Youth Softball Coaching Clinic

Baseball Practice Planning Tips and Sample Baseball Practice Schedule

2011-12-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Baseball Practice Planning Tips and Sample Baseball Practice Schedule
By guest author: k Dixon

The word is PLAN

There are many four letter words that baseball coaches know, but few are as important as the word for today, PLAN. There are very few volunteer jobs more challenging, time-consuming or rewarding than being a coach in your local league. There are many four letter words used by coaches that I can not use here. Here I want to discuss the 4 four-letter words that can and will determine the amount of success a coach has during the coming season. The four words are Goal, Plan, Work and Time. In part one I discussed the important of the word Goal and the importance of setting a goal to drive a team toward success.

The Baseball Coaches four letter word of today is P-L-A-N:

Planning is one of the most important responsibilities of a head baseball coach is planning. Planning is organization. Planning is delegation of duties and responsibilities to your assistants. You must plan every practice. You must plan your season. You must have a game plan going into every game. Planning practice after you start is a sign of bad coaching. If the team has practice at 3:00 PM, and the head coach turns to the assistant coaches as the team is warming up, and says, Well, guys what do you think we need to do today? A team with a coach like this is destined to have a difficult year. The coach is not organized and does not have the dedication to do his coaching homework at home before he arrive at the field. Have a plan and a schedule before you arrive at the field. The practice plan should be in the can! Planning as you go will waste valuable practice time that will never be recovered. It is extremely important to have a daily practice schedule written down. You must decide on each practice activity for that day, the assigned amount of time to be spent doing each drill or activity, and the objective or reason for doing the activity. A written practice schedule is a must! You practice plan must be detailed, easy to read, and easy to understand. Your practice plan begins with the first minute of practice and ends with the last minute. Every minute is scheduled. Include breaks and transition times from one activity to the next. You should write out the practice plan, run copies, and give each coach a copy. The schedule will have time slots, each coach drills and duties, and location of each activity.

A sample practice plan:

3:00 to 3:12 Team Stretch and Warm-up

3:12 to 3:27 PFP (Pitching Fielding Practice)

3:30 to 3:45 Outfield Drill Work & Infielder Drill Work

3:45 to 4:00 Team Defense, Infield, and Outfield Cuts

4:00 to 4:45 Team Batting Practice

(4 Groups, 4 Station, 12 Minutes and Rotate to the next station

-Station 1 On-field Batting Practice -Station 2 Batting Cage Work -Station 3 Bunt Station -Station 4 Tee & Soft-toss

4:45 to 4:55 Break

4:55 to 5:15 21 Outs Drill

5:15 to 5:25 Base running Drills/Conditioning

Coaching Note:

6 Pitchers will throw after practice bullpens. List Names. The greatest difficulty in having a practice schedule is staying on time. You must have a set rule that when drill time is up, the drill ends. If the drill was performed so bad that it needs to be done again, it will be done over after practice. Always have a coaches meeting after each practice to discuss what the staff has to say about the day practice. You also need to ask what they think the next practice schedule should cover. Listen to your assistants and consider what they say when you make out your next practice plan. Another part of having a plan is the delegating of responsibilities. You can not do it all. Recruit some good volunteer coaches to help you.

Good coaches always delegate task and duties to assistant coaches. Let certain coaches work with certain positions. One of the crucial assignments on every team is the position of pitching coach. You must have a coach that oversees pitching practice, bullpen work, and that calls the pitches during the game. Another important role is that of the team hitting coach. The hitting coach is often the offensive coordinator and 3rd base coach. This coach oversees all batting drills, batting practice and base running practice. Organize you pregame routine. Plan it, write it down, and make sure every coach know it by heart. Have a set time when you start stretching and warming up. Have a set time that you take pregame defensive infield and outfield warm-up. a set time that players may have 3 minutes to go to the restroom if they need to. Have a set time that you have a team huddle. Plan what you are going to say during this team moment. Having a plan is having a purpose, a time, and a place for everything and everyone.

Visit BaseballCoachingDigest.com for a great selection of Baseball Coaching and Training Articles. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

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

================================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Fastpitch Softball Tips - Building Your Endurance

2011-12-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Fastpitch Softball Tips - Building Your Endurance
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

When you think about sports and endurance, the sports that will come to mind might include marathon and triathlon. But somehow, you never ever associate softball with sports that require players to have a good amount of endurance.

That's perfectly understandable because when you look at it, it seems that the only job of players are to stand up, run occasionally, and throw or hit the ball.

But endurance also plays an important role on softball. That's especially the case if we're talking about long stretches of games or games under the heat of the sun.

If you're a softball player wanting to increase your endurance on the field, here are some tips I have for you:

1. Condition your body. Building up your endurance takes time. If you don't live an active lifestyle, it may take several weeks of intense training before you can build up your endurance. Jogging, interval training and other cardio exercises will help you do that.

This part of your training could be boring if you do it alone. So try working out with your team or with a partner.

2. Keep your body well-hydrated. Dehydration and heat are the enemies of any type of athlete. When it's hot, your body tends to sweat more to keep your body cool. While it's good, it's downside is that you lose important fluids in your body in the process.

And don't just rely on thirst to tell you already need to drink fluids. Once you feel thirsty, it's already a signal from your body that its supply of fluids is already severely depleted. So don't wait until you get thirsty. Take sips of water or sports before and during the game to keep your fluid levels normal.

3. Get enough rest. It's easy to succumb to all-night partying when you're young because you feel that you never seem to run out of energy. But the lack of rest can lead to a deterioration in your performance. When you lack sleep, you deprive your body of the time to recover from the day's work and to repair or replace any damaged cells in your body. So keep your partying to a minimum, or avoid it altogether if you can do that.

4. Eat healthy. You might not like eating healthy, but it sure can do wonders to your body and your endurance. That's because eating healthy means you get enough supply of the necessary nutrients that your body needs to function well. And when you're healthy, you'll be able to stay longer in the game even if it stretches to several innings or you're playing under the heat of the sun.

So in fastpitch softball, if you want to last longer than your teammates and the competition during long or exceptionally hot games, you must work on building your endurance.

Again, here's how you do it: condition your body, keep your body well-hydrated, get enough rest and eat healthy. Try them out today and see how they positively affect your game.

Marc Dagneais is Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to access our directory of FREE softball drills!

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

======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Fastpitch Softball - Shortstop Positioning

2011-11-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Fastpitch Softball - Shortstop Positioning
By guest author: Jim Moyer

Situational positioning of the Shortstop may be the most common coaching oversight in Fastpitch Softball. My guess would be 95% of the teams put the shortstop in the middle of 2nd and 3rd and never move her. Okay, that's great with no runners on base, but what about all the other situations.

Runner on 1st Base

In 10U & 12U it's almost a given the runner is going to steal. In 14U and up, the odds are still pretty strong that at some point the runner will try to advance, either on a straight steal or on a bobbled pitch. We KNOW this is going to happen a very high percentage of the time.

So why is your shortstop still in the hole? How many times have you seen the shortstop have to cut the corner to get to the throw in time, and therefore be two or three feet in front of 2B and unable to make a tag? Aaaaggghhh!!! I hate that! And there is no reason for it to happen.

When there is a runner on 1st base, move your shortstop about 5 feet towards 2B. More if need be. Depending on your age group, the odds are probably between 50% up to 95% that there will be a play at 2B. On the other hand, the odds of the ball being hit to SS are much lower. You might even get lucky and have a ball hit up the middle which the SS can field and tag 2B or even turn a double play.

Lead Runner on 2nd Base

If you use SS to cover 3B on steals, the same philosophy applies. Move her about 5 feet from the hole towards 3B. It's a very tough play for SS to cover 3B on steals. She has to get their, find the base, catch the ball, and make a tag. How many throws to 3B have you seen wind up in the outfield because the runner and SS got tangled up at 3B? Too many. Take the precision timing out of the play by getting her in a better position before the play starts.

By placing her in the optimal position before the pitch is thrown, you also avoid her breaking to the bag while the pitch is on the way. Huh? I'm sure you have seen shortstops break to the base as soon as the pitch is thrown, and then have a ball hit right where she should have been standing. Since she is breaking on the pitch, her momentum increases the size of the hole immensely. Whereas, if she is positioned correctly before the pitch, she can hold her position longer before making her break to cover the steal.

The Hardest Play for a Shortstop Runner on 1st and the batter shows bunt

I will cover this play based on age in more detail at a later date, but for now lets get the basics down. This play requires extreme discipline by the shortstop. First, you need to understand that if the player does bunt the out should be made at 1B. Don't even think about going to 2B to get the lead runner! So if the ball is bunted where does your shortstop go? Third base. Otherwise, the base is uncovered and the runner on 1B can make the turn at second and keep going to third. Oh, how you are going to hate that when it happens to you. So if the ball is bunted, make the out at one, be looking to throw across the field to third, and cover 3B.

What if the batter misses the bunt or fake bunts and takes the pitch? Here is where the extreme discipline comes in. Shortstop has to cover 2B on the steal. Therefore, the correct positioning is the same as protecting against a straight steal. Before the pitch, move her approximately 5 feet towards 2B. This puts her in position to cover 2B on a steal and should the ball be bunted successfully, she should have ample time to beat the runner coming from 1B to 3B.

Make a mental note to yourself, after each batter look at your shortstops positioning. This is a chess game. Think about what you expect your opponent to do in this given situation, and position your shortstop appropriately.

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com. Having coached over 600 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put his knowledge online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience.

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

=========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Recruiting Camps - Be Prepared to Be at Your Best

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Softball Recruiting Camps - Be Prepared to Be at Your Best
By guest author: Gary V Hawkins

If you are trying to make it to the next level in softball, softball recruiting camps may be something you want to consider. These camps, which are often called showcase events or evaluation clinics, can help you get noticed by scouts or by college coaches.

Before you attend one of these softball recruiting camps, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Show up in shape just as if softball season was starting that day
2. Be ready to be at your best, make sure your skills are sharp before attending
3. Bring a copy of your athletic resume with you

When you attend one of these events, the spotlight is directly on you. You need to be in great shape and prepared to play at your highest level. These events are run by coaches who know what they are doing and they will put you through drills which will show what kind of athletic and softball talent you really have.

One of the worst mistakes you could make would be to show up at one of these events not prepared to be at your best. It could end up being hurting your chances of getting the recruiting attention you have been looking for.

After leaving these softball recruiting camps, you can take your chances of being recruited to an even higher level. How? Glad you asked! You can do that by marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches. Coaches at all division levels need good players who are also good students. When you make direct contact with coaches, you could end up being just the student athlete they are looking for.

Softball recruiting camps are a good way to get exposure. An even better way to make sure you get the attention of college coaches is to contact them directly. Direct contact is the best way to make sure coaches know about you and what you can potentially do for their program.

Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:

"Five Secrets You Must Know To Get Recruited For Athletic Scholarships"

Head over to http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/freereport.html to get your FREE copy now!

Gary Hawkins is passionate about helping high school athletes reach their dream of playing at the college level. In his Athletic Recruiting & Scholarship System, Gary teaches anyone how they can finally get the attention of college coaches and start being recruited for athletic scholarships. Just visit http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/ and pick up your copy today!

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

========================
Thnks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Little Leaguers and Catching Fly Balls

2011-11-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Little Leaguers and Catching Fly Balls
By guest author: Marty Schupak

There is no set age for young players when they start to feel comfortable catching pop ups. Many of the really young players are afraid of getting hit in the face by the ball and will camp under a pop up very apprehensively. Unless catching a fly ball is practiced, their nervousness can lead to injury. There are numerous drills a coach or parent can practice with their players. Some drills will work for some athletes and not for others.

One of the first drills I do is to hit a soft covered ball off a paddle. I explain to the kids that I only want them to make contact with the soft covered ball with their glove. I do not want any kids catching the ball. Telling them not to catch the ball will do two things. First, you are making the drill uniform, with the goal attainable by everyone on the team. Second, the weaker kids will not feel bad if everyone catches the fly and he or she only makes contact with his glove. And, you want the really young kids to experience as much success as they can. This success will lead to more and more confidence when a real hard ball is used.

Another technique I have used is one of those velcro paddles with velcro balls for the young kids, and they love it. I toss up the Velcro ball as high as possible and they take turns catching it. This is another great confidence builder, and the success experienced with many repetitions will help immensely when catching a real hard ball, which is the ultimate goal. Wiffle balls and tennis ball are also good to practice with. Progression is the key. And you can even set up competitions with catching any of these balls. Even the young players love contests and competitions.

So remember that the key to teaching young players to catch fly balls is to do it by progression. Having them dive into the deep end with no experience might open up the possibility for an injury with never extinguishing their fear of the ball. Successful repetitions will lead to confidence and give them the best odds of mastering this skill.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com

http://www.VideosForCoaches.com

Marty Schupak has coached youth baseball for 18 years and is the video creator of "The 59 Minute Baseball Practice", "Backyard Baseball Drills", "Winning Baseball Strategies", "Hitting Drills & Techniques", Pitching Drills & Techniques, and author of the popular book, "Youth Baseball Drills". He is a principle with Videos For Coaches and is also President of the Youth Sports Club, a group dedicated to making sports practices and games more enjoyable for kids.

