Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches: 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

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

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

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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

FAST PITCH 101

Friday, December 10, 2010

Softball Coach - Mentor, Expert, Friend

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

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Monday, December 6, 2010

Softball catcher stance

Softball catcher stance
Posted on youtube by jebadoa

The proper set-up for a softball catcher. Former UofA player and coach Jody Pruitt explains the proper setup and stance for a catcher. From "Catching to Your Abilities" on www.GapToGapSoftball.com

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Sunday, December 5, 2010

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Infield Softball Drills - 4 Corners

Infield Softball Drills - 4 Corners
Posted on YouTube by jasmine12298

A very effective (and popular) softball drill to improve infield play.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Softball Drills - Quick Drills to Get Players Fired Up

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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

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Softball Overview : How to Run a Youth Softball Practice

Softball Overview : How to Run a Youth Softball Practice
Posted on YouTube 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

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Coaching Softball - A Balancing Act

Coaching Fastpitch Softball - A Balancing Act
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd

Coaching softball often requires much more than simply deciding who plays where and what pitches to call. You have the individual attitudes of the girls to deal with and there is often a difficult parent or two thrown in the mix. You have to balance what is best for the team with what is best for the kids.

Coaches are expected to act responsibly and to be a positive role model to the children or young adults they are coaching. First and foremost, you are a mentor to the kids on your team, and the lessons they learn from you may be something they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Are they going to learn to be cool under pressure...or are they going to see you blow up every time a play doesn't go your way? Are you going to teach them how to handle issues calmly and with poise, or with anger and frustration?

All too often, I see coaches act in a manner that is detrimental to their teams. I have seen coaches scream and cuss at 10-year old girls on traveling teams, and I have seen them talk about how bad their team is in front of the girls. Having coached a new team or two, I know how frustrating it can be to lose over and over again. It's important to remember the girls on your team look up to you for advice and leadership. If their fearless leader is writing them off prior to a game, how are they going to feel, both individually and as a team?

A good coach is both confident and approachable. It's OK to let a player know when she has done something wrong, and we're all guilty of getting loud on the field from time to time. It's what happens after the mistake is made that is important. A good coach will use a players mistakes to help the player learn. A bad coach will use a players mistakes to make her feel bad about herself.

Coaches are often asked to make decisions under a good deal of stress. Should they pull a struggling pitcher out or let her try to fight through it and get out of the inning? Should they put a girl in the infield who's been asking to play first base but has never played the position and doesn't field very well? What's best for the individual often isn't what is best for the rest of the team. Irate parents often compound this issue and make things even more difficult.

The coach is in the middle of all this, and is responsible for balancing the entire thing. Some people may read this and wonder why anyone volunteers to coach. I'll tell you why...It's rewarding. The best coaches balance it all with ease and watch as their team develops from girls who have never touched a softball, or only played recreationally, into a team that can hang with the best.

Go to the Softball Pitching Drills website for more information on coaching and softball pitching.

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

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Softball Fielding Tip - Proper Footwork for the Slow Roller

Fastpitch Softball Fielding Tip - Proper Footwork for the Slow Roller
Posted on YouTube by staciemahoe

http://www.allaboutfastpitch.com This video shows correct and incorrect footwork and approach for fielding slow rollers in the outfield.

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Softball Coaching - Tips for Leading Female Athletes

Softball Coaching - Tips for Leading Female Athletes
by Guest Author Becky Wittenburg

Softball coaching can be difficult, no matter what age, ability level, or gender of the players. Coaches need to be aware of what their players are going through, both in the sport and out, so that they can build trusting relationships and lead the players to be their best.

Some female athletes face mental and physical struggles when they feel pressure to perform. Girls softball coaches should know the signs of these problems so that they can know when they need to step in and help, before the situation gets out of control.

Female Athlete Triad

Softball players who feel overstressed might develop the Female Athlete Triad, a syndrome of three combined disorders that result from over exercising and not taking in enough calories.

-- Disordered eating: this aspect of the Female Athlete Triad occurs when an athlete stops taking in enough calories. It can develop as an effort to get their weight down or as a way to deal with stress. Disordered eating can be in the form of anorexia, where the athlete stops eating enough food, or bulimia, where the athlete consumes food but then throws it up.
-- Amenorrhea: amenorrhea occurs when the athlete starts missing her menstrual cycle. Athletes who normally experience regular cycles may stop to menstruate if they no longer eat enough or if they are exercising too much.
-- Osteoporosis: this part of the Female Athlete Triad happens when the athlete's bones start to lose their density, becoming fragile and prone to breakage. It is related to, and worsened by, the other conditions in the syndrome.

