By Sandy Mcsmithhomer
How might one eat an elephant? You eat it one bite at a time! Actually, it is the same way you should go about undertaking any giant task. Taken in its entirety, it can look very intimidating. Break it down into its elements, into small bite-sized tasks, and the whole project looks possible. The steps can be larger or the steps can be smaller. However, they each must be easy enough and "do-able". When you have done all the small-task steps, you will look back and find out that now you have the entire task conquered. It's exactly the same way with how to have a solid defense. Here then is how you can approach the elephantine task of fielding a softball, in seven simple yet actionable steps.
Step 1. Always be alert.. This means that you need to be ready at all times. Take note of who the batter is and their position in the lineup. Obviously for 3rd and 4th place hitters you may want to take step back and when you reach the bottom of the lineup you may want to come in. Of course this depends on the overall skill level of the team you are playing... Neglecting this step will most likely lead to poor results.
Step 2. Know how many outs there are. This can be extremely important because if the ball is hit to you, you need to know the best place to throw the ball ).
Step 3. Make sure you keep your glove down. Which means that have to bend your knees. Additionally, it means that keep your head down and eye on the ball at the same time.
Step 4. Never turn your head. This will require some confidence in yourself...
Step 5. Be vocal. One of the important points to note here is the more informed the entire defense is, the smarter it will play. This is always crucial because knowing the game situation is half the battle..
Step 6. Do not be scared to take smart risks when the potential reward merits it..
Step 7. Remember the proper positioning when getting ready to cut the ball. Now you are nearly there! Don't forget, having a strong defense is very possible. Its just a matter of remember some key elements and remaining consistent..
When you take the steps explained above, the large elephant-problem you had will be "eaten up" one step at a time, "devoured" and sorted out. Follow these steps and you'll have success. Once you complete your project, reward yourself for a job well done and remember that anything is possible! Congratulations on your own victory! You looked the task in the eye and won, one small step at a time!
Sandy Mcsmithhomer is an avid sports fan and father of three children. He specializes in helping clients select the best softball bats and gloves to meet their needs. He also enjoys reading and aviation. Read his softball bat reviews to help you locate the best equipment for your team today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Mcsmithhomer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7214266
Showing posts with label youth softball drills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth softball drills. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Monday, September 26, 2011
Episode 115 - Hitting The Change Up - Fastpitch Softball TV Show
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Softball Coaching - 5 Tips
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!
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!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Youth Softball Drills - A Coach's Guide
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.
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Monday, August 1, 2011
Coaching Youth Softball - 1st and 3rd Strategies
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!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Teaching Softball Drills To Win
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
================
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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!
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!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Coaching Youth Softball on How to Run a Successful Practice
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!
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
================
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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!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Kids Softball Drills - Fun Drills for Beginning Players
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!
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!
Friday, August 20, 2010
19 - Fielding/No glove
Youth Fastpitch Drill - Fielding/No glove
Posted on YouTube by KevinHuntVideo
Farmington (MN) HS head softball coach Heather Ballstadt demonstrates a fielding drill, where the players do not use a glove. Produced by Kevin Hunt Video at www.kevinhuntvideo.com and www.kevinhuntblog.blogspot.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
Sunday, August 15, 2010
USA Softball Instruction Fundamentals of Outfield Play - 06
USA Fastpitch Softball Instruction Fundamentals of Outfield Play - 06
Posted on YouTube by softballoutlet
Part 6 of 6 - The Finer Points - USA Softball Olympic Team Assistant Couch John Rittman, and Leah O'Brien Demonstrate and teach the Outfield Fundamentals that makes team USA one of the best Fast pitch Softball Teams in the World. New instructional DVDs can be purchased at www.softballoutlet.com. Proceeds benefit ASA/USA Softball, a non-profit organization, and members of the USA Olympic Team appearing in each DVD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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