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

==========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Homepage
Today's Youth Baseball Coaching Feature Article
Videos for Coaches
Blogs & Knols for Baseball Coaches, Players & Parents

Teaching Softball Drills To Win

2011-10-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Teaching Softball Drills To Win
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

In softball, a coach cannot afford to underestimate the other team; they can only prepare their own team to be the best. As a coach, it's important to set the standards for your team. Along with setting an example of the right attitude, you are responsible to make sure that the players' skills and overall game improve over time. Therefore, teaching softball drills should always be a vital part of practice.

The most effective way for teaching softball drills is through hands-on demonstrations. For example, it's obviously necessary to teach softball players the correct batting stance. While they'll learn from your example, it is more valuable if you show them the way and then allow each member of the team to try it themselves. After you show them the ropes, allow them to use what you have taught to try hitting the ball themselves. As the coach, you should assess the placement of their feet, their knees, their hips, their shoulders and their eyes. Following that, you will know what the team needs to work on when it comes to batting stance and hitting the ball.

Videos are useful to give the team a visual of different strategies and skills. However, videos are even more effective if the team is interactive while it's playing. For example, the team can watch the video of a pro-game. You can show them part of an inning and then ask them to explain the different plays that they could execute. Therefore, you can make sure that they know the best actions to take in different situations. Teaching softball drills like this gives the team a chance to think logically and work out different strategies in their heads.

Another classic method for teaching softball drills is using a chalkboard, dry-erase board, or poster to work out different plays. This is one of the most important ways to coach the team because it gives you the chance to explain the ins and outs of different plays. Plus, during this time you can assign different players to practice different positions. Drawing out different plays is also an important part of tracking the improvement of the team. Having records of each play allows you to mark the ones that the team has mastered and to mark the ones that the team still needs to work on.

Teaching softball drills is one of the most vital tasks of a coach. All of the different drill methods are necessary to master the entire softball game. Using a variety of ways of teaching ensures not only that the team will perform well but they will know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. It's important to remember that the quality of your coaching directly affects the quality of your team.

Becky Wittenburg is a softball coach, softball blogger, and author. If your looking for more tips on teaching softball drills, please visit her softball drills library here.

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

=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches

2011-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

There are very few women coaches in youth's sports league nowadays. Some women decided to stop in softball coaching because they can't manage to survive and even thrive in youth's sport coaching. However, some women continue on and become really successful. How did these few women continue softball coaching?

Some women developed good strategies when they were just starting and then after breaking in to softball coaching to compete with the gender challenges they faced as the "woman coach."

How did these successful softball women coaches deal with the heightened scrutiny, while gaining respect of others and building their self-confidence?

So here are some tips in order to be a successful women coach:

- Decipher the secret language of coaches - A lot of what a coach know is learned through experience, not from books or sports clinics. Successful coaches are keen observers of other coaches, particularly those coaching in higher age-brackets. Try to learn their secret language and learn how to apply it by carefully observing the styles and techniques of the more experienced coaches.

- Join coaching classes - Although you have a playing experience, coaching classes can be very helpful in learning how to run a good practice with several great softball drills Coaching classes enhance your natural talents further.

- Find counselors - Numerous women coaches were recruited into coaching by some teams and then mentored by a more experienced coach. The individual men will coach the new women coaches and as a result many women become successful coaches.

- Define the stereotypes - More people completely think that a word "coach" is only reserved to a man. That's why, woman coaches often not even recognized as the coach by the kids or adults. As a woman coach, you have to be firm about your convictions and avoid being intimidated by the opposite sex. You can apply some of your styles that no men coach has.

Clearly, the main thriving gender strategies and techniques are group ones, like building a network of support that not only encourages and influences the other women in softball coaching, but it also creates the opportunity of expanding the culture of youth's sports, making it more comprehensive for women as much as for men.

These successful strategies can be very helpful to every woman who is very interested by being a softball coach. A woman coach must act more competitive, tougher and more assertive.

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. To get tons of great FREE softball tips to boost your game, visit us: http://www.softballperformance.com

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

========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Youth Fastpitch Softball Bunt Coverage

2011-10-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Youth 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 is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put the information online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience.

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

===========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Softball Hitting Drills -- Ax 2

2011-10-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Softball Hitting Drills -- Ax 2
Uploaded by softballperformance

http://www.softballperformance.com Softball Peak Performance Coach Marc Dagenais demonstrates how to perform the Ax Drill using just a softball bat to increase forearm and grip strength for more softball hitting power.

===========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Episode 115 - Hitting The Change Up - Fastpitch Softball TV Show

2011-09-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Episode 115 - Hitting The Change Up - Fastpitch Softball TV Show
Uploaded by FastpitchTV http://Fastpitch.TV - This is another episode from the PFX Tour coaches clinic. Olympian Lisa Fernandez, and coach Kirk Walker tell us how to practice hitting the change up pitch.

Visit the Fastpitch TV Show's website at http://Fastpitch.TV

You can find our softball iPhone App at http://FastpitchApps.com

Don't forget to visit our other softball websites

The Fastpitch Radio Show - http://Fastpitch.FM

The Fastpitch News Blog - http://Fastpitch.US

Free fastpitch video drills http://FastpitchDrills.com

A search engine for softball - http://FastpitchSearch

This content is provided with a Creative Commons Share-Alike License. Feel free to use this content, in whole or in part, in any manner you like so long as you give credit to Gary leland, Fastpitch.TV and link to http://fastpitch.tv

For softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball bats visit http://softballjunk.com/.

Gary leland is a new media producer of fastpitch softball. information. For advertising information send him an email to FastpitchTV@Gmail.com, or visit his personal website site at http://garyleland.com for more information on Gary

Add The Fastpitch Softball TV Show to your social network of choice at http://fastpitch.tv.

Our Facebook page is http://Facebook.com/FastpitchTV

Our Twitter page is http://Twitter.com/FastpitchTV

Feel free to email questions for future shows to FastpitchTV@gmail.com. You may also leave questions, or comments on our call in line 209-softbal.

==========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Coaching - 5 Tips

2011-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Softball Coaching - 5 Tips
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

To be a good softball coach, you have to understand what type of team you have in front of you and how you need to approach them, speak to them, and act with them. Once they get comfortable around you, you can use your own coaching style to shape the team into the type of group you want to have as a coach. The following tips are for softball coaching and give you some heads up into how you can better yourself as a coach and as a result make your team better.

Tip 1 - Play Smart

Playing smart wins ball games. Players need to think ahead and not only want the ball but also know where to go with it once they have it. If you outsmart your opponent you can win a lot of games. It's as easy as your hitters not swinging at bad pitches but drawing a walk instead, or faking a throw with an aggressive runner on second and just holding onto the ball. It's about judgment and thinking ahead.In order to play smart, you and your players have to communicate with each other and make sure you see the same things. Try to give input and ask for input from them. If you communicate, think ahead, and trust your instincts, then you are playing smart and will come out ahead.

Tip 2 - Play Hard

A coach should never have to tell her players to "Play Hard." As a coach, you need to instill in your athletes the concept of playing hard, but then it should be something every player does without having to be told. That is what sports are all about. If a player is out on the field and does not play hard or give it her best, someone else who wants to play and seize the moment will give what it takes to be on the field and will pass her by. Playing hard is giving 100 percent of what you've got. That is what you should tell your players you want from them and not only from the starting nine but from the whole team. Everyone plays a role on the team and needs to be 100 percent when opportunity knocks.

Tip 3 - Communicating With the Media

Give the members of the news media your time and patience. This is probably easier said than done, but it's very important if your athletes are to get the exposure they deserve. You should want the media to talk to the players to better understand what it takes to be a softball player. Don't keep the media waiting either. Right after the game, if there is anyone present from the media, you should tell them that you'll be right with them. Gather your thoughts and meet them for the interview. At the same time the players are packing their equipment prior to the team meeting. If you have a unique story, try to let the media know first. They enjoy getting a "scoop." Encourage the reporters to call you at home as well, and if they would like to call you on the road let them know where you are staying.

Tip 4 - Communicating With Players

The main objective you should have with your athletes is to let them know that you respect them and the efforts they make, and that you care about the things that impact their ability to play to their best. When the coach is on the field she is visible to all who watch the game or watch the practice, so try not to overreact or embarrass the athletes - as they play their positions with poise and technique, so should you. The image that you project on the field is seen by many and it's so important to conduct yourself at the highest level of professionalism.

Tip 5 - Team Praise

There are crucial times when you want to make sure you verbalize the team's strengths both as a whole and individually. It can be before a big game, after a tough loss, or if the season seems to be a roller coaster of ups and downs. These times represent crucial moments when the group needs to be reminded of its talent and effort. You can sometimes take the time to pull out each individuals strengths for display. When you've touched upon everyone, combine all those attributes and talk about the team as a whole. This technique helps the team members respect each other for their own individual strengths and illustrates how they all make up the team they are a part of. Hopefully, with this in mind, they can find a comfort zone on the field and can begin performing at an optimal level. Verbal reinforcement is the quick and easy high that an athlete or a team needs. As coaches, you need to be the provider. You will also see other athletes picking up on it and using it daily to support their teammates. This helps but should not take place of the coach's verbal reinforcement.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html

Go Sign-up Now!

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

==========================
Thanks to our sponsor:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Overview : How to Run a Youth Softball Practice

2011-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Softball Overview : How to Run a Youth Softball Practice
Uploaded by expertvillage Running a youth softball practice involves understanding the competitive level of the team, constantly changing things up and offering frequent water breaks. Coach a youth softball practice with tips from a former collegiate All-American softball player in this free video on softball.

Expert: Jill Weiss
Contact: www.ShowtimeSportsAcademy.com
Bio: Jill Weiss was a Division 1 All American Softball player at Indiana State University. She is currently coaching softball and soccer athletes at Showtime Sports Academy in Franklin, Tenn.
Filmmaker: Tim Brown

============================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Softball Drills - Attitude Plan For New Softball Coaches

2011-09-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Softball Drills - Attitude Plan For New Softball Coaches
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

To be a softball coach means a lot. When I say a lot, I mean huge. It tells about full dedication and cooperation with the undertakings of the team because you are the head. You take responsibility with the everyday dealings of the team members. It is also a must that you plan out everything that you want to do. It is not just a matter of having an idea and just box it there. These ideas must be carried out so that reality will play it. With all these huge tasks and assignments of the coach, time is what he really needed.

Much more if you are a softball coach. As everybody knows, softball is one of the foremost ball games in the United States. It is played and watched by many. That is why it has gained recognition to almost all countries all over the world.

If you are a softball coach, of course you will be dealing with the different ways on how to manage the team. Since softball is a team sport, you should very well incorporate team building softball drills so that every undertaking will be carried out in the name of the team.

If you try to seek out the internet, there are a lot of team building strategies in order to have innovative softball drills. These are manifested in the different softball sites. However, if you are really planning on doing your own softball drill, then it is much better.

In your journey as a softball coach, there will always be times that you will have a problem with time management. Softball is a very hectic game. It requires full time and focus as much as it is needed. That is the time when a coach has to juggle schedules between families, friends, softball team and other equally important endeavors of his life.

If this happens, proper time management should be evaluated so that there will be no greater problems at the end of the day. In order to become the greatest in your field you must have an attitude that will be helpful in your way to the more glorious softball coaching ahead.

As a softball coach, you must be a jack of all trades. This means that you can be a recruiter, a planner, a teacher, a motivator, a manger, a leader, a communicator, a cheerleader and most importantly a parent to your team members. It is a must that you should be like the mentioned characteristics so that a successful team play will be achieved.

Before any softball game, a softball coach must also become knowledgeable with the various softball drills that could help his team become much better players in the softball field. Direct the team for every practice, games, team drill and so on. You think of peculiar ways on how you could possibly make a difference to their lives. Inspire them to do their best in every game.

If you do all of the above mentioned ideas on softball coaching, then there is no qualms that you will become the best coach not only of your team but of your family and friends as well.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!

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

====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

QuickSwingTrainer.com
QuickSwingMachine.com

Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer

Five Qualities For Coaching Youth Softball

2011-09-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Five Qualities For Coaching Youth Softball
By guest author: Trevor Sumner

Coaching youth softball requires talent, patience, understanding, and, above all, a commitment to those players entrusted to your care. Coaching youth softball is so much more than giving signs from the third base coaching box, or making decisions on personnel.

Today, youth sports demand that the youth softball coach possess qualities that are essential to the position. It won't guarantee a winning season, or even that all players and their parents will be grateful for your efforts on their behalf. However, if you don't possess these qualities and fulfill certain roles, you will not succeed in your mission - to help the youngsters continue their development into mature and responsible adults.

Coaching youth softball requires that your play these five key roles:

•Mentor - Coaching requires you to understand two things - the game and rules of youth softball as well as the goal of your job, which is to help the youngsters grow as individuals. You'll never be able to be effective in your position if you are not clear yourself on these issues. If you're not clear on your responsibilities to the team you will not convey the message that your players need to receive.
•Manager - You must be able to manage a number of variables and multi-task, as well. Your team will have players with different personalities and different needs, and your task as a softball coach is to take the best elements and talents of each of your players and to mold them into one functioning unit for the benefit of the team.
•Teacher - Coaching youth softball involves teaching your players a number of lessons - how to work together and perform as a team; how to sublimate personal goals for the team's goals; how to improve their softball acumen, teach them age appropriate softball drills, and help them become better players. In this manner, your team will also improve.
•Motivator - You can not overestimate the importance of the mental aspects of the game. Coaching youth softball is just not teaching hitting, fielding and throwing skills. It involves raising the level of your team's play though inspiration and your personal example. Don't hesitate to draw on examples that your players can relate to for support and inspiration, especially from pros they admire.
•Role Model - Coaching youth softball means that you serve as a positive example for your players to emulate. This includes rendering fair and equitable treatment for all players, regardless of talent.

