs and baseball, and becoming more popular. There are women's and men's fast pitch softball teams. Softball was actually invented by men in the late 1800s, but did not catch on until the Amateur Softball Association was formed in 1925. Softball did not become recognized as a sport until the 1930s. Ironically, softball was once thought to be a woman's sport. You can go online or in athletic apparel stores and there will be just as many softball t-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise geared towards men as women. One sweatshirt in particular that really stands out with a memorable quote stated: softball is everything. This is the attitude that many players take on when they play this sport.

Along with softball comes the reminder that summer is right around the corner. Just as many memorable summer quotes come to mind as there are softball quotes. One favorite is, "thank you stars and fireflies, for the magic of summer skies." Moreover, there is nothing more magic than a slightly chilly summer evening, cuddled up on the bleachers, watching the ball game. A moment like this is one of the greatest pastimes and simplest pleasures we can endure in our lifetime.

There are many memorable summer quotes that are so inspirational to look over. Looking online is one excellent resource for finding quotes that reminding us of the good times we share with friends and family. Watching or playing sports such as softball is one great way for us to connect with others, while quotes are a good way to hold on to these fond memories.

Overall, softball is a sport that gives great motivation and inspiration to its teammates and fans alike. Many softball and other athletic quotes available remind us what it is like to be a part of such a wonderful sport and what fond memories of summertime it brings with it.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about softball quote and other related topics. Read more about softball quotes at Shawn's website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Manaher

Softball Coaching Tips – How to Motivate Your Players Better

Softball Coaching Tips – How to Motivate Your Players Better
by: Marc Genais
Motivating your players is one of your most basic tasks as a softball coach. But sad to say, it’s also one of the most difficult things to master in this game. It’s not easy to tell your players to perform better, to have a positive attitude towards the game, or tell them to relate well with their teammates.

You do not build your motivational skills overnight. You need all the experience you can get to do this well. Don’t worry though, because I’ll show you some of the most basic concepts of motivation through these softball coaching tips I have for you.

Let Motivation Start From Within

Many players have trophies and glory as their motivation to win games. However, these motivators – sometimes called external motivators – although good, are by themselves weak and do not push players well enough into wanting to become better players. This kind of motivation wanes when your players fail to claim the prize, or even after winning it.

What you should do, then, is to couple this with motivation that comes from within your players. You’ll get lots of this type of motivation from players who really love the game. Let them share their enthusiasm with your other players, and it will eventually rub off on them.

Know Your Players Better

Motivation is not a one-way road. Motivation is a form of communication, and as such, you should learn to listen as much as you know how to talk to your players. Why should you do this? That’s because only when you start listening to your players will you know how to motivate them well. That’s the time you’ll know which buttons to push to fire them up.

For example, you have a player who’s severely unmotivated. This player often misses practices, and does not seem to relish the playing time you’re giving him. And he’s not complaining when you don’t let him play, either.

To address this motivational issue, you should talk to the player why he’s acting that way. You might be feel surprised to find out that he doesn’t like to play softball in the first place! Believe me, it happens. And the sooner you find out about this, the better. That way, you can prevent friction from building up and still part ways as friends. And more than that, you can find a replacement for that player immediately, if possible.

Shouting Does Not Motivate Players

Back in the day, coaches were a lot like drill sergeants. They always barked orders at you, and insulted you whenever you committed errors. But things have changed. Shouting doesn’t work anymore. It could work for the first few weeks of training, but its effectiveness will wear off eventually.

What you should do then is talk to them as a normal persons would. Again, motivation is about good communication, and you do not foster that by insulting and shouting at your players.

All in all, these softball coaching tips on motivation are all about relating well with your players. Following these tips will make it easier for you to find out what causes their lack of motivation and address the root of the problem.

About The Author

Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. Visit us and sign-up to get tons of great FREE softball conditioning tips to boost your game!

