Fastpitch Softball - Shortstop Positioning

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

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The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches

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

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• 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 Hitting Drills -- Ax 2

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.

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Softball Drills - Attitude Plan For New Softball Coaches

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

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Five Qualities For Coaching Youth Softball

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

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Coaching Girls Softball - Coach Pitching

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

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The Secrets of Successful Women Softball Coaches

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

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

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!

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Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up

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

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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!

How to Avoid the Wrong Softball Pitching Clinics

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

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Free Girls Softball Practice Drills

SoftballCoachingDigest.com

By Marc Dagenais

Drill 1 - Soccer Ball (Softball Hitting)

Purpose: To learn how to drive through the ball.

Procedure: Place a soccer ball on a T. If the T is an open tube, place a small bathroom plunger in the T to hold the ball or use a traffic cone and a plunger. The batter hits the soccer ball hard off the T. If she does not drive through the soccer ball, it will not explode off the bat.

Drill 2 - Football Up and Down

Purpose: To develop the agility and quickness to escape a rundown.

Procedure: In staggered rows, players assume well-balanced positions as if between bases. The coach faces the players and gives hand signals to indicate the direction in which players move. The signals are right, left, down, and up. Players shuffle to the side on right and left signals. On the down signal they quickly hit the ground. Players should be absolutely flat. On the up signal they get up quickly to be ready to go again. In a rundown, players use the prone position to trip the defensive player.

Drill 3 - Timed Throws (Softball Catchers)

Purpose: To evaluate quickness of release and speed of the throw.

Procedure: The catcher catches a pitched ball in full gear so that the drill is gamelike. The coach starts a stopwatch when the ball enters the glove and stops it when the ball is released or when the ball reaches the shortstop's glove at second base. Good times for the ball to go from glove to glove for college catchers are between 1.65 and 1.75 seconds. High school catchers should make the throw in less than 2 seconds.

Drill 4 - Wall Drill (Softball Pitching)

Purpose: To develop proper rotation of the arm.

Procedure: The pitcher throws imaginary pitches using a wall to keep the arm straight in a perfect circle. She stands perpendicular to a wall with the pitching arm close to the wall and about four inches away. The pitcher uses the full pitching motion (including the stride and the opening of the hips), keeping the arm straight and in tight so that it does not contact the wall. The pitcher walks and moves down the wall throwing imaginary pitches.

Drill 5 - Moving to the Base (Softball Infield)

Purpose: To improve quickness and range moving to first base.

Procedure: The first baseman takes a position halfway to home as if fielding a bunt. On the coach's command "go," she sprints to the base (turning inward to the diamond), finds the base, takes the receiving position, catches an imaginary ball, and tags the base. The player repeats the drills, moving ever closer to home to increase the distance and push herself to improve quickness in getting to the base.

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

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

By Steve Polk

If you are 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

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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!

Free Girls Softball Fastpitch Drills

By Becky Wittenburg

Any softball coach or player who wants to learn more softball drills can easily find a lot of drills in books and videos and on the internet. Most of these drills cost money but some of them are free. These free girls softball fastpitch drills are very good. Most of the free drills focus on throwing, fielding, and hitting the ball.

Throwing the Ball


The position of a player determines the most common types of throws that player will have to make. For example, a 3rd baseman will need to make hard throws all the way across the diamond to 1st base while a right fielder will most commonly have to make a longer throw from the outfield to a cut-off man near the infield or to a base.

The Before Inning Warm-up Drill


All softball coaches and players know what players do before an inning begins. The first baseman throws a grounder to each infielder while the outfielder stands in their positions and play catch. This is a common drill during games but it should also be performed everyday in practice.

The Relay Throws Drill


The Relay Throws Drill is another one of the good free girls softball fastpitch drills. This drill involves 2 outfields lining up on each side of an infielder. Each player should be about 100 feet apart.

One of the outfielders starts out with the ball and throws the infielder the ball using the crow-hop. The infielder catches the ball, pivots, and uses the crow-hop while throwing the ball to the other outfielder. That outfielder catches the ball and then throws back to the infielder, once again using the crow-hop.

This drill allows all 3 players to practice throwing using a crow-hop. It also helps teach the outfielders to hit the cutoff man. Finally, it helps the infielder practice receiving the cutoff throw, pivoting, and throwing to the desired base.

Fielding


It doesn’t matter how well a team can hit and pitch if the team can’t play good defense in the field. The key to playing good defense is for every player to be fundamentally sound. A great drill for this the No Glove Fielding Drill.

The No Glove Fielding Drill


Just as the name suggests, this fastpitch softball drill requires players to field the ball without a glove. The drill can be run with bare hands or with a board that is specially made for the drill and worn on the fielders’ glove hand.

Players can either field balls hit to them by the coach (more advanced) or they can field balls rolled to them. They need to concentrate on keeping their upper bodies square with the ball (get in front of the ball), bending at the knees, and cradling the ball with two hands into their body.

Once players master the technique of fielding without a glove then they will find fielding with a glove much easier.

Hitting


The only way for a player to get better with hitting the ball is for them to actually hit. Players can either hit a ball off a tee (to work on the basics) or they can hit pitches. Also, a part of hitting that is often overlooked is bunting. Players should be required to lay down at least 3 bunts every time they take batting practice (BP). If possible, players should take BP every practice and before every game.

Look for Free Girls Fastpitch Softball Drills


Softball players need to be drilled on the basics of the game (throwing, fielding, and hitting) as often as possible. Any coach or player who is looking for drills to do can easily find them. In fact, there are a great many free girls softball fastpitch drills on the internet.

Becky Wittenburg has been coaching softball for over 15 years- it is her true passion. She's constantly on the lookout for new free girls softball fastpitch drills. You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website:


SoftballSpot.com

For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!

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!