If you hone these qualities, you will be able to fulfill your goal of coaching youth softball in a manner that both improves the lives of your athletes, parents and families, and also ultimately enriches your own coaching experience.

By Trevor Sumner who works for Weplay, a youth softball community dedicated to providing parents, coaches and athletes the tools and information they need to celebrate the love of the game. Weplay has one of the most comprehensive softball drill libraries in its active softball community.

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

------------------------------
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment

Coaching Girls Softball - Coach Pitching

2011-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Coaching Girls Softball - Coach Pitching
By guest author: Lisa A Mason

This season I had the benefit of coaching my oldest daughter's Coach Pitch softball team. Coach Pitch is the league for girls aged 6-8 and as the name suggests, there is a coach pitcher with girls filling all other positions. This is the next step up from T-ball in our Parks and Recreation league.

The leagues are ran completely by volunteers, most often the parents of the children who play and it's a much more difficult task than some might think before they have tried it for themselves. However, it can also be a very rewarding experience if you take the time and energy to learn from it.

The first thing to know about coaching this age group is that many of the girls will be playing for the first time. Even those who have played in the past are likely going to forget many of the rules and regulations. Even when you tell them, they have short attention spans and short memories. You may have to tell them again and again.

Patiently and politely recite the rules that you expect them to remember over and over with each practice and game. There is also a lot of hands-on coaching happening during the games. Girls are going to look to you in the middle of a play to tell them what to do. You need to be loud enough to be heard over the crowd and be sure to use their names loudly and clearly so they know what you're asking them to do.

At this age, there will often be a lot of tears. Bumps, scrapes, disappointments, hurt feelings and sometimes teasing will all come into play. Try to treat each girl equally and always be sensitive to their emotions. There's a time to tell them to be tough and keep playing and there are times when a girl may just need to sit out for a break. You can't push them too hard at this age or they will give up and become discouraged.

Remember that it's all about fun. Some parents and coaches push so hard for wins and being "top" of the league that they forget that it's about fun for the girls. At 6-8 years old, few girls will be thinking about going pro. They just want to have a good time and as parents and coaches, it's our job to ensure they have a safe environment in which to do so.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company (http://www.liti4.com), public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

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

===========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches

2011-08-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

There are very few women coaches in youth's sports league nowadays. Some women decided to stop in softball coaching because they can't manage to survive and even thrive in youth's sport coaching. However, some women continue on and become really successful. How did these few women continue softball coaching?

Some women developed good strategies when they were just starting and then after breaking in to softball coaching to compete with the gender challenges they faced as the "woman coach."

How did these successful softball women coaches deal with the heightened scrutiny, while gaining respect of others and building their self-confidence?

So here are some tips in order to be a successful women coach:

- Decipher the secret language of coaches - A lot of what a coach know is learned through experience, not from books or sports clinics. Successful coaches are keen observers of other coaches, particularly those coaching in higher age-brackets. Try to learn their secret language and learn how to apply it by carefully observing the styles and techniques of the more experienced coaches.

- Join coaching classes - Although you have a playing experience, coaching classes can be very helpful in learning how to run a good practice with several great softball drills Coaching classes enhance your natural talents further.

- Find counselors - Numerous women coaches were recruited into coaching by some teams and then mentored by a more experienced coach. The individual men will coach the new women coaches and as a result many women become successful coaches.

- Define the stereotypes - More people completely think that a word "coach" is only reserved to a man. That's why, woman coaches often not even recognized as the coach by the kids or adults. As a woman coach, you have to be firm about your convictions and avoid being intimidated by the opposite sex. You can apply some of your styles that no men coach has.

Clearly, the main thriving gender strategies and techniques are group ones, like building a network of support that not only encourages and influences the other women in softball coaching, but it also creates the opportunity of expanding the culture of youth's sports, making it more comprehensive for women as much as for men.

These successful strategies can be very helpful to every woman who is very interested by being a softball coach. A woman coach must act more competitive, tougher and more assertive.

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. To get tons of great FREE softball tips to boost your game, visit us: http://www.softballperformance.com

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

=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

How to Choose the Best Softball Clinic

2011-08-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

How to Choose the Best Softball Clinic
By guest author: Monica Martinez

When looking for the best softball clinic to attend there are a couple of important things to consider. First would be the knowledge of the coaching staff. Then you would need to consider the experience of the coaching staff. Then ask yourself, "How much one on one coaching am I going to get?" "Will I be seen by elite college coaches?" and "Will I be getting my money's worth in such a camp?"

When considering knowledgeable clinicians, one must expect that the clinician has played or coached at the highest levels. These levels would include the PFX (Professional Fast pitch Extreme), the USA National team, and the top college programs. One would also expect the clinician to have good communication skills, a great attitude and a lot of information to provide. Clinicians should be able to humanize and personalize the road to success in softball. The clinician must also be able to access a players skill level and approach it in a way that every player in learning.

Obviously the ideal number of campers per instructor would be one to one, however that is unrealistic. Realistically a good number would be one to ten. A great number would be one to five. In such a group, players can not only get information that matches their specific needs, but are also able to improve their skills with teamwork.

Besides getting top level information, a quality softball clinic should also allow the campers to showcase their abilities to college coaches of varying levels in a fun environment. This will allow campers of all skill levels to show off what they have learned, what they can provide to possible college teams, and quite possibly could gain rewards from their hard work such as recognition by top notch college coaches.

Most people when looking for a softball camp, look for a facility that they feel will be worth their money. These types of camps obviously would include a camp that provides knowledge that can be learned at that specific time and place and also information the players can use then they get back to their team. The clinicians of the camp would also be expected to teach the player in a positive and fun environment so the player can feel like they enjoyed learning. Players should also be expected to hear from the clinicians what softball life is like after high school.

In looking for a knowledgeable and experienced coaching staff remember to find one with a small coach to player ratio, a camp worth your time and money, and quality time to showcase the campers to top notch colleges.

Tired of looking for a softball clinic [http://www.RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com] and only finding ones taught by mediocre coaches? Want to attend softball pitching clinics [http://www.RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com] taught by Cat Osterman and other Olympic athletes? Go to RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com.

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

======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Coaching Youth Softball - How to Teach Softball Skills Quickly and Efficiently

2011-08-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Coaching Youth Softball - How to Teach Softball Skills Quickly and Efficiently
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

Coaching youth softball is no easy task. Coaching involves multiple responsibilities and one of them is to teach the fundamentals of the game - hitting, pitching, throwing, fielding, and so on.

However, teaching is itself a skill and not as easy as most people would like to believe. Knowing the game is the easy part; teaching it is the hard part. Coaching youth softball involves a lot of teaching.

To make practices fun and enjoyable, youth softball coaches must be able to teach softball skills quickly and effectively using a sound pedagogical approach that takes into account the various types of learners.

Here is a sound approach that involves 6 steps:

Step #1 - What and Why

Kids today need to know why you are doing things. They are critical thinkers. So, when you introduce the new technical element (the ''what''), explain them why it is important. No need for a long speech or justification, just give a reason why so that they can more easily buy into it.

Step #2 - Demonstrate without instruction

This is crucial yet 95% of those coaching youth softball don't it. Most kids have no idea what the skill looks like. So, even before you start giving instructions, you must give them a visual picture or visual reference of what you are talking about. Someone once said that a picture is worth a thousand words and they were right.

Step #3 - Demonstrate with instruction using simple cues

Once the kids have a clear picture of what you are talking about, then you can provide instructions using only a few simple cues to emphasize key technical elements. Don't overload them with technical information, you will lose them.

Step #4 - Get them to try the skill

At this point, you get them to try what you just demonstrated so that they can ''feel'' what you are talking about. By nature, most athletes love to learn by doing.

Step #5 - Give them feedback

At this point, you want to give constructive feedback on what needs to be improved and what they should focus on.

Step #6 - Verify learning and let them ask questions

The worst question to ask to a kid is whether or not they understand. They will always say ''yes'' either because they think they understand (even if they might not) or they don't want to look like they are stupid. So, you want to quiz them asking them questions like what are the key points to verify their learning. Also provide them with a chance to ask their own questions so that they can make sure they clearly understand what was taught.

This 6-step approach is quick and efficient as it respects the fundamental principles of pedagogy. I strongly encourage you to use it with your athletes.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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

=====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Youth Softball Drills - A Coach's Guide

2011-08-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Youth Softball Drills - A Coach's Guide
Uploaded by softballperformance http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-drills - Marc Dagenais, Softball Peak Performance Coach, recommends a great resource for youth softball coaches on fastpitch softball drills to help them in their coaching.

==========================
Thanks to our sponsors:

QuickSwingTrainer.com
QuickSwingMachine.com

Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer

Coaching Youth Softball - 1st and 3rd Strategies

2011-08-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Coaching Youth Softball - 1st and 3rd Strategies
Uploaded by softballperformance
http://www.softballperformance.com - Softball Coaching Expert Marc Dagenais share one of his great softball coaching tips for those coaching youth softball on how to deal with 1st and 3rd situations.

=====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Recruiting Camps - Be Prepared to Be at Your Best

2011-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Softball Recruiting Camps - Be Prepared to Be at Your Best
By guest author: Gary V Hawkins

If you are trying to make it to the next level in softball, softball recruiting camps may be something you want to consider. These camps, which are often called showcase events or evaluation clinics, can help you get noticed by scouts or by college coaches.

Before you attend one of these softball recruiting camps, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Show up in shape just as if softball season was starting that day
2. Be ready to be at your best, make sure your skills are sharp before attending
3. Bring a copy of your athletic resume with you

When you attend one of these events, the spotlight is directly on you. You need to be in great shape and prepared to play at your highest level. These events are run by coaches who know what they are doing and they will put you through drills which will show what kind of athletic and softball talent you really have.

One of the worst mistakes you could make would be to show up at one of these events not prepared to be at your best. It could end up being hurting your chances of getting the recruiting attention you have been looking for.

After leaving these softball recruiting camps, you can take your chances of being recruited to an even higher level. How? Glad you asked! You can do that by marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches. Coaches at all division levels need good players who are also good students. When you make direct contact with coaches, you could end up being just the student athlete they are looking for.

Softball recruiting camps are a good way to get exposure. An even better way to make sure you get the attention of college coaches is to contact them directly. Direct contact is the best way to make sure coaches know about you and what you can potentially do for their program.

Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:

"Five Secrets You Must Know To Get Recruited For Athletic Scholarships"

Head over to http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/freereport.html to get your FREE copy now!

Gary Hawkins is passionate about helping high school athletes reach their dream of playing at the college level. In his Athletic Recruiting & Scholarship System, Gary teaches anyone how they can finally get the attention of college coaches and start being recruited for athletic scholarships. Just visit http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/ and pick up your copy today!

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

=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Girls Softball - Conditioning Program for Well-Rounded Athletes

2011-07-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Girls Softball - Conditioning Program for Well-Rounded Athletes
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

Girls' softball - like any other sport - requires both practice drills to hone technique on the field and a conditioning program to increase strength, enhance performance, and decrease the risk of injury. An effective conditioning program will include flexibility training, cardiovascular training, weight training, and agility training. Players who train hard will become more well-rounded athletes and be more physically and psychologically prepared for competition.

Flexibility Training

The first step in a conditioning program should be flexibility training to get muscles loose and warmed-up for the rest of the training session. Start with a couple minutes of light jogging, then move on to stretching. An effective stretching program starts with the ankles and moves up throughout the body, including the calf muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps, back muscles, shoulders, neck, and arms.

For proper stretching technique, hold the stretching position until the muscles relax, and then increase the stretch to the point of feeling resistance. Stretching presents a good opportunity to increase body awareness; athletes need to know not to stretch any particular muscle too far for risk of injury.

Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular, or endurance, training increases the muscular and respiratory systems' ability to perform over time. Programs that increase heart rate while working the body are ideal for cardiovascular training.

Encourage athletes to join a gym that provides guidance and equipment. Classes in aerobics, spinning, and kickboxing all present a great endurance workout. Players who prefer to work out alone can use treadmills, Stairmasters, and elliptical machines. Those who do not want to join a gym can participate in a running or biking program that provides regular endurance training.

Weight Training

Weight training not only builds muscles, which will enhance performance on the field, but also reduces the risk of injury. However, before an athlete begins a weight training regiment, she needs to be properly trained in using the equipment.

While softball players want to primarily build up muscles in the legs, torso, abdominals, and arms, they should also work the rest of the body, including the back, shoulders, chest, and wrists. Because individual players are at different stages in development and have distinct body types, it is difficult to present one universal weight training program. Athletes should work with their coach or a trainer to develop a program that works for them.