The Female Athlete Triad is not only unhealthy, it can be extremely dangerous. Watch for signs that your players might be over exercising or under eating. Ask them questions about their lives and let them know you really want to listen. When a player seems particularly stressed, make sure she knows how to relieve the pressure in a healthy way.

Helpful Tips for Coaching Girls

1. Let them be involved, particularly in picking positions. Have tryouts for different positions every season so the athletes can show how they perform and have a chance to try something different.
2. Develop a relationship based on trust. Coaches need to trust their players, and players need to trust their coaches. This means that a coach needs to respect when an athlete says she needs to use the restroom and understand that women's bodies are different from men's. This also means that a player should trust that a coach has her best interest at heart when he asks her to push harder, try a new approach, or change her position.
3. Remember that softball is just a game, and it's supposed to be fun. Coaches and athletes need to work hard, but practice shouldn't be a dreaded thing. Drills can be both challenging and rewarding, and if a coach is able to keep things positive, players will learn the sport, perform well, and have a good time.

For more coaching tips and free softball drills, 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

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fastpitch Softball Quick Tip # 337

Fastpitch Softball Quick Tip # 337
Posted on YouTube by mavenvideo

www.mavenvideo.com

This quick video shows the common incorrect strides taken when hitting. It also goes into the way to fix it. This section is featured in its entirety on, The Secrets & Fundamentals For Hitting The Rise VHS.

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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Softball Practice Drills - Improve Technique for Any Position

Softball Practice Drills - Improve Technique for Any Position
By Becky Wittenburg

Drills for Stronger Players

Good softball practice drills will both teach the players new techniques and allow them to see the results of their practicing over time. When used effectively, they will challenge players to become stronger in their positions and also reward them with successful game play. The following drills focus on strengthening infield, outfield, and base running technique.

In-Betweens

In this softball practice drill, outfielders learn the importance of communication while working on catching fly balls. First the team is divided into two groups. The groups form two lines in the outfield, spread out about 60 feet. The coach stands in front of the two lines and throws a softball in the air, like a fly ball from a hitter. The first two players in the lines watch and call for the ball until someone catches it (ideally the one who called for it). The players then run to the end of the line and the next two players complete the drill.

Two Line Challenge

This practice drill for softball focuses on catching in the infield and often includes diving practice as well. Players form two lines, one at the second base position and the other at the shortstop position. The coach stands at the center of the diamond and rolls the ball in the direction of one of the positions. The first player in line fields the ball, which might require diving. Once she fields the ball she quickly tosses it back to the coach and runs to the end of the line.

Base Cycles

This softball drill works on increasing speed and improving technique in base running. Players form a line at home plate, starting with the fastest and ending with the slowest. Keeping a safe distance between each player, they run from home run all the way through first base. Once each player has reached the grass, they line up again at first base and run to second, then to third, and lastly to home.

The next level of the drill incorporates base coaches. The players run from home through to second base, making sure to check in with the coach. Then they complete the drill by running from second to third and third to home. Next they run from home to third, and on the last level of the drill they run from home all the way back to home. Players should focus on proper base running technique and following the instructions of their base coaches.

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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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Softball Coaching - Tips for Leading Female Athletes

Softball Coaching - Tips for Leading Female Athletes
By Becky Wittenburg

Softball coaching can be difficult, no matter what age, ability level, or gender of the players. Coaches need to be aware of what their players are going through, both in the sport and out, so that they can build trusting relationships and lead the players to be their best.

Some female athletes face mental and physical struggles when they feel pressure to perform. Girls softball coaches should know the signs of these problems so that they can know when they need to step in and help, before the situation gets out of control.

Female Athlete Triad

Softball players who feel overstressed might develop the Female Athlete Triad, a syndrome of three combined disorders that result from over exercising and not taking in enough calories.

Disordered eating: this aspect of the Female Athlete Triad occurs when an athlete stops taking in enough calories. It can develop as an effort to get their weight down or as a way to deal with stress. Disordered eating can be in the form of anorexia, where the athlete stops eating enough food, or bulimia, where the athlete consumes food but then throws it up.
Amenorrhea: amenorrhea occurs when the athlete starts missing her menstrual cycle. Athletes who normally experience regular cycles may stop to menstruate if they no longer eat enough or if they are exercising too much.
Osteoporosis: this part of the Female Athlete Triad happens when the athlete's bones start to lose their density, becoming fragile and prone to breakage. It is related to, and worsened by, the other conditions in the syndrome.

The Female Athlete Triad is not only unhealthy, it can be extremely dangerous. Watch for signs that your players might be over exercising or under eating. Ask them questions about their lives and let them know you really want to listen. When a player seems particularly stressed, make sure she knows how to relieve the pressure in a healthy way.