The author invites you to visit:
http://softballperformance.com
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/recreation_and_sports/article_4050.shtml

Softball Base Running Drills

Softball Base Running Drills
By Geoff James Divide players between all four bases. On the whistle blow, the first four take action. The player at the plate simulates a swing and a hit and then takes off for the double play. The player on first charges to third, taking off of a lead. The player at second picks up third and runs on home. The third base runner rounds home and then sprints to first as if she just hit a single. Repeat until all your players have had a chance to participate.

Remind your team of the importance of base running; not every hit is a home run and it is vital that hitters run as fast and hard as they can to get on base. One of the reasons this drill is so great is that it forces players to remember the one golden rule of base running: every ball is a double until the defense rules otherwise. Softball players should always run aggressively.

Another drill is to simply run sprints to first. Have everyone on the team save a pitcher, catcher, second and first baseman line up behind the plate. The catcher will toss the ball to the pitcher or second baseman, who will in turn throw to the pitcher and/or first baseman. The runner will focus only on running to first base. Too often hitters will look to see where the ball is instead of running full force to first. This drill will get players into the habit of focusing only on the base, no matter where the ball is.

Get one of a kind personally engraved softball trophies for all your players at the end of this season! We'll engrave the first 50 letter on each softball trophy absolutely free!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_James

Softball Hitting For Power Basics

Available at SOFTBALLrUS.com
Softball Batting Basics
By Brad Henks

Watching some of the best hitters in baseball and softball makes us want to hit just like them. There are great home run hitters like Babe Ruth, Albert Pujols, Crystl Bustos and some others. They all command attention when they step up to the plate because of their explosive hitting power.

Here are some tips to help you become a better, more powerful softball hitter. Implement these at your next softball practice.

1. To be a powerful softball hitter you will need to be powerful and in great shape physically. Work on this by do exercises that will build power such as squats, plyometric jumping drills, long jumps over boxes. Work on your triceps, and chest by doing medicine ball drills or dips for a few ideas. You can come up with more I'm sure.

2. Learn to hold the bat properly. A lot of young players naturally, but mistakenly grip the bat way too firmly. If you loosen your grip on the bat you will be able to swing the bat much faster and it will feel better. You need to have loose wrists and grips. There is even a line of batting gloves out there that help you keep a looser grip on the bat.

That should tell you how important this is for a powerful swing.

3. Do some one handed batting drills. Use a tee, swing the bat with the top hand only. Then repeat using only the bottom hand. Do about 10-15 wings each. This will strengthen your arms and hands. Also gets you into proper alignment with the bat and your body.

4. Using both hands, remember that your front hand pulls the bat while your back hand pushes the bat. Beginners may find this a little tough but stick with it and you will get the hang of it soon.

5. Step to the plate correctly. Align yourself about in the middle of the batters box to give yourself plenty of room to see the pitch and time to swing properly at it.

6. Get a good view of the pitcher. Make certain you are looking straight at the pitcher with both eyes. Hold your chin on your front shoulder to put your head in the proper alignment.

7. Watch the ball all the way to your bat. Don't close your eyes and don't be distracted by the infielders moving or the base runner starting to steal a base. Keep your eye on the ball as they say. This will help you track the ball for a more powerfull softball hit.

8. Let your weight shift forward as you make contact with the ball. Allow your back foot to slide forward a couple of inches. This will put all your power into the hit.

9. Focus on hitting the inside seam of the softball. This will make the ball go back up the middle for a hard hit line drive. These are really hard for infielders to get to.

10. When you hit the ball, run as hard as you can all the way through first base. Your coach will tell you if you need to keep going.

There you go, some basic softball power hitting tips. Practice these at home on a tee or with a friend. What are you waiting on, go out and learn to become a true power softball hitter.

Talk about Fastpitch Softball over at http://FastpitchSoftballTalk.blogspot.com/.

The author is a fastpitch softball enthusiast and has been involved in fastpitch softball and baseball for 20 years as a parent and coach. For more information please visit http://www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com for some of the best fastpitch softball gloves and related accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Henks

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