Agility Training

Agility training increases players' ability to execute moves quickly and effectively on the field. Athletes should focus on increasing balance and developing acceleration. Exercises that include line jumps, quick sprints, lateral maneuvers, backpedaling, and bleacher steps will increase balance and explosiveness. Softball players whose bodies quickly and accurately respond in any situation will be an invaluable asset to their team.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball practice drills, tips, and coaching ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Tips on Breaking the Most Common Softball Myths

2011-07-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Softball Tips on Breaking the Most Common Softball Myths
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

Softball is mostly a conservative game. Take a look at how much the softball gear and apparel have changed over the past century and you'll understand what I mean.

There's nothing wrong with being conservative per se. The uniform, for example, sets it apart from other sports, so people will understand if it doesn't change much.

But from a practical point of view, some things need to be changed in the way the sport is being played. This especially applies to the most common softball myths that most coaches still teach to their players today.

In this article, I'll be showing you some of these common myths and I'll tell you why they need to be changed once and for all.

Static Stretches

This is probably one myth that still persists not only in softball but in other sports as well. The premise of static stretches is that it helps you run faster, provide you with more power and prevent you from getting injured.

But studies have shown the opposite. Instead of giving you a performance boost, static stretches turn off your nervous system, which decreases your performance.

So instead of doing static stretches, softball coaches of the 21st century should teach their players dynamic stretches when warming up. That's because dynamic stretches effectively deliver what static stretches can't.

Should Softball Players Lift Weights?

In the past, softball players have been discouraged from lifting weights because it can negatively affect their performance. Unless you still practice this belief, you'll know that it isn't the case.

The truth is that lifting weights provides more benefits than traditional coaches could ever imagine. Lifting weights develops a player's stamina, endurance and strength, while providing more power to throw the ball faster and swing the bat at greater speeds.

Depending Too Much on Pitching Machines

The day pitching machines became available for softball teams was good news for softball coaches all over the world. And this is why most coaches now only depend on pitching machines to train their players' batting skills.

But pitching machines are a one-trick pony. They cannot completely teach your players how to hit the ball at different areas because the machine can only throw balls at one direction.

I recommend that you use pitching machines when teaching your players the correct hitting mechanics. But when it comes to hitting the ball at different zones, stick with the good old live pitching.

Yelling at Players

Today's coaches should remember that their job is to motivate and inspire their players. That said, coaches should now learn how to gain the respect of their players without shouting at them. What works today is creating a positive and motivating environment for players, and that's something that can never be achieved with tons of shouting.

Some of these softball tips look so obvious that they're funny. But the reality is that there are still coaches out there who continue to propagate these things to their players. It's about time that you do your share in helping break these common softball myths.

Marc Dagenais is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to sign-up to get our FREE softball pitching tips!

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

=====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

QuickSwingTrainer.com
QuickSwingMachine.com

Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer

Softball Coaching Clinic for Players

2011-07-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

WHS Softball Coach Graves, gives back to the community thru a free girls softball clinic held at West High School May 16, 2009. Thanks Coach Graves

-------------

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog
===================

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up

2011-07-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

Some traditional softball drills have been around since the beginning of the sport for a good reason: they get the job done. These drills are simple and easy to explain, and they get players in shape and fired up for the game.

Hitting Drills

•3-Player Bunt: This softball drill requires two players to pitch and one to bat. The pitchers alternate pitching and the batter bunts back to the one who pitched.
•Broomstick Hitting Drill: Hit whiffle balls with a broomstick to work on batting technique. First use the right hand, then the left hand, and then both hands.
•Hitting Machine Drill: Fill the hitting machine with three different colored balls. Have the players bunt on certain colors, take certain colors, and hit away on other colors.

Running Drills

•Base Running Drill: This drill helps increase endurance and base running technique. Have the whole team run the bases 10 times, but pace it so that they jog the evens and sprint the odds.
•Indian Relay Drill: The team runs laps in a single file line, and the player in front holds a ball. When the first player is ready she tossed the ball up in the air and runs to the back of the line. The second girl now leads the line and carries the ball until she is ready to move to the back, at which point she tosses the ball up for the next player.
•Base Stealing Drill: Players form a line facing the coach. At the coach's signal, they lead off the imaginary base. If the coach signals to return to the base, all players dive back to the imaginary base. If the coach signals to continue, all players spring to a designated area.

Fielding Drills

•Rapid Fire Drill: For this softball drill, a coach or player quickly bats to various positions on the field, and the fielders throw to designated areas. This drill has a lot going on at once, but it is good practice for focusing on fieldwork.
•3-Second Drill: This drill helps infielders quickly locate the ball and throw it where it needs to go. One player stands behind the fielder and gently tosses a ball at her feet. The baseman locates the ball and has three seconds to get it in a teammate's glove across the infield.
•3-Player Pivot Relays: Divide the team up into groups of three and have them form lines spread out across the outfield. Race to see who can complete the following drills, using the catch, pivot, throw method:

· Throw down the line and back, 1-2-3-2-1

· Throw down the line three times and back

· Make them think using the 1-3-2-3-1-2-3-1 pattern

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

=====================
Thanks to our sponsor:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

The Three I's in Softball Coaching

2011-07-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Three I's in Softball Coaching
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

The most comprehensive softball coaching can be found in an article that features not only the usual and the most basic coaching styles and techniques. It also comes in small packages like this one. This article is all about softball coaching. But what makes this article different is that it underscores only three of the most needed softball coaching elements. These are interest, improvement and importance.

Interest. In any softball coaching plan, awareness and concentration on the hustles and bustles of the game is important. The power and quality of the game depends upon the curiosity or concern displayed by all of the members of the softball team. But how can a player achieve his winning goal if the coach himself doesn't know what to do? There is really a great need of the incorporation of interest in any softball game because this serves as the link of involvement with something that makes the softball performance leads its way to progress or success.

Improvement. After you have carefully laid down your softball plans and priorities, you have to keep on advancing. As a coach, you must set continuous modifications of the plans and techniques that you have already done. There is much intensive change in the softball field every now and then. The softball coach should cope up with the great changes that the game of softball brings. He must also have the ability to become better and make his players better by constant practice and softball training. The involvement of changes adds value to the softball coaching of every person.

Importance. There is a much need to give value to the softball game itself. This means that the magnitude of your strength should be at least given to the softball coaching. When you give importance to the game, you have to set aside your extra-curricular activities and focus first on the development of your plans for the improvement of the team. In one way or another, you have to give a high interest to the different news happening around the softball world.

Softball coaching is not an easy task and it will never become easy. It will always become a big sacrifice. But the feeling of satisfaction and contentment once you are in the softball field become the energy that will bring more positive actions and more outstanding idea that you will share with the team. Yes, the job is not easy yet it will always be happy task.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!

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

=====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Thinking About Coaching Youth Sports Like Baseball Or Softball? Go For It! You Won't Regret It

2011-07-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thinking About Coaching Youth Sports Like Baseball Or Softball? Go For It! You Won't Regret It
By guest author: Bob Langys

You've been on the sidelines, watching your child play for the softball, baseball, soccer, football, or any other team. You'd like to get involved, but you don't know enough about the sport or about coaching.

Here is the deal: As long as you know a little more about the game than the players, you know enough. As long as you take some time along the way to attend a clinic or two, or even to research drills on the internet, you can stay ahead of the kids and provide value to them. If you can bring some enthusiasm and have a genuine desire to help the players progress, you can learn to coach them!

My Experience

My children started to play baseball and softball at a young age. I've never played any kind of organized sport, nor have I followed any professional sports. When my son joined the t-ball team, I initially sat on the sidelines and watched. As I saw what the drills were, it was quickly realized that they coach could use some help by breaking this team down to smaller, more interactive, groups. My offer to help with immediately accepted and my coaching career began.

As my children moved up through the levels of baseball and softball I studied along with them. My best gains in learning were had through the coordination with other coaches and with clinics that our league sponsored. The clinics were great in that they broke down individual skills down into a repeatable, numbered process. I've never pitched, but I can now get players started pitching. I've never been a catcher, but I can help kids be catchers.

Other considerations

The relationship with your child will change a little on the field and in practices. They are one of the team so you have to treat them like you do their teammates. That is often hard for the child, as they can't understand why you won't just be their mom/dad instead of the coach. A helpful technique for getting past this issue is to team up with another coach, and to have them responsible for coaching your child. It works well to tell the other coach the points that you want to get across to your child and let them do the work. Your other coaches will need the same from you.

Get Involved!

Go to the practices. Insert yourself into the process by helping with some drills. The coach may not know how to ask for help but most will not turn it down. Not sure what you are doing? Have the coach break down a drill for you. Start out as an assistant, but when you are ready make sure the league knows that you want to coach a team. Often times, they are short coaches and are looking for people who want to step up.

Assistant Coaches - the "Volunteering" of help.

Just like you have may have been a little hesitant to get involved many of the other parents are in the same boat. If a parent is at the practices and has not clearly indicated that they are not interested - they are a potential assistant coach. Learn some names, call them coach, and give them a drill to run. Believe me, more often than not that parent will be happy that they were able to help.

The Payoff

Coaching is very rewarding. Most coaches find that he benefits received consistently outweigh the time and energy put in. You will know that you have done it right when your players return for the following season and parents inquire as to your plans for next year. Over the years you will gain many relationships with parents, other coaches, and the players. When you get a chance to see the player - who has never made a play before - make the play for the first time you will never again wonder if you should have been a coach.

Bob Langys is an experienced telephone systems engineer and sales professional who has been in the industry for over 15 years. His interest in the technology and applications combined with his love of coaching / sharing the knowledge has served him well throughout his career. Bob works with Medlin Communications, in the Chicago Suburbs, and has the pleasure of working with a team of can-do people. Find out more about the information in this article at:

Find out more about Bob at:

http://www.langys.com

Find our more about Medlin Communications at:

http://www.supportdocs.net

Bob routinely works with a variety of systems including Asterisk, Elastix, Toshiba, Cisco, and Avaya. Whatever the communications need, Bob will put his experience to find the best solution for you. Call Centers, Call Recording, ACD (automatic Call Distribution), and general office telephone solutions are all in his core area of expertise. Single sites or multiple locations. Located in northern Illinois ( Chicago area ) or across the nation, Bob can help.

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

===================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Softball Coaching Tips on Things Your Softball Team Should Always Focus On

2011-07-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Softball Coaching Tips on Things Your Softball Team Should Always Focus On
By Marc Dagenais

It's easy to get distracted when you're a softball coach. You have schedules to deal with, and you also need to train your players on top of that. And it can get even more confusing with the training part. What specific things should your team focus on? How do you measure your team's progress?

Don't get frustrated, though. If you feel like you're losing control over your team, let me show you how you can keep your players well-trained minus the stress. The secret: it's all about focusing on the basics. This softball coaching tip especially applies to coaches handling 16U teams.

What should the basics cover? Let me show you some of the important things your softball team should always focus on:

Hitting and pitching

Obviously, if you want to train your players with the basics, you need to start with hitting and pitching. With hitting, teach them how to hit the ball consistently. This involves teaching them the proper hitting mechanics, plus showing them how to track the ball, from the time it leaves the pitcher's hand to the time they already need to hit the ball.

Also teach your players how to bunt. Your team doesn't always need to aim for a homerun. Bunting is a useful skill if you want to have more runs, for example.

Then there's pitching. For one, you should help your players develop their core muscles, found at the trunk. Developing these muscles help them transfer power from their legs to their upper body, which translates to faster throws.

Running Bases

What most inexperienced softball players don't realize is that you don't just run like heck to another base and call it baserunning. To properly do that, you need to know when to do it, and when you shouldn't. Your players need to consider the overall situation of the team on the field before making a run.

Aside from that, they also need to develop their sliding skills along with this. Proper sliding enables your players to get to the base faster, while minimizing the chances of injury.

Decision making

This skill comes with experience. But building experience doesn't necessarily mean your team always has to play in competitions. You can improve their decision making skills by letting them play specific game situations during practice.

Showing them how to react during particular game situations enables your players to make decisions as soon as they recognize a similar situation in actual games.

Communication

Teaching your players how to make decisions quickly also involves helping them improve communication among their teammates. It may involve the use of signs, but whatever you do, show your players how they can elevate their communication to a level where they no longer need verbal communication just to get their message across.

Again, it all boils down to teaching your players the basics, especially if they're inexperienced. They need the basic skills in order to perform much more difficult skills required at the elite level. The basics should be the main thing your softball team should always focus on.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3095484

====================

Hit2win.com - Free drills, tips, videos & articles

Power Hitting - Ultimate Strength And Conditioning For The Softball Elite!

2011-06-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Power Hitting - Ultimate Strength And Conditioning For The Softball Elite!
By Brandon Richey

Being a strength professional and fitness trainer in the Atlanta, Georgia area now for over 10 years I have had plenty of experience in training athletes of all kinds. I remember when I played baseball and looking back I wished I knew then what I know now about strength training and athletic performance. Even though I didn't play softball on a regular basis the act of hitting comes from the same motion and the integration of the same muscles that are involved in swinging the bat. If I would have had the opportunity to add something to my strength training program it would have been the kettlebell swing lift. This is a great strength and conditioning drill for softball players to develop some serious hitting power.