Helpful Tips for Coaching Girls

Let them be involved, particularly in picking positions. Have tryouts for different positions every season so the athletes can show how they perform and have a chance to try something different.
Develop a relationship based on trust. Coaches need to trust their players, and players need to trust their coaches. This means that a coach needs to respect when an athlete says she needs to use the restroom and understand that women's bodies are different from men's. This also means that a player should trust that a coach has her best interest at heart when he asks her to push harder, try a new approach, or change her position.
Remember that softball is just a game, and it's supposed to be fun. Coaches and athletes need to work hard, but practice shouldn't be a dreaded thing. Drills can be both challenging and rewarding, and if a coach is able to keep things positive, players will learn the sport, perform well, and have a good time.

For more coaching tips and free softball drills, 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

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Farmington Fastpitch: Sacrifice Bunt

Farmington Fastpitch: Sacrifice Bunt
Posted on YouTube by Farmingtonfastpitch

Bunting is a very important part of the game and should be taught and practiced every practice at all levels.
Coach Rob

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Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Hit a Softball

Fastpitch Softball: How to Hit a Softball
Posted on Youtube by livestrong

Utilizing proper techniques will help develop a more fluid and solid softball swing. Learn some techniques for batting in this softball video.

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Friday, October 1, 2010

Baseball or Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drill - Hands to the Ball

Baseball or Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drill - Hands to the Ball
by Guest Author Jim Moyer

The dreaded Golf Swing is a common problem for Softball players. You know what I'm talking about, the player consistently misses below the ball by four or five inches. You have talked to them about taking their hands straight to the ball and about swinging level, yet time after time they are underneath the ball. You finally decide the girl is a complete moron and is unable to process the valuable information you are giving her or you determine that she must enjoy bringing you pain and misery.

Your Hitter is probably into the pain and misery he/she is causing you, but on the outside chance that's it's just a bad batting habit you should try this Hands to the Ball drill.

During your next batting practice, place your hitting tee directly behind home plate (touching the back corner of the plate) and pull the tee up to about mid-thigh. Now when the girl swings she must take her hands and bat over the tee without hitting the tee. Now break out the pitching machine and start throwing batting practice. If she drops her hands or the bat head she will hit the tee. Aaaahhhhh, success! Now she can process what you have been telling her for so long. It really won't take too many swings for her to correct the problem, however you may need to do this hitting drill at several batting practices.

This same procedure can be used in soft toss or in hitting from a tee. Just place a hitting tee behind the home plate so he/she can't drop her hands without hitting the back tee.

I have to admit, the first few swings are hysterical. The player thinks the coach is crazy for putting a tee behind her. In her mind you are NUTS thinking she is going to hit the tee. Then on that first pitch when she sends the tee tumbling forward the hitter will have a look of complete astonishment and disbelief. By the third or fourth swing a look of total disgust will have replaced the disbelief. By the sixth or seventh swing the player will finally own up to having poor hitting mechanics. Now, she is making real progress. Just like any 10 Step corrective plan, the first step is to admit there is a problem.

If you have a player with a great golf swing, it may take several sessions to re-train her muscles to swing correctly. Just stick with this drill. The player will absolutely hate hitting that tee and will be working very hard to correct the problem. In all of my years of coaching fastpitch softball and baseball, I have found this to be the single best drill for correcting the "golf swing" strikeouts.

Should she continue to hit the tee, she may very well just enjoy watching you pull your hair out. :-) Then again, you may be ruining the next Tiger Woods. But this isn't a golf team, it's Baseball or Fastpitch Softball and you need hitters, not golfers.

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. See http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/play-softball.html for more fastpitch softball tips, drills and essential coaching strategies.

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

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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

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Jennie Finch - Pro Tips - How to Throw a Rise Ball - Weplay

Jennie Finch - Pro Tips - How to Throw a Rise Ball - Weplay
Posted on YouTube by weplaydotcom

Superstar and Olympic softball pitcher Jennie Finch demonstrates how to throw a rise ball as part of weplay.com's How I Do It series.

Check out more softball tips from Jennie Finch, along with videos and pictures from her youth at http://www.weplay.com/users/JennieFin...

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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

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Friday, September 10, 2010

How to Increase Spin Speed

Youth Fastpitch Softball Pitchng: How to Increase Spin Speed
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.A three night routine to help increase spin speed using the Tight Spin Trainer, Spin Right Spinner and the weight on a rope. Go to Ritalynn.com for more information.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

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

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

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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Softball Base Running Drills

Fastpitch Softball Base Running Drills
by Guest Author Geoff James

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

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

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

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

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

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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