Strength Training Softball

You see as a player you already get plenty of skills training in terms of your hitting and fielding when you are at practice. This is a common theme with baseball and softball players and is also something that can tend to hurt your softball playing performance to a degree. So you are probably wondering Brandon how can this hurt my game? Well, its not the practicing that will hurt your softball game, but I have seen many players neglect the implementation of a smart strength and conditioning program over the years by putting all of their emphasis on skills practice and none on strength training. The only way you are going to improve your hitting, throwing, and fielding abilities is by making yourself a better athlete and this starts with lifts such as the kettlebell swing.

The kettlebell swing is the base strength endurance lift that is performed with this ancient device and it involves all of your big core muscles in order to pull it off. You are basically implementing a swinging motion with the bell by moving it at an arc back and forth from between your legs up to at least chest level. This is done by you having to engage your hips and knees in a state of constant flexion and extension in order to create the necessary momentum to swing the bell. By doing this you are involving all the major muscles that work together in order to hit the ball for some serious power.

Kettlebell training is a movement based style of training which is why it is so effective for preparing you for all sports. You move during the game so you should train your body in the same way. If you haven't already started to implement the swing lift into your softball strength and conditioning program then you are falling behind. Remember that most any athlete can train hard, but only the best train smart!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com.
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html.

I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

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

Hit2win.com

How to Avoid the Wrong Softball Pitching Clinics

2011-06-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

How to Avoid the Wrong Softball Pitching Clinics
By guest author: Monica Martinez

I have had the opportunity to attend many different softball pitching clinics through the years. As a pitcher myself and also as an instructor, I have seen average clinics and excellent clinics. Some of the down falls to pitching clinics are in the organizational process. If there is six hours set aside for pitching, and all six hours require a pitcher to pitch, this can obviously be a hazard to the arm of the pitcher. Not even a bag of ice at the end of the day will be able to save a pitcher's arm with that amount of pitching repetitions.

Another common error is the way softball pitching clinics don't take into account the catching situation. Quite often the number of pitchers out weighs the number of catchers in a clinic. It is also unreasonable to expect the catchers to spend their clinic experience catching for pitchers. However that can be effective at the end to put the knowledge the catchers have gained into action. So who catches for the pitchers? Probably the worst option is to have the pitchers catch for one another. That can turn dangerous quickly due to the pitcher's inexperience in catching. The positive side of using this format is it's the most efficient means of pitching.

Another alternative is to have nets set up to catch the pitches. This requires a large quantity of those nets and each pitcher to have multiple balls next to them to use. Now the pitchers have a target to throw to. Once they have pitched all of their balls, they can go and retrieve them from the net or fence.

Some of the better softball pitching clinics I have been a part of have variation in their time allotted. For example, an extensive warm up is important for safety reasons. As a concept is presented, drills breaking down that concept allow for better understanding. This can also put less pressure on the pitcher's arm. Frequent water breaks must be in the plan for proper hydration as well as a snack being provided.

I have been involved in a softball pitching clinic where the campers have been able to take home quality information to help them to continue to improve. Such as a side by side video of the campers pitching form compared to a professional pitcher's form. The campers were also given a personalized booklet with skills and drills for the pitcher to look back on.

Remember, softball pitching clinics can help improve any pitcher, but the rest of the time, they are their own pitching coach.

Tired of looking for a softball clinic [http://www.RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com] and only finding ones taught by mediocre coaches? Want to attend softball pitching clinics [http://www.RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com] taught by Cat Osterman and other Olympic athletes? Go to RockyMountainSoftballClinic.com

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

======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Youth Softball - Things You Should Know

2011-06-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Youth Softball - Things You Should Know
By guest author: Blaine F Johnston

People who love softball often take their family to play this sport, including their children. This activity can enhance their skills, especially if the parents want the children to be professional players. However, there are several things that parents should know before starting to do efforts to make the children like softball superstars.

For you who do not have any idea about this sport, you can try to understand that softball is sport game played by nine players in a team. The game needs two teams that alternate between offense and defense. The team who makes more runs than the opponent team will be the winner. In addition, it can be played for both girls and boys, so it eliminates your worries that your kids will be rejected.

This game requires several skills that include strength, teamwork and craftsmanship, eye-hand coordination, and also some position-specific skills like running, pitching, and fielding. That is why the minimum age to play this game is 4 or 5 for tee ball and 7 or 8 for player-pitch teams. A kid needs to be patient and attentive enough to deal with the slower pace of baseball. In addition, the kid should be team-oriented, as the game requires team coordination to win.

If you put your kids to a softball course, you will find that they spend a lot of time lingering in the outfield. Physical activities are not done too often, but the play will become more athletic and aggressive depending on their growth. You should provide the suitable equipment that fit their body well. You can go to stores and ask the shopkeepers or even go there with your kids to know which ones that fit them perfectly. Things you must buy are uniform, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, and batting helmets. The price may vary, but the equipment for beginning players is mostly cheap.

Then, you need to consider the potential injuries that possibly happen during the game. That is why you should know the tricks to prevent injuries, such as using softer balls to reduce injury factors. This kind of ball is often used by younger places as it is well known for the ability to reduce the risk and severity of head injuries. Then, you can also reduce the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries by giving your kids breakaway bases, or also called safety-release bases.

There are several conditions you may find after certain periods of play. If your kids throw too many pitches, they can experience an overuse injury. In a response to this, you can make sure that the kids get plenty of rest for their arms. The coach may even ask you to do this. Further, you can get some tips to prevent the injuries by contacting the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

You can buy a baseball softball pitching machine to enhance your kids' skill of hitting. However, there are also other types of softball pitching machines available on markets that you can choose base on the kids' needs.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4510462

=====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Coaching Youth Baseball - Coaching Youth Softball - What Every Youth Coach Should Know

2011-05-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Coaching Youth Baseball - Coaching Youth Softball - What Every Youth Coach Should Know
By guest author: Steve Polk

If you are coaching youth baseball, coaching youth softball, or coaching youth basketball, there is one thing you need to know before you begin coaching youth sports no matter what the sport.

You Could Be Sued

Did you hear the story of the guy coaching kids baseball that was sued because of an injury that took place during a practice? Seems a 12 year old baseball player was injured during a drill to teach the kids how to catch a fly ball. The player couldn't find the ball due to the sun getting in his eyes and the ball hit him in the head.

Not only did the coach get sued but also the league the kid played in. In another story a softball coach who got sued when a player on his team slid into 3rd base and tore her meniscus. The parents claimed the coach didn't teach their daughter how to slide properly. The parents won the case and $125,000.

It really doesn't matter what youth sport you coach. You could be a soccer coach for youth, or any of the others mentioned here. You could be sued for the seemingly most innocent of things. An off the cuff remark or joke could be interpreted as being harassment or an innuendo of some kind. A kid not paying attention gets hits by a ball, or as kids sometimes do play practical jokes on one another and someone gets hurt. You end up getting sued.

Insurance Doesn't Solve The Problem

Your team or league may have insurance, but that doesn't stop a parent from filing a law suit against you. You could be totally not at fault and end up getting the case dismissed, but still have a bill from your attorney.

The Solution

There are a few companies that provide a low cost what is best referred to as a legal insurance plan. Such a plan will cover most if not all your legal expenses should you ever be sued. Such plans range from $17-$36 per month depending on what state you live in.

In The End It Doesn't Matter

In conclusion it really doesn't matter whether you are coaching youth baseball, softball, basketball, or soccer. If you are a coach you run the risk of being sued. It's becoming common place in this crazy world of ours. You just may want to look into a legal insurance plan.

Coaches You Run The Risk Of Getting Sued

Go right now while it's on your mind to http://coachyoucouldbesued.blogspot.com/ to find a low cost plan to cover legal expenses should you be sued so you don't have to worry and can get back to doing what you love most, coaching youth sports.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3006875

==================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Teaching Softball Drills To Win

2011-05-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Teaching Softball Drills To Win
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

In softball, a coach cannot afford to underestimate the other team; they can only prepare their own team to be the best. As a coach, it's important to set the standards for your team. Along with setting an example of the right attitude, you are responsible to make sure that the players' skills and overall game improve over time. Therefore, teaching softball drills should always be a vital part of practice.

The most effective way for teaching softball drills is through hands-on demonstrations. For example, it's obviously necessary to teach softball players the correct batting stance. While they'll learn from your example, it is more valuable if you show them the way and then allow each member of the team to try it themselves. After you show them the ropes, allow them to use what you have taught to try hitting the ball themselves. As the coach, you should assess the placement of their feet, their knees, their hips, their shoulders and their eyes. Following that, you will know what the team needs to work on when it comes to batting stance and hitting the ball.

Videos are useful to give the team a visual of different strategies and skills. However, videos are even more effective if the team is interactive while it's playing. For example, the team can watch the video of a pro-game. You can show them part of an inning and then ask them to explain the different plays that they could execute. Therefore, you can make sure that they know the best actions to take in different situations. Teaching softball drills like this gives the team a chance to think logically and work out different strategies in their heads.

Another classic method for teaching softball drills is using a chalkboard, dry-erase board, or poster to work out different plays. This is one of the most important ways to coach the team because it gives you the chance to explain the ins and outs of different plays. Plus, during this time you can assign different players to practice different positions. Drawing out different plays is also an important part of tracking the improvement of the team. Having records of each play allows you to mark the ones that the team has mastered and to mark the ones that the team still needs to work on.

Teaching softball drills is one of the most vital tasks of a coach. All of the different drill methods are necessary to master the entire softball game. Using a variety of ways of teaching ensures not only that the team will perform well but they will know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. It's important to remember that the quality of your coaching directly affects the quality of your team.

Becky Wittenburg is a softball coach, softball blogger, and author. If your looking for more tips on teaching softball drills, please visit her softball drills library here.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/523172

================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Coaching Youth Softball on How to Run a Successful Practice

2011-05-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Coaching Youth Softball on How to Run a Successful Practice
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

It's a headache to be a softball coach, especially if you're coaching youth softball players. Kids can be very undisciplined, their skills unpolished, and you also have to deal with their parents who watch their every game.

But kids are kids, and you can never change that. What you can change is the way you handle them. And that's what I'm going to share with you here. I'll show you how you can run a successful practice with your young players.

Get Some Experience

If you're an inexperienced coach, then I imagine how tough it is for you to handle this coaching job. But believe me, it will only get better with time.

Experience teaches you the best way to deal with young players and how to organize everything so your team runs smoothly like a well-oiled engine.

Reading books on coaching will also help you with the basics of coaching when you're just starting out. You'll need that if you don't want to walk out of the team because of frustration.

Organize Everything

You may not be the type who likes organizing things, but you will have to force yourself to learn this skill as a coach. Being organized with your schedule, how you will conduct drills, etc. keeps things easy to manage. You'll always know what you should do at a certain time.

Here's a suggestion: map out your team's schedule for the rest of the year. Include the pre-season, the in-season, and the post-season in the entire calendar. Then divide them into more manageable pieces and create mini-schedules.

An example: you'll spend the first 2 weeks of the year auditioning your players to see which positions you can assign them, as well as giving them time to get to know each other better. Then on weeks 3 and 4, you'll start teaching them the basics of the game, from throwing to batting. You get the idea.

Before you know it, you'll have the entire year completely mapped out. You'll know what to do, and you can track the progress of your team based on the schedule.

Know How to Deal with Youth Softball Players

You won't read it in a lot of books, but here's something you should know: coaching young players is different from older ones.

Unlike adults, kids can mostly grasp only the most general ideas about certain concepts. So when you're teaching them about batting, for example, just teach them the general idea of swinging the bat first before delving into the mechanics involved in it.

When you teach them the general idea first, they'll understand what you're telling them much easily, and that's key to running a successful practice session.

Another thing you should remember is that softball is still just a game for kids. And as a game, they're meant to enjoy it. So let them have fun when they're practicing. They'll be able to remember concepts of the game easier when they're having fun.

Again, it can be a nightmare coaching young softball players, but only if you don't know what to do. That's why I recommend you to invest in softball coaching books to give you an idea of what to do as a softball coach. Aside from that, keep everything organized during practices, and learn how to deal with kids, so you can ensure a successful practice session every time.

Marc Dagenais is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents.

Visit us to sign-up to get our free softball pitching tips!

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3056077

================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Softball Drills - Fun and Challenging Hitting Drills

2011-04-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Softball Drills - Fun and Challenging Hitting Drills
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

Practice can become dull and boring if the same softball drills are used every time. In order to keep athletes fresh in their skills, incorporate new drills as often as possible. These fun and challenging hitting drills will provide players a new perspective on hitting and force them out of a practice rut!

Pepper Game

This softball hitting drill emphasizes control over the bat and makes the hitter work on a short, quick swing.

Position three to five fielders about 25 feet from the batter, making sure they are spread safely apart.
Have the batter hit the ball with a short, downward stroke toward one of the fielders.
The fielder fields the ground ball and quickly pitches the ball back to the batter, who uses the same quick downward stroke to hit back to one of the fielders.
Right handed batters should hit inside pitches to the fielder on her left, middle pitches to the players in the center, and outside pitches to the fielder on her right.
To make the drill more challenging, have two balls going at once to really keep the batter focused.

Colored Softball Toss

This softball drill requires the hitter to really concentrate on the pitch and focus on keeping her weight back.

For this drill, the coach, or whoever is acting as pitcher, needs several balls of different colors.
The pitcher will toss two pitches simultaneously, making sure the balls are at different heights.
While releasing the toss, the pitcher will call out which ball the player should hit, forcing her concentration on just one ball.
For variations on this drill, the coach can sometimes incorporate fake tosses or vary the speeds of the balls. If colored balls are not available, the pitcher could call out "high" or "low" instead.
This hitting drill will help players adjust their swing for high or low pitches, particularly when they may have been expecting the opposite.

Hit the Bounce

This drill forces the hitter to focus on the timing of her swing, both the trigger - when she should initiate the swing - and the point at which she should make contact with the ball.

Have the pitcher stand to the front and side of the hitter, about ten feet away.
The pitcher tosses a tennis ball to the hitter, making sure the ball bounces once before reaching the strike zone.
The hitter should watch the pitch and use the bounce as a trigger for the swing.
Once she has started her swing, the hitter needs to time it so that she hits the ball at the top of the bounce.
This drill might take a lot of practice to master, both from the person tossing the tennis ball and the hitter, but once they understand the basics it can really help with timing the swing.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5220310
===============
Thanks to our sponsors:

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players

2011-03-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

Start with the Basics

These kids softball drills teach the basics -- hitting, running, throwing, and catching -- in fun, simple ways that beginners will understand and enjoy!

Don't Miss

This hitting drill emphasizes making contact with the ball and correct placement of the bat once the batter has hit the ball. You will need a tee, a ball, a bat, gloves for each player, and a hula hoop.

Divide the team into two sides. Fielders will play as usual. Batters take turns hitting from the tee, focusing on making solid contact with the ball. Once they have hit the ball, they must toss their bat into the hula hoop on the ground next to home base before they can run to first. If the player misses the ball or knocks the tee over, it's a strike. After three strikes, the player is out. The player is also out if they don't place their bat in the hula hoop before running to first.

Red Light/Green Light

This kids softball helps beginners get used to running with a glove and ball in their hands. Each player will need a glove with a ball in it. Have the players form a line facing the coach, who is about 60 to 90 feet away.

The drill begins when the coach turns away from the players and yells "green light." The kids run toward him/her as fast as they can, making sure to hold on to their balls. Periodically the coach will yell "red light" and spin around. If the coach sees any of the players moving after he/she has called "red light," those players are out. The first player to get close and tag the coach out wins.

Hit the Coach

This is a fun beginning softball drill to teach throwing accuracy. The kids form a line facing the coach, each one holding a small foam ball or other type of soft ball.

When the coach says to begin, the kids all try to hit him/her with their balls while the coach tries to avoid getting hit. The kids can run to retrieve their balls after they have thrown them, but they must throw from the starting line. Once the coach has been hit three times, the kids get to make him/her do something silly, like a dance or animal noise.

Look Up

This softball drill for kids teaches beginning players to catch fly balls in the outfield. When first learning softball, many kids are afraid of looking up to catch the ball. This drill will ease them into feeling comfortable catching from below.

This drill requires small foam balls and as many tall people (coaches, assistants, or parents) as possible to stand next to the kids and drop the balls over their heads. The kids look up with their hands raised and try to catch the balls. At first they should use both hands and no glove to get used to catching with both hands. Eventually they can move on to using gloves.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for kids softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5181142

==================
Thanks to our sponsors:

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Maximizing Game Day Bat Speed

2011-03-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Maximizing Game Day Bat Speed
By guest author: Steve Zawrotny

If you're a hitter - baseball, slow pitch, or fastpitch softball, you'll definitely find this to your liking!

I'm a big proponent of appropriate strength & conditioning
as a way of increasing GAME TIME performance. This includes generating maximal bat speed. Unfortunately, science says what most of you are doing in the on-deck circle just prior to stepping to the plate is hindering your bat speed and quickness right when you need it most.

What are most of you doing in the on-deck circle? Swinging some type of heavy implement. Why is this wrong? I've summarized below the results of a study done in 1991 by Dr. Coop Derenne of the University of Hawaii-Hilo. Results are ranked fastest to slowest by implement used. Bat velocity was measured by use of a photosensing computer timer. Players were college age; game bat weight was 30 oz:

1) Wooden overloaded bat (34 oz)

2) 27 oz underloaded bat

3) Standard 30 oz game bat

4) 25 oz underloaded batv
5) Power swing (adds 32 oz to bat)

6) 23 oz underloaded batv
7) Donut ring (adds 28 oz to bat)

Notice that the WORST item was the standard heavy batting donut. Also, using UNDERload (light) bats produced better readings than heavier implements. Just swinging your game bat with no weight attached produced better readings than any of the heavier tools!

The question you may be asking is WHY? Why, when you grab two or
three bats or another heavy device, swing them vigorously, then grab your game bat (which now feels light as a feather) does this slow you down? You feel so much faster with your game bat after this, don't you?

What happens is simple fatigue of the fast twitch muscles you're depending on to perform at your best. At an imperceptible, neuromuscular level, all of this heavy work just before performing actually tires you out! So, right at the time you need to be your fastest, you've just slowed yourself down. It's sort of like a sprinter running a bunch of sprints or laps minutes before a race. Yes, he's warmed up, but he has also depleted too much of his energy, so he cannot perform at his peak.

Notice that the two best times were with weights that were about 10% above & 10% below the game bat weight. Just enough weight (the 34 oz bat) for you to get warmed up and ready, but light enough to not affect swing mechanics. The underload bat (27 oz) is noticeably lighter, allowing for an effective warm-up and priming the body to swing faster - overSPEED training.

Don't confuse this on-deck performance with a regular workout using heavy implements to develop strength and power. During such a workout, you're not appearing at the plate facing perhaps a 90 mph fastball. Tiring the muscles during a workout is the point.

However, this data underscores the fact that bat speed is most effectively developed by a combination of both heavy and light training. DO NOT NEGLECT OVERSPEED/UNDERLOAD TRAINING! If you only train slow and heavy, mechanics will be negatively affected (a real problem with a refined 'power skill' such as hitting) and you'll perform slow as well.

So put down that heavy device in the on-deck circle and go light! Especially when you're facing serious gas! And slow pitch hitters who are not facing 'gas,'you too need to generate maximal bat speed to drive the ball hard/deep.

Steve Zawrotny, MS, CSCS
405.373.3253
steve@baseballfit.comFREE REPORT: "Harmful Resistance Exercises Baseball/Softball Players Should Avoid"
VISIT: http://www.BaseballFit.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Zawrotny

====================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine Demo Video

The Importance of Training Qualified Youth League Coaches

2011-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Training Qualified Youth League Coaches
By guest author: Dave Rosene

From my observations, adults involved in American youth baseball programs today generally can be categorized in 5 groups. I hesitate to call them coaches because they are either not qualified or don't spend enough time learning the profession. It is not a weekend position. Coaching is a serious business because you impact the lives of children, and it has to be positive and correct. We have too many situations where kids are getting the wrong advice and instruction, and it always results in inferior play when players play at a higher level. It must be corrected!

There are superb baseball teachers and coaches throughout the United States. All of them have the same qualities: disciplined, well-prepared, understand and communicate baseball strategy and teamwork, and develop individual player skills, and they coach high school, college, or professional baseball. The reasons are financial or competitive, and what youth baseball is left with is people in the aforementioned 5 groups.

Group 1 are ones with self-interest; they want to coach their child. That is to the detriment of the other team members, who usually are neglected or misused. This group type will also try to manipulate to stock the team with players to make their child look better. Youth baseball is about balance and skill development and not winning games. Group 2 have good intentions but are not experienced or skilled enough to help the youth players. In addition to learning from game experience, they must go to reputable coaching clinics and use the various multimedia reference outlets available to them to best develop the athletes. Group 3 teach throwing, fielding, hitting/bunting, and pitching incorrectly because they were poorly taught or not taught at all. Plus they refuse to change and learn, hazardous to skill development. Group 4 cares more about winning than about skill development, team strategy, and teamwork. They cause more harm than any other group because they confuse the youth players on the importance of winning youth games, and distort the priority of players, which should always be learning all aspects of baseball and maximizing their talents. Group 5 wants to be friends with players and are more interested in equal playing time and pleasing everyone on the bench and in the stands. They have little interest in teaching baseball and are worthless in developing baseball skills.

Baseball is a difficult game. What makes it harder is the paucity of top youth coaches. It is such a disservice to take beginning players with no habits and teach them wrong methods that are frequently never corrected. Youth athletes usually unconditionally trust people in positions of authority until the ones in authority breach that trust. We can't let this happen anymore. Our goal is to teach coaching candidates how to excel so they can pass it along to every player they come in contact with and establish themselves as positive role models, a daunting but not impossible task.

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com
Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

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

==================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up

2011-02-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg

Some traditional softball drills have been around since the beginning of the sport for a good reason: they get the job done. These drills are simple and easy to explain, and they get players in shape and fired up for the game.

Hitting Drills

3-Player Bunt: This softball drill requires two players to pitch and one to bat. The pitchers alternate pitching and the batter bunts back to the one who pitched.
Broomstick Hitting Drill: Hit whiffle balls with a broomstick to work on batting technique. First use the right hand, then the left hand, and then both hands.
Hitting Machine Drill: Fill the hitting machine with three different colored balls. Have the players bunt on certain colors, take certain colors, and hit away on other colors.

Running Drills

Base Running Drill: This drill helps increase endurance and base running technique. Have the whole team run the bases 10 times, but pace it so that they jog the evens and sprint the odds.
Indian Relay Drill: The team runs laps in a single file line, and the player in front holds a ball. When the first player is ready she tossed the ball up in the air and runs to the back of the line. The second girl now leads the line and carries the ball until she is ready to move to the back, at which point she tosses the ball up for the next player.
Base Stealing Drill: Players form a line facing the coach. At the coach's signal, they lead off the imaginary base. If the coach signals to return to the base, all players dive back to the imaginary base. If the coach signals to continue, all players spring to a designated area.

Fielding Drills

Rapid Fire Drill: For this softball drill, a coach or player quickly bats to various positions on the field, and the fielders throw to designated areas. This drill has a lot going on at once, but it is good practice for focusing on fieldwork.
3-Second Drill: This drill helps infielders quickly locate the ball and throw it where it needs to go. One player stands behind the fielder and gently tosses a ball at her feet. The baseman locates the ball and has three seconds to get it in a teammate's glove across the infield.
3-Player Pivot Relays: Divide the team up into groups of three and have them form lines spread out across the outfield. Race to see who can complete the following drills, using the catch, pivot, throw method:

· Throw down the line and back, 1-2-3-2-1

· Throw down the line three times and back

· Make them think using the 1-3-2-3-1-2-3-1 pattern

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

==================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Softball Drills - Training Catchers Not to Fear the Ball

2011-02-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Softball Drills - Training Catchers Not to Fear the Ball
By guest author: Geoff James

All humans have the same general reaction when an object is plummeting towards them: flinch. Softball catchers do not have time to flinch; they need to keep their eyes on the ball and catch it after each strike or ball. Try these drills to prime your softball catchers for the big leagues:

Are you Nervous?

The best way to keep players calm while being attacked by 60 mph balls is through repetition. By the 30th, 80th, 1000th ball, no catcher will flinch when she sees the ball coming towards her. As with every skill, practice makes perfect.

Have your geared up catcher stand against a wall and the pitcher stand a foot and a half in front of her. The pitcher will lightly throw the ball directly at the face of the catcher, bouncing the ball off of her helmet. Have the team do this a few minutes each day, and soon enough your catcher won't even blink when she sees the ball coming! Having your pitcher throw the balls also builds a trust between the duo that is integral to game day success.

The next drill is two-fold: not only does it help keep the catcher on her toes when a ball approaches, but it also forces her to think about the next move.

Bombardment

Have three players line up horizontally between the pitcher's mound and home plate. The catcher gets in position. She is wearing her full gear. The line "pitchers" each have a bucket of balls in front of them. The first throws the ball at the catcher, who then rolls the ball off to the side. The minute the ball leaves her mitt, the next player throws. The rapid succession forces the player to immediately move on from one element of the game to the next, which is a skill that can benefit all players, not just your catchers.

We have amazing softball trophies and awards for pitchers, catchers and everyone on the field! Get your personalized softball trophies today - and we'll ship all orders over $95 absolutely free.

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

===================
Thanks to our sponsors:

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Recreational Softball Coaching Does Not Require Experience

2011-01-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Recreational Softball Coaching Does Not Require Experience
by Guest Author Sonny Snyder

A few years ago, I was called by a friend whether I was game in coaching a 10U and a 8U girls softball travel team. I came clean and said, I've never coached! And even though I knew that I was the last individual who should be coaching softball, I also knew that it was the appropriate thing to do. Since then, I have not once regretted accepting the invite to coach! It's been a great learning experience and an opportunity of a lifetime to spend quality time with my two lovely daughters.

After welcoming the idea to help out coaching, I immediately started researching for softball on the Internet. I found many softball drills, softball practice plans, softball quotes and softball instructional videos. I started to put together ideas from different websites. I decided to showcase those resources accessible from one location hoping to make it easier for you.

It didn't take long for me to realize that there's a huge difference between teaching girls the basics of softball and making decisions before, during and after a softball game. What it boils down to is that whether you've ever coached or not, coaching a fastpitch softball team can be rewarding and beneficial to that group of girls!!! And believe or not probably more rewarding for you!!! Always keep the focus on your team and you can't go wrong.

That fall traveling with the girls softball teams brought many learning and joyful experiences. But after a fall and spring of preparing, that summer brought a unexpected experience. My summer girls softball team became the undefeated Champions in our city's Babe Ruth Summer League. What was even more impressive, we went on to become the 2009 Babe Ruth SouthWest Regional 8U Champions!!!!!

So next time you are asked to help coach softball or any sport, considered it!!! All it takes is some time and effort!

Softball made easy using softball quotes, softball drills and softball practice plans! Visit us at http://www.softballquoteshq.com (http://www.softballquoteshq.com)

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

----------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Advanced Softball Pitching : Softball Pitching: Curveball Grip

2011-01-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Advanced Softball Pitching : Softball Pitching: Curveball Grip
Posted on YouTube by expertvillage

A curveball should slide from side to side in softball. Learn tips for gripping a curveball in this free video on softball pitching techniques from a softball coach.

Expert: Juan Landeverde
Bio: Juan Carlos Landeverde played college baseball at Cal State Northridge. He has been the mens baseball coach at Hamilton High, and the womens softball coach for the past five years.
Filmmaker: Devin Boddie

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Step-By-Step Softball Hitting Procedure

2010-12-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

Step-By-Step Softball Hitting Procedure
By Marc Dagenais

Having trouble hitting the ball with striking result? Have you been practicing for it for several weeks, yet you always failed to deliver a satisfying performance? Are you now in great desperation to learn the technique of softball hitting? If so, then you may find the following step-by-step procedure very useful. This actually helps me a lot, too.

· Begin with a good standing posture. This is essential in softball hitting. This means that you have to maintain a comfortable stance. Your weight should be balanced on the balls of your feet. Keep your knees a little flexed, with a slight curve at the waist.

· Have a grip on the bat with your front elbow down and relaxed. Your grip must not too loose or too tight, but hold the bat just right. Make sure that your back elbow is at a 45-degree angle, pointed towards the ground.

· Then with your middle knuckles of one hand aligned with your middle knuckles of the other hand, take hold of the bat at a 45- to 90-degree angle.

· Always let your hands at the top of the strike zone, and close to your back armpit. Also remember that the bat should be between the catcher and your back shoulder.

· Also important to keep your head straight, then cast your full attention to the pitcher in anticipation for the ball to be released. You may want to focus your eyes on the side of the pitcher's leg. This will help you maintain a good concentration.

· When the pitcher goes into the windup, immediately shift the weight onto your back.

· Then with your front foot, take a stride forward on the release of the pitch, making sure not to bring any weight forward on the stride. This is what we call a soft step.

· Immediately after, begin turning around your back foot so that your back heel is facing the catcher, and move your weight forward to the middle of your body.

· Then lastly commence your hand, with the knob of the bat going in the direction of the pitcher's feet.

· You should be careful not to drop the barrel of the bat underneath your hands at the launch of the swing.

· Strike the ball and drive it. This should follow through by way of your hands swinging to your opposite shoulder.

Alright, there you have it. All you have to do is be familiarized with every step provided. At the same time, help yourself with perseverance and determination. Actually, there is actually no undisclosed topics you need to know when it comes to softball hitting.

For you become a good softball player you dreamt of, all you need to do is carry out, practice, and practice. Yes, keep on practicing and improving your skills. As a well-worn adage goes, "Practice makes perfect." Take that as your softball hitting key to success.

Reading magazines or articles regarding the proper technique of softball hitting can also help. Also try to solicit some advices from people who have enough knowledge and experience about softball hitting. Their true to life experience is worth knowing.

Marc Dagenais is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to sign-up to get our FREE softball pitching tips!

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

======================

Thanks to our sponsor:

Softballrus.com Batting Trainers
Softballrus.com Pitching & Throwing Trainers
Softballrus.com Training Bats
Softballrus.com Defensive Training Tools
Softballrus.com Hitting Books & DVDs
Softballrus.com Pitching DVDs and Books

================

Shown above are two exciting new baseball products and baseball equipment for 2011. BatAction.com BattingCageDoor.com

Thanks to our sponsors:

BatAction.com - The original rotational hitting machine.
HurricaneMachine.com - Derek Jeter Baseball Trainer
AdvancedSkillsTee.com - Worlds most advanced batting tee.
QuickSwingTrainer.com - Joe Mauer Quick Swing Batting Trainer
HandsBackHitter.com - Teaches the perfect swing mechanics.
StayBackTee.com - Advanced Batting Tee for Advanced Hitters
BattingCagesDirect.com - Your best buy in backyard batting cages.
BattingCageDoor.com - NEW PRODUCT! Great for all batting cages! Safe, efficient, & convenient!

Softball pitching teacher Jill Virchis

2010-12-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Advanced Skills Tee - College Hitter Hitting This Baseball Trainer

2010-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury

2010-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd

No matter what level of pitcher you are, injury is a real possibility. Use these tips to help you avoid injuries throughout your career:

1. Keep your elbows tight to your side. There should not be much gap between your elbow and the side of your body during the windmill. In fact, your elbow will brush or almost brush the side of your body at release. If you can see daylight between your body and your elbow, you are at risk of injuring your arm and shoulder.

2. Finish the pitch. Do not stop your pitching motion as soon as the pitch leaves your hand. Finish your follow-through and allow your arm to decelerate naturally. A jarring stop right at release puts unnecessary pressure on your shoulder.

3. Stand tall. This is one you'll hear over and over again throughout your career as a pitcher, and for good reason. Not only is it difficult to consistently throw accurate pitches when leaning forward, you put yourself at added risk of injury. Leaning forward during your pitch puts strain on your back at an unnatural angle and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Take breaks and don't overdo it. It is common for a traveling softball pitcher to be asked to pitch 2 or three games in a single weekend. Couple this with poor mechanics and you put yourself at risk of a repetitive motion or strain injury. If you feel pain during your pitching motion in a game, let your coach know immediately. The same thing goes for practice...While practice makes perfect, too much practice can burn out your arm and cause you to lose speed and accuracy. Take the day before a game off or only throw a light session of practice.

5. Warm-up. Most pitchers don't like warm-up and tend to rush through it or skip it altogether. These pitchers put themselves at added risk of injury. A good warm-up prepares the muscles for the explosive motion of pitching. A good warm-up routine will include stretching, throwing and running until the muscles are warm. I've seen pitchers throw a couple pitches from halfway and say that's all they need to warm up. This is worrisome because they then move into full speed pitching from the mound without any further preparation.

Take your game to the next level at Softball Pitching Drills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Todd

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

4 Tips for Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine Owners or New Buyers - Hurricanemachine.com

2010-12-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

Infield Drills: Softball Relays drill: quick hands

2010-11-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

Infield Drills: Softball Relays drill: quick hands
Posted on YouTube by almarksports

Great Hands Fastpitch Softball Training Glove www.greathandsglove.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Advanced Skills Tee
==================================

Advanced Skills Tee

AdvancedSkillsTee.com
Advanced Skills Tee at Baseball2u.com
Advanced Skills Tee Reviews
Advanced Skills Tee Product Description
Used By Over 1,200 High Schools and Colleges!

Fastpitch Softball Drills - Develop Speed and Accuracy With These Pitching Drills

2010-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

Fastpitch Softball Drills - Develop Speed and Accuracy With These Pitching Drills
By Becky Wittenburg

Once softball pitchers have developed their technique, they often reach a plateau where they no longer improve. However, there is always potential to be a better pitcher. These innovative fastpitch softball drills were designed to help pitchers develop their speed and accuracy on the mound.

Snap Drill

This fastpitch softball drill was developed to practice the snap of the wrist at the end of the pitch. Using the wrist muscles to snap the ball as it is released will increase the velocity of the pitch.

For this drill, two pitchers will stand about ten feet apart. The first pitcher will start with the pitching hand down at the side, holding the ball. She then takes her wrist back slightly before flipping the ball forward to her teammate, focusing on using as much power as possible. The partner will catch the pitch and use the same technique to snap the ball back. Each pitcher should snap the ball twenty-five times, working to increase strength in the wrist and velocity in the snap. This also serves as a great pitching warm-up.

Two for One

This drill for fastpitch softball helps the pitcher develop fielding skills while practicing pitches. The pitcher needs to always be prepared for a ball hit back to the mound.

Set up this drill with the pitcher at the mound and the catcher at the plate, each with one ball. As the pitcher delivers her pitch, the catcher will toss a ground ball to the mound. The pitcher should field the ball and use it for her next pitch, while the catcher will receive the pitch and use it for her next toss. Complete the routine twenty times, focusing on proper technique and increasing reaction time.

Distance Pitching

This pitching drill develops arm strength while emphasizing accuracy of pitches.

Start with the pitcher twenty feet from home plate, pitching to the catcher at home. The pitcher throws as many pitches as it takes to get five strikes, according to the catcher's judgment. Next, the pitcher should move back ten feet and pitch five strikes from that position, and so on until she is sixty feet from home plate.

Pitching from a long distance stretches the arm and increases strength, resulting in more powerful pitches. Using the catcher to determine strikes will keep the focus on accuracy, as well.

Isolation Drill

This softball drill for pitching focuses on the last portion of the pitch. By isolating the final stage of the pitching motion, players can develop the specific moves required to deliver an accurate pitch.

Have the pitcher stand thirty feet away from a teammate. The pitcher will start by raising the pitching arm and curling the wrist to form a letter "c" above the head. She should then complete the pitch from this position, concentrating on swinging the arm down, firing the hips, snapping the wrist, and releasing the pitch.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

--------

Thanks to our sponsor:

Thanks to Our Sponsor:
QuickSwingTrainer.com
QuickSwingMachine.com

Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer

Coaching Youth Softball - Tips for Male Coaches Coaching Girls

2010-11-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Coaching Youth Softball - Tips for Male Coaches Coaching Girls
Posted on YouTube by softballperformance

http://www.softballperformance.com/blog - Softball Peak Performance Marc Dagenais shares a lesson he learned from coaching female athletes over the last 20 years.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Softball Coach - Mentor, Expert, Friend

2010-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Fastpitch Softball Coach - Mentor, Expert, Friend
by Guest Author Becky Wittenburg

Balancing all the roles of being a softball coach can be difficult, especially when what a player needs personally may be at odds with the best thing for the team. This short article helps coaches find a balance between acting as a friend and teaching a team how to be successful softball players.

Mentor

A coach's primary duty when working with young people is to act as a positive adult role model. Even on competitive teams, coaches must strive to bring their team together and build life skills while focusing on increasing sports ability.

When we talk about being a mentor, it means that the coach acts as someone the players can trust and go to with problems or questions. A mentor's actions speak louder than their words, so coaches must take care to be on their guard when around players.

Expert

The coach's next important role is to act as the team's expert at softball. Players will look to the coach to understand what they need to improve on, how to do certain things, and what they already excel at.

As the expert, coaches need to be both confident and friendly. Show that you know what you are talking about. If you as the coach can't demonstrate something, make sure you have someone available who can. This helps cement you as the team's expert and makes you more approachable to athletes.

Friend

As a neutral adult in the athletes' lives, coaches are also well positioned to act as a friend at times. This means letting them play around, or ignoring innocent things you hear that they may not want their parents to know.

Juggling Roles

Coaches can play multiple roles, but knowing what a situation calls for can be difficult. When athletes are stressed out or dealing with personal issues, friendship can be the most valuable quality you bring to the table. Sometimes, this even means putting the athlete's needs above the team's needs.

If the athlete is unable to concentrate or is performing poorly, give them a few minutes to try to collect themselves. Talk as a friend and recognize when they need some space. Don't feel the need to call attention to the situation by sharing it with other players.

If a few minutes away doesn't solve things, consider sending the player home for the day. As the expert, you need to make sure your team performs its best, but as the mentor, you must protect the mental and physical health of your players. In this situation, briefly explain to the team that the athlete is dealing with a personal issue and will be gone for the practice or event. Move on, and don't allow speculation or gossip.

If you find that an athlete is simply underperforming, watch for problems with technique that may not have been there before. Ask the athlete to step up as a leader on the team and show the other players what it means to fight through a bad practice or game.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

Fastpitch Softball Hitting Tip: Forget "Elbow Up"

2010-11-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Fastpitch Softball Hitting Tip: Forget "Elbow Up"
Posted on YouTube by staciemahoe

Why "elbow up" should NOT be forced upon young softball players or be taught as an absolute necessity to good hitting by fastpitch softball coaches. More at http://www.allaboutfastpitch.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players

2010-11-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players
by Guest Author Becky Wittenburg

Start with the Basics

These kids softball drills teach the basics -- hitting, running, throwing, and catching -- in fun, simple ways that beginners will understand and enjoy!

Don't Miss

This hitting drill emphasizes making contact with the ball and correct placement of the bat once the batter has hit the ball. You will need a tee, a ball, a bat, gloves for each player, and a hula hoop.

Divide the team into two sides. Fielders will play as usual. Batters take turns hitting from the tee, focusing on making solid contact with the ball. Once they have hit the ball, they must toss their bat into the hula hoop on the ground next to home base before they can run to first. If the player misses the ball or knocks the tee over, it's a strike. After three strikes, the player is out. The player is also out if they don't place their bat in the hula hoop before running to first.

Red Light/Green Light

This kids softball helps beginners get used to running with a glove and ball in their hands. Each player will need a glove with a ball in it. Have the players form a line facing the coach, who is about 60 to 90 feet away.

The drill begins when the coach turns away from the players and yells "green light." The kids run toward him/her as fast as they can, making sure to hold on to their balls. Periodically the coach will yell "red light" and spin around. If the coach sees any of the players moving after he/she has called "red light," those players are out. The first player to get close and tag the coach out wins.

Hit the Coach

This is a fun beginning softball drill to teach throwing accuracy. The kids form a line facing the coach, each one holding a small foam ball or other type of soft ball.

When the coach says to begin, the kids all try to hit him/her with their balls while the coach tries to avoid getting hit. The kids can run to retrieve their balls after they have thrown them, but they must throw from the starting line. Once the coach has been hit three times, the kids get to make him/her do something silly, like a dance or animal noise.

Look Up

This softball drill for kids teaches beginning players to catch fly balls in the outfield. When first learning softball, many kids are afraid of looking up to catch the ball. This drill will ease them into feeling comfortable catching from below.

This drill requires small foam balls and as many tall people (coaches, assistants, or parents) as possible to stand next to the kids and drop the balls over their heads. The kids look up with their hands raised and try to catch the balls. At first they should use both hands and no glove to get used to catching with both hands. Eventually they can move on to using gloves.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for kids softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Wittenburg
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Fastpitch Hitting Instruction

2010-11-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Fastpitch Hitting Instruction
Posted on YouTube by mmmistig

Hitting instruction using RightView Pro by Sue Enquist

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Learning the Pitching Machine -- JoAnn Ferrieri, Rhino Softball

2010-11-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Learning the Pitching Machine -- JoAnn Ferrieri, Rhino Softball
Posted on YouTube by rhinosoftball

Five sets of drills to get your fastpitch softball pitcher started on the right track. Order at http://www.rhinosoftball.com

----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up

2010-10-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up
By Becky Wittenburg

Some traditional softball drills have been around since the beginning of the sport for a good reason: they get the job done. These drills are simple and easy to explain, and they get players in shape and fired up for the game.

Hitting Drills

3-Player Bunt: This softball drill requires two players to pitch and one to bat. The pitchers alternate pitching and the batter bunts back to the one who pitched.
Broomstick Hitting Drill: Hit whiffle balls with a broomstick to work on batting technique. First use the right hand, then the left hand, and then both hands.
Hitting Machine Drill: Fill the hitting machine with three different colored balls. Have the players bunt on certain colors, take certain colors, and hit away on other colors.

Running Drills

Base Running Drill: This drill helps increase endurance and base running technique. Have the whole team run the bases 10 times, but pace it so that they jog the evens and sprint the odds.
Indian Relay Drill: The team runs laps in a single file line, and the player in front holds a ball. When the first player is ready she tossed the ball up in the air and runs to the back of the line. The second girl now leads the line and carries the ball until she is ready to move to the back, at which point she tosses the ball up for the next player.
Base Stealing Drill: Players form a line facing the coach. At the coach's signal, they lead off the imaginary base. If the coach signals to return to the base, all players dive back to the imaginary base. If the coach signals to continue, all players spring to a designated area.

Fielding Drills

Rapid Fire Drill: For this softball drill, a coach or player quickly bats to various positions on the field, and the fielders throw to designated areas. This drill has a lot going on at once, but it is good practice for focusing on fieldwork.
3-Second Drill: This drill helps infielders quickly locate the ball and throw it where it needs to go. One player stands behind the fielder and gently tosses a ball at her feet. The baseman locates the ball and has three seconds to get it in a teammate's glove across the infield.
3-Player Pivot Relays: Divide the team up into groups of three and have them form lines spread out across the outfield. Race to see who can complete the following drills, using the catch, pivot, throw method:

· Throw down the line and back, 1-2-3-2-1

· Throw down the line three times and back

· Make them think using the 1-3-2-3-1-2-3-1 pattern

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/

Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

===========

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players

2010-10-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players
By Becky Wittenburg
Start with the Basics

These kids softball drills teach the basics -- hitting, running, throwing, and catching -- in fun, simple ways that beginners will understand and enjoy!

Don't Miss

This hitting drill emphasizes making contact with the ball and correct placement of the bat once the batter has hit the ball. You will need a tee, a ball, a bat, gloves for each player, and a hula hoop.

Divide the team into two sides. Fielders will play as usual. Batters take turns hitting from the tee, focusing on making solid contact with the ball. Once they have hit the ball, they must toss their bat into the hula hoop on the ground next to home base before they can run to first. If the player misses the ball or knocks the tee over, it's a strike. After three strikes, the player is out. The player is also out if they don't place their bat in the hula hoop before running to first.

Red Light/Green Light

This kids softball helps beginners get used to running with a glove and ball in their hands. Each player will need a glove with a ball in it. Have the players form a line facing the coach, who is about 60 to 90 feet away.

The drill begins when the coach turns away from the players and yells "green light." The kids run toward him/her as fast as they can, making sure to hold on to their balls. Periodically the coach will yell "red light" and spin around. If the coach sees any of the players moving after he/she has called "red light," those players are out. The first player to get close and tag the coach out wins.

Hit the Coach

This is a fun beginning softball drill to teach throwing accuracy. The kids form a line facing the coach, each one holding a small foam ball or other type of soft ball.

When the coach says to begin, the kids all try to hit him/her with their balls while the coach tries to avoid getting hit. The kids can run to retrieve their balls after they have thrown them, but they must throw from the starting line. Once the coach has been hit three times, the kids get to make him/her do something silly, like a dance or animal noise.

Look Up

This softball drill for kids teaches beginning players to catch fly balls in the outfield. When first learning softball, many kids are afraid of looking up to catch the ball. This drill will ease them into feeling comfortable catching from below.

This drill requires small foam balls and as many tall people (coaches, assistants, or parents) as possible to stand next to the kids and drop the balls over their heads. The kids look up with their hands raised and try to catch the balls. At first they should use both hands and no glove to get used to catching with both hands. Eventually they can move on to using gloves.

And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for kids softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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

========

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Shelby Softball Pitching Practice warmup fast drop change

2010-10-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Shelby Softball Pitching Practice warmup fast drop change
Posted on YouTube by thesportshouse

Shelby's Pitching Practice wrist snaps, tee drill, arm circle, one leg, hops, fast, change, drop

------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Jennie Finch & Mizuno Softball: Parents as coaches

2010-10-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Jennie Finch & Mizuno Softball: Parents as coaches
Posted on Youtube by TeamExpress

Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch gives advice to parents whose kids play sports. For more info, visit softball.com.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Jessica Mendoza Softball Training - RUN: Rounding Bases : Softball.com

2010-10-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Jessica Mendoza Softball Training - RUN: Rounding Bases : Softball.com
Posted on YouTube by TeamExpress

Softball Jessica Mendoza Louisville Slugger USA explains how to round the bases.

Brought to you by Softball.com

-------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Softball for Beginners : How to Slide into a Base in Softball

2010-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Youth Fastpitch Softball : How to Slide into a Base in Softball
Posted on YouTube by expertvillage

Learn how to slide into a base in softball with expert softball tips in this free sports instruction video clip.

Expert: Juan Carlos Landaverde
Bio: Juan Carlos Landeverde has played baseball and softball since he was 5 years old.
Filmmaker: Devin Boddie

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

The Best Fit Softball Gloves

2010-09-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Youth Softball: The Best Fit Softball Gloves
by Guest Author Vincent O'Neil

The game of softball is one that is richly filled with tradition, superstition and ritual. Like baseball players, when softball players takes the field they are likely to have many routines that help them to stay focused and maximize their abilities on the field and in the batter's box. The glove that a softball player chooses to use has much to do with these rituals and is a particularly important part of the game for them.

Brands matter when it comes to a softball glove. Whether a player chooses a Wilson or a Mizuno the quality of the softball glove chosen has a great deal to do with the playe\'s ability to do his job. Making a diving catch can depend entirely on the softball gloves the players choose. The webbing and the fit somehow empower the player to make plays they otherwise would not feel confident to attempt. Ask any player and you will find that their brand is the best to them and that it is one of the important factors in their performance.

Rawlings softball gloves manufacturer understands the importance of fit. With nearly 200 designs for their glove, they have a fit for everyone. They have a wide variety of the traditional six-stitch webbings and full fit webbings as well as some unique designs like the Double Trap, six-finger glove. They have gloves for slow pitch and fast pitch softball, catcher's mitts and custom long webbings for outfield gloves. Rawlings makes gloves for every level of competition too. Starting prices for league level gloves run about $23. For competition style gloves the best gloves can run as high as $200, but that is not just a price tag, it is a quality assurance.

Some players however, cannot find the right fit with Rawlings even with so many cuts and opt instead for Mizuno Softball Gloves. Mizuno has set its niche market in the traditional styles. The piecrust webbing is standard in all mitts but that does not mean they do not have variety. From catcher's mitts to first baseman's gloves they have specialized in the gel inserts that absorb shock and mold to fit the players catching hand. Mizuno takes pride in designing gloves that fit from the inside out. Many hard training softball players choose their gloves for the customized fit that they want on the field. And while recreational players might not give it as much thought, they enjoy the same unique feel that comes when you put one of their gloves on.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about softball glove and other related topics. Read more about cricket shoes at Vincent O'Neil's website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_O'Neil

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Aggie Academy - Rise Ball

2010-09-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Youth Fastpitch Softball: Aggie Academy - Rise Ball
Posted on YouTube by AggieVision

We open the Aggie Academy with our first lesson as NM State senior pitcher Kim Watson demonstrates how to throw strike out the competition with her signature rise ball.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

ThrowMAX

2010-09-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Youth Fastpitch Pitching: The Throwmax
Posted on YouTube by jpblankenship1

Order my new DVD today at www.ritalynn.com for only $30. Go to the online store. It is over 2 hrs long.
The worlds number one selling and rated throwing training aid for pitchers and position players for baseball, softball and fastpitch. The ThrowMAX Flexible Arm Brace is designed to keep players from using incorrect arm motions in both underhand pitching and overhand throwing.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Infield Drills: Double play feeds and receiving: Softball

2010-09-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Infield Drills: Double play feeds and receiving: Softball
Posted on YouTube by almarksports

Great Hands Fastpitch Softball Training Glove www.greathandsglove.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Coaching Youth Softball - How to Teach Softball Skills Quickly and Efficiently

2010-09-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Coaching Youth Fastpitch Softball - How to Teach Softball Skills Quickly and Efficiently
by Guest Author Marc Dagenais

Coaching youth softball is no easy task. Coaching involves multiple responsibilities and one of them is to teach the fundamentals of the game - hitting, pitching, throwing, fielding, and so on.

However, teaching is itself a skill and not as easy as most people would like to believe. Knowing the game is the easy part; teaching it is the hard part. Coaching youth softball involves a lot of teaching.

To make practices fun and enjoyable, youth softball coaches must be able to teach softball skills quickly and effectively using a sound pedagogical approach that takes into account the various types of learners.

Here is a sound approach that involves 6 steps:

Step #1 - What and Why

Kids today need to know why you are doing things. They are critical thinkers. So, when you introduce the new technical element (the ''what''), explain them why it is important. No need for a long speech or justification, just give a reason why so that they can more easily buy into it.

Step #2 - Demonstrate without instruction

This is crucial yet 95% of those coaching youth softball don't it. Most kids have no idea what the skill looks like. So, even before you start giving instructions, you must give them a visual picture or visual reference of what you are talking about. Someone once said that a picture is worth a thousand words and they were right.

Step #3 - Demonstrate with instruction using simple cues

Once the kids have a clear picture of what you are talking about, then you can provide instructions using only a few simple cues to emphasize key technical elements. Don't overload them with technical information, you will lose them.

Step #4 - Get them to try the skill

At this point, you get them to try what you just demonstrated so that they can ''feel'' what you are talking about. By nature, most athletes love to learn by doing.

Step #5 - Give them feedback

At this point, you want to give constructive feedback on what needs to be improved and what they should focus on.

Step #6 - Verify learning and let them ask questions

The worst question to ask to a kid is whether or not they understand. They will always say ''yes'' either because they think they understand (even if they might not) or they don't want to look like they are stupid. So, you want to quiz them asking them questions like what are the key points to verify their learning. Also provide them with a chance to ask their own questions so that they can make sure they clearly understand what was taught.

This 6-step approach is quick and efficient as it respects the fundamental principles of pedagogy. I strongly encourage you to use it with your athletes.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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

------------------------------------------------------------------

EASTON SOFTBALL: CATCHING TIPS: THROW TO SECOND

2010-09-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

EASTON FASTPITCH SOFTBALL: CATCHING TIPS: THROW TO SECOND
Posted on YouTube by eastonbbsb

Ashley Holcombe, Easton brand ambassador and catcher for the USA Softball National Team, demonstrates the basics for a good throw down to second base.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Thanks to our sponsors:
Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Infield Drills: Ground Balls, Back Hands: Softball

2010-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Infield Drills: Ground Balls, Back Hands: Softball
Posted on Youtube by almarksports

Great Hands Fastpitch Softball Training Glove www.greathandsglove.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog