Softball Drills and Tips

Softball Practice Drills - Infield-Outfield

2011-09-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Learn a basic pre-game infield-outfield routine. Being properly warmed-up is important before starting a game. You may add this softball hitting warm-up drills.

Procedure: You will be using balls, bases, fungoes and gloves. Try to work in a lO-minute frame.

Part I: Start with the outfielders throwing twice to each base. First second base, then third, and finally home. Use cutoff people. Pitchers can field comebackers and work on throwing to 1st base. Catchers can be fielding bunts and throwing to first base as well.

Part II: Infielders should start by throwing the ball twice around the infield to each person. Then field a series of grounders. Get on the grass, and throw to home plate. Then throw twice to first base (first basemen throw to third). Work in the catchers at each stop. Next is "One and Cover" where the catcher throws to each base (make tags). Then perform two double plays each. Try a long throw from

deep in your position (use the backhand). Conclude it with a bare-handed toss and the catcher pop-up.

Daring Part II: Outfielders should catch fly balls as a group in center field. The instructor should stand in foul territory with a bucket of balls. Just keep hitting them one after another. Don't use a cutoff man. After catching each variety (routine balls left and right, over the head, line drive, and shallow pop-up), toss the ball to an open area which is in front of and away from the group.

Part III: During the final infield scenario, line everyone up down the foul line on your dugout side. Exchange glove slaps. During the entire routine, hustle and talk it up. Throw the ball hard. Hit the cutoffperson- Use newer balls for a touch of class.

7 Great Reasons for Girls to Play Softball

2011-09-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the upcoming National Girls and Women in Sports Day (that's tomorrow!), I'm just dropping in to share my Top 7 Great Reasons for Girls to Play Softball! I'm sure you can think of even more (and feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below), but here are my top 7:

Youth Softball Player. It Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle

Making exercise a part of a young lady's life teaches her the importance of fitness and contributes to positive lifelong fitness habits. Exercise, along with proper nutrition, plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. Children actually need physical activity every day and participation in sports, like softball, helps fill this need. In today’s world of video games and increasing computer literacy, daily physical activity is often times forgotten. Getting young women involved with softball helps them make exercise a part of their lifestyle and increases their chance of a being a healthier adult.

It Promotes Self Esteem

When softball players realize they are improving their skills and getting better and better at their sport, they can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. When young ladies are given the opportunity to participate in a sport where they can grow and improve it gives them a unique and fun way to build self-esteem. Together, with positive reinforcement from the adults in their lives (coaches and parents), they will gain confidence and develop a more positive view of themselves.

Learn Goal Setting

I’m sure you’ll agree goal setting and success go hand in hand. Participation in softball gives young ladies a fun, practical way to learn about goal setting. They’ll see, experience, and learn about how goal setting works. Even if the coaches don't cover goal setting, that’s okay! Players and parents can also sit down together and set goals. Giving young ladies a chance to learn this skill provides them with a better chance at succeeding, not only on the field, but in life.

Learn About and Experience Teamwork

How often have you read a help wanted ad where the employer wants a “team player” or a candidate that “works well with others”? I see it all the time. How much more valuable are you as an employee when you can put differences aside and get the job done? Team sports, like softball, teach valuable lessons about teamwork and about how your actions affect other people. After all, if you can’t learn to work together with teammates while playing a sport you enjoy, how will they be able to work with co-workers they may or may not like while performing a job you may or may not enjoy? This is an important lesson for any young adult to learn! Softball provides a "hands on" environment in which young ladies can learn about and practice this valuable skill that will continue to benefit them long after they play their last out.

Youth Sports - Time ManagementDevelop Time Management Skills

Extracurricular activities encourages development of and time management and prioritization skills. Often times players will need to find an effective way to balance school, family, and softball (and in some cases, even more than that). With the help of the adults in their lives, they will have the opportunity to formulate a plan which enables them to efficiently handle responsibilities while still leaving time for development in other areas such as athletics.

Learn About Dealing with Adversity

As you and I both know, everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has problems. How well you handle these mistakes and problems directly affects your level of happieness and quality of life. Many people “get in a slump” and can’t get out of it. Others continue making the same mistakes over and over again. In softball, we always try to minimize errors, but we’re human. Mistakes happen. Even professional players make bad choices and make bad plays, but, ultimately, it’s not the mistake that counts. What you do from that point forward carries far more significance. If young ladies learn how to deal with adversity, errors, and challenges when they happen on the field, chances are, they’ll be able to translate that skill to real life and effectively minimize mistakes and/or bad decisions as well as competently recover from set backs.

Have Fun!

Positive experiences play an essential role in nurturing and developing a happy, healthy human being. Softball provides numerous opportunities for positive and memorable experiences. Not the mention the fact that often times, softball provides a much needed break from school, chores, and other "real life" responsibilities. Softball players are blessed with the opportunity to have fun while learning and developing as an athlete and as a human being.

Youth Softball Drills - Make a Rag Ball

2011-09-04T03:27:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To provide an alternative to using a hardball for some drills. Modifying equipment can help in

coaching youth

softball to build confidence.

Procedure: Prepare a box of rags, rolls of masking tape. Distribute the rags among the players, keeping one rag to use for demonstration, Tie a large knot in tie center of the rag. Wrap or crumple tie loose ends around the center knot to give the rag ball shape. Wrap the masking tape around the rag. Make sure to cover all exposed parts of the rag. This ball can be used over and over again and is a great alternative to spending large amounts of money on equipment. The masking tape should not be applied too tight. If it's too tight the rag ball will have too much bounce. Coaches can use these rag balls in many drills, including the Racquetball Drill and the Toss Drill Over the course of the season, the rag ball will get worn out. Instead of throwing it out, simply apply more layers of tape on top of the existing layers. Some coaches may want to use old newspaper as an allernative to rags. This works well however, additional masking tape is necessary to give the ball its needed weight.

Free Softball Practice Drills - 444 Game (4vs4vs4)

2011-09-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To play an actual game with only 12 players. Having scrimmages is a good way to practice when tournament is about to start, this is a good softball coaching tip

Procedure: Preapre a regular playing field, balls, bats, gloves Divide players into three teams of four players. Each tearn has at least one pitcher and catcher.One team is at bat. The other two take the field. Only two players play the outfield. One of the coaches can play an outfield position. Play a normal game. After the first team makes three outs, the next team is up. After they make three outs, the final team is up. Simulating real game situations is the best way to prepare for competition, the 444 game is a great way to do so. One coach calls balls and strikes behind the pitcher. Each team should have a catcher. If not, stealing might have to be suspended, To keep the game moving at a fast pace, limit each team to one time through its lineup four at-bats. To familiarize players with starting behind the count, start each player off with two strikes (0-2). This game is a great opportunity to try players at different positions.

6 Mental Training Tips - How to Improve Your Mental Toughness

2011-08-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

The mental is such a big part of our game. It's often the determining factor between success or failure.

Almost every day, I get emails from players, coaches, and parents about how to improve confidence or be mentally tougher.

I thought I would share with you a few tips to help you become almost instantly mentally tougher.

READ THEM SLOWLY and take time to study them. This stuff is what helps the best athletes in the world be successful.

Tip #1 Overcome fear of failure. Fear of failure might be what is holding you back. Dare to be great by taking risks, chances. Nobody has ever achieved greatness without facing hardship first. Failing is a good thing if you learn from it. Instead of seeing problems or obstacles, see challenges to overcome. The most successful people on the planet are risk-takers. You will never achieve anything by risking nothing.

Tip #2 - Make no excuses and take full responsibility for all your failures and all your successes. The world’s most successful people never make excuses and they hold themselves accountable. Achieving success and making excuses are mutually exclusive, wholly incompatible.

Tip #3 - Accept the fact that you will fail, make a lot of mistakes and learn from them. Failing is a big part of the game. If you succeed only 30% of the time at the plate, it’s excellent. That means that you will be failing more often than you succeed. Failing is part of life and sport in general. You actually learn more by failing than by succeeding. The key point is to look at mistakes and failures as learning opportunities. Ask yourself: “What didn’t go well and how can I do things differently next time to be successful?”

Tip #4 - Be here, now. Play one pitch at a time, confident and focused on each pitch as it is played with disregard for past or future pitches. Ignore the emotional baggage of scores, innings, and pitch counts; just focus on the next pitch. Playing a full game in the present is to ultimate goal and the best way to ensure that you perform at your best.

Tip #5 - Focus on the process rather than the outcomes. You have much more control over the process than the outcome. For example, when hitting, focus on having a good at bat (proper mental approach to the plate, selecting the right pitches, using your best swing, hitting a line drive, etc.) rather than focusing on getting a hit or not striking out.

Tip #6 - Develop routines to help you get in the zone. The use of routine is one of the most widespread practices among elite softball players. They perform routines before games, between innings and between pitches at the plate and on the field. A routine integrates both the mental and the physical aspects. It is a specific way of doing things to stay focus, block distraction and put you in the ideal mindset. Routines are powerful and you should definitely use them.

Again, take time to re-read slowly these 6 tips. They can tremendously help you perform on the softball field.

Be mentally tough.

Softball Training - Stop Running, Start Sprinting

2011-08-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Do you "still" run around forever or do hours and hours of "slow-go" cardio on treadmills or stationary bikes?

May I tell you something… we are in the 21st century! These practices are out of date for softball.

They are what we call "old school" stuff that has since been replaced by much better practices.

For a very long time, an old classic in baseball and softball training has been to do a lot of aerobic conditioning, mostly in the form of distance running.

Aerobic conditioning is defined as any form of activity that is sustained for a certain amount of time with the intention of increasing endurance and the capacity of our cardiovascular system.

Too much aerobic conditioning is a deadly softball mistake!

Let me explain.

Our body consists of three main energy systems:

System #1 - the speed system (a.k.a. anaerobic alatic system or ATP-PC system): this system provides us with energy for any effort lasting less than 10 seconds. It is a very powerful system but it gets completely empty after 10-12 seconds. This is the first energy system to kick-in when we start moving.

System #2 - the speed endurance system (a.k.a. anaerobic lactic system or lactic acid system): this system provides us with energy for any effort lasting between 10 seconds and 2 minutes. This system is fairly powerful and has a bit more endurance than the first system.

It is also the system that produces a lot of lactic acid and give us that muscle burning sensation when we workout or do some intense effort for more than 10 seconds.

System #3 - the endurance system (a.k.a. aerobic system): this system provides us with energy for any effort lasting more than 2 minutes. This is system is not very powerful but can last for up to several hours.

In summary, for any effort that is short (less than 10 seconds) and very intense, the first energy system will fuel that effort.

If an effort is a little longer but still fairly short (between 10 seconds and 2 minutes) and still intense, the second energy system will provide the energy to sustain that effort.

Finally, if the effort tends to be longer (more than 2 minutes) and less intense, the third energy system will take care of it.

As you know, you get better at what you practice. If you hit, you will get better at hitting and if you field balls, you will get better at fielding balls.

The same idea applies to energy system training. If you run for a long time, you are training the third energy system (endurance system) and will improve your ability to run for quite a while. If you do short, intense sprints, you are training the first energy system (speed system) and therefore improving your ability to be explosive and run fast.

Smart coaches train the energy systems that match the demands of their sport. For example, Triathlon coaches will focus on training the endurance system while sprint coaches will focus on the speed system.

That just makes sense.

In the case of softball, most plays last 5 seconds or less. Therefore, it is the powerful - speed system - that fuels just about every action in softball.

As you can see, if someone spends too much time training the aerobic system (third energy system), they are not training the right system for our sport. The endurance system (aerobic system) does not play a big role in softball.

However, there are still benefits for softball players to doing some "cardio" or developing a base of aerobic endurance.

A good base of aerobic endurance will serve as a foundation to develop the speed system much faster.

Here is a list of the other main benefits of doing "cardio training" for softball players:

* Control of body fat
* Ability to recover more quickly after an intense effort
* Increased stamina and resistance to fatigue
* Decreased tension and aid in sleeping
* Psychological benefits as exercise improves mood, reduces depression and anxiety

Moreover, it's also true that pitchers and catchers will benefit from a certain base of aerobic conditioning because their position requires more stamina.

However, overemphasizing aerobic conditioning is detrimental to all softball players; including pitchers and catchers.

Once you reach an acceptable level of aerobic conditioning (i.e. run at average speed for 30 minutes), there is no need to further increase it.

At that point you should mostly maintain your aerobic base by doing 1-2 aerobic sessions a week (i.e. run for 20-30 minutes at an average pace).

More than that will be detrimental to your game. Not only is it a waste of time because it's not useful on the field but it also hinder the development of speed, power, and strength.

Is that what we want? Definitely not! For sprinters, doing aerobic conditioning is almost a sin. They avoid it because it is detrimental to their performance!

On the other side, long distance runners don't waste their time doing many sprints because they need to increase their endurance! Softball players including pitchers and catchers are like sprinters; they need to be quick, explosive and powerful.

So, what I am saying is that a base of aerobic conditioning is beneficial for the reasons mentioned above. However, doing too much of it will be detrimental. Once you have reached a certain level of endurance, you need to focus on building speed, power, and strength. This is what you truly need on the field!

Also, most of your endurance building work should be in the off-season. In pre-season (2-3 months prior to the beginning of the season), you should mostly focus on building speed and power. During the season, your goal is to maintain your current fitness level where it is.

Stop running around and start sprinting. You game will thank you.

So, are you still running around like a fool?

If so, get the best softball training system in the world:

Ultimate 52-Week High-Performance Softball Training System

Softball Practice Drills - Scream Drill

2011-08-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To practice calling off another fielder on a fly ball. Communication is a good softball fielding tip to follow to increase "outs"and lessen injuries.

Procedure: Have bucket of balls and gloves for this drill. Place two lines of three players in the outfield, one line in right center and the other in left center, 20 to 30 feet from each other. Divide the rest of the team into two lines 10 to 15 feet from each other in the infield: one at second base and the other at shortstop position. One coach stands five feet behind second base facing the outfield. Another coach stands five feet behind home plate facing the infield. Each coach tells the first two in each of his line to step up. The coach throws the ball between the two fielders, and the player who is the closest to the ball must scream three times, "I got it" or "Mine." After catching the ball, the player throws it back to the coach. After each player has had a turn, the infield lines and out field lines should switch with one another.

This drill includes a lot of player movement and noise (communication) , distractions that players must leam to play with. When two players go after a fly ball, a hierarchy determines which position can call off the other. At the youth level, this must be simplified. Differenl methods work for different teams. Coaches should make sure that when fielders are finished, they run all the way to the outside of the drill area. The player who is closest to the ball usually has priority.

Softball Pitching Drillls - Throwing from Behind the Plate at second base.

2011-08-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop the correct pitching form, with emphasis on a good follow through. Incorporate varied softball pitching drills to help improve performance.

Procedure: A bucket of softball is placed with the pitcher on the pitcher's plate behind the rubber on the second-base side of Ihe diamond. Standing at the edge of the dirt, the pitcher throws either to a catcher or to a screen at home plate. Throwing further forces the pitcher to isolate the follow through portion of the pitch and concentrate on it more than when pitching off behind second. The pitcher should take a bigger stride toward home to shorten the distance to the catcher or screen to 40 to 45 feet if the pitcher has trouble throwing from tiis location to home plate. Because throwing strikes is not a priority in this drill, pitchers should throw into a large screen rather than aiming for a target. Because it is difficult to throw behind, this drill forces pitchers to stride or jump more. When following through, the pitcher's throwing hand should finish at the side of the throwing side.

Softball Infield Drills - Defend Bunt with Man on Third

2011-08-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop defensive strategies against a runner on third trying to score on a bunt. Practicing bunt situations with man on third is a good softball defense drill.

Procedure: You will need one softball, a bat, and gloves. The pitcher throws the softball, and the batter bunts toward third. The third baseman fields the ball. The base runner anticipates the throw to first and begins to run home. The third baseman fields the ball pivots and immediately throws it to the shortstop covering third base. The shortstop applies the tag to the base runner who is trying to scramble back to third. Timing in this drill is important. As the base runner bounces off the base, the shortstop sneaks over to cover third. To remind the shortstop to cover third, the coach yells out a signal, such as, "Green," as the third baseman charges to field the bunt. Upon hearing the coach yell, "Green," the third baseman quickly turns and throws to the shortstop covering third base, The left fielder backs up the shortstop in case the ball is overthrown. If the player backs up correctly, a run can be saved.

Softball Hitting Drills - Broom Handle Bunt

2011-08-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop bunting techniques. Emphasizing the bunt during practices is always a part of softball coaching.

Procedure: One broom handle, a bucket of rag balls or tennis balls A player stands in the batters box and the coach stands approximately halfway between the pitcher's mound and home plate.The coach throws or tosses a rag ball underhand to the batter.The batter squares around and bunts the ball.

Bunting is a difficult, yet crucial, skill to master and is an important strategy in almost every level of youth softball. Emphasize that it is not necessary to bunt the rag ball to a particular side of the infield but that making contact with the broom handle is most important. Timing is important when bunting. In this drill, the objective for the batter is to make contact with the ball therefore, the batter can start in the bunting position. To keep more players actively involved, perform this drill with two or three players. A broom handle is much narrower then a bat, which makes hitting the ball more challenging. When bunting, the batter should not push the bat (or broom handle) into the ball but instead let the ball meet the bat. Batters can imagine that there is a pane of glass right In front at the bat, and if they push the bat forward to bunt the ball they will break the glass. The bat (or broom handle) should be level when in the bunting position. However the fat end of the bat can be tilted up at a slight angle. If the fat end of the bat is lower than the rest of the bat the ball will pop up.

Coaching Youth Softball - Why Do People Do It?

2011-08-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Coaching youth softball small Coaching Youth Softball Why Do People Do It?Unlike sports like swimming, figure skating, tennis, or gymnastics, softball is a volunteer-driven sport. This means that most people involve in youth softball are volunteers and aren’t there for financial gains. In most cases, it’s actually costing them money.

People get into coaching youth softball for various reasons. Some are former baseball or softball players and that’s their way of staying involved in a sport they really enjoy. For others, it’s about giving to the community or to have a chance a positive influence on the youth. There are plenty of reasons why someone would get involved. They just have to be the right reasons.

Personally, I started coaching youth softball when I was 13 years old. No, it’s not a misprint; I did get started at that early age. I got started out of curiosity and boredom at the same time. As a 13-year-old, I didn’t have much to do after hurting my ankle in little league. So I got started coaching youth softball when my little 6-year-old sister started to play. Like it’s often the case in youth softball, her team didn’t have any coach.

While I was obviously too young to be a head coach, I thought I knew enough about the game after a years of little league baseball to help out. That was the start of a love story with the sport of softball. I stayed in coaching because I loved the game but l love the helping young kids even more. I find extreme self-satisfaction out of being able to influence positively young athletes and help them grow both as people and as athletes.

Coaching youth softball can be extremely rewarding and fun. To me, it’s win-win situation. You give time and effort to the community and to the kids and in return, you get the much-needed feelings of being appreciated and contributing to society. These are the reasons why I’ve been coaching all these years.

However, coaching youth softball can also be quite difficult. There are lots of things to deal with from an administrative perspective whether it’s fundraising, managing a budget, dealing with the league or anything else.

However, for many, that’s nothing compare to dealing with parents or the politics present in the various sports organizations. Actually, most coaches that quit coaching do so not because they don’t love what they are doing but rather because they are totally fed up from sports politics or dealing with difficult parents. As much as softball extremely rewarding and fun at times, it can also sometimes become a nightmare.
Some people, even if they will never admit it, do get into coaching youth softball to advance the athletic career of their children. It’s a way to put them into key position and give them a lot of playing them. They are basically giving their kids a preferential treatment over the other kids. That is certainly the wrong reason to get involved in coaching youth softball. Unfortunately, it’s far too common and it’s a recipe for disaster every time.

If you like the game, love helping kids, want to give to the community or love the thrill of coaching softball games, by all means, get involved. Be prepared to deal with a lot of headaches but at the same, you might find the experience highly rewarding like I do. Just make sure you get into it for the right reasons like I did.

Do I Need a Gym?

2011-08-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

There are many softball programs out there who do not have access to a weight training facility. There are also many parents out there who want to help their child get more fit and ready to play softball, but don't really have access to a gym or weight lifting equipment. Often times people think that you need a gym in order to get into top shape.

This couldn't be further from the truth!

I have been able to get into pretty great shape myself without visiting a gym in years.

Does it take some equipment? Yes, but nothing overwhelming. I've used some light dumbbells, a stability ball, and some resistance bands. Other people throw in a medicine ball for additional training options. All of these items you can find a your local sporting goods store.

I realize that having to guy them all at once can be costly, but you can start small. You don't need to have everything in order to improve your fitness level. You can also look through local classifieds for used items. So many people buy exercise equipment, then never use it, or use it or a short while, then give up on it (you know that's true!).

If buying everything you may need at a sporting goods store is a little out of your budget, try checking out local classified for gently used equipment. But even if you don't have every piece of equipment right now, there is so much you can do with just your body weight or things you find around the house (i.e. used big cans of spaghetti sauce instead of dumbbells - I have actually done this!).

Anyway - back to the topic at hand. Can you improve your fitness level and your level of softball performance without a gym? The answer is a resounding

YES!!!

There is so much you can do at home or right there at the field.

If you're looking for a program to help you and are short on time and equipment, check out the 21-Day Express Shape Up Program. Basically all you'll need is some light weights, a stability ball, and a medicine ball. Follow the program and it'll help you get results without having to spend hours in the gym!

If you want something more hard core (but still gives you ideas on things you can do without a gym), you have to check out the crazy awesome video bundle available now:

* increase speed and agility
* improve bat speed and hitting power
* strengthen your mental game
* increase arm strength and throwing power
* ladder drills
* dynamic warm-up system
* static stretching
* how to deal with injuries!
* and one of my favorites…the Softball Playground Workout!

5 Tips for More Success at the Plate

2011-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

One of the quickest ways to earn playing time is to be successful as a hitter. Being a successful hitter does not only entail getting "hits." After all, even "good" hitters will "fail" 6 or 7 times out of 10 at bats.

So what can you do to 1) get more hits and 2) be "successful" even if you don't get a hit?
Here are 5 tips to help you become a more successful softball hitter:

Know the Situation

Getting a hit is great, but since 6 or 7 out of 10 times you're not going to get a hit, how can you help your team even if the defense makes a great play and gets you out?

Well, knowing the situation is key. You have to know what your team needs right now.

* Does your team need 1 run or 5 runs?
* Does your team need you to get on base safely?
* Or is it more important for you to advance an existing runner?
* How many outs are there?
* Does your team need you to score the runner from 3rd even if it means that you get out?
* Or do you need to try to score the run while keeping the inning alive?

What is it that will MOST help your team this at bat? Make sure you know what that is so that even if you get out, it's a productive out that helps your team.

Scan the Defense

This is something I always did before stepping into the box. Scan the defense and take a look at where and how they are positioned. Not only does this give you cues as to where to expect the pitch, it also gives you a heads up on where gaps were in case the pitcher missed their spot.

For example, if there is a huge gap because the SS and 3b and the pitcher misses inside, you'll know you don't even need to have the best hit ever to send that pitch through the 5/6 hole, get a hit, and get on base.

It also helped me make decisions on running to first base because I knew if I just hit the ball directly at someone or if the ball was in a gap and I needed to prepare to try for a double.

Sometimes players hit a ground balls and because they know it's a ground ball they just run straight through first. That's the right choice if there is an infield play on the ball and you are trying to beat out a throw. But if you just hit the ball through an infield hole you really should prepare to take a turn and possibly look for 2.

Point is, opportunities are sometimes missed if you have no clue where the defense is playing.

Also, if you're going to bunt or slap, positioning of the infield gives you an idea of how you need to execute the bunt or slap for best results. For example, if you're a slapper and 3b is tight and SS is deep, you know you probably have the best chance of either bouncing it to the SS or hitting is sharp to get it past tight 3b.

Know What Pitch You're Looking For

Just because the pitcher throws the first pitch for a strike doesn't mean you need to swing at it - especially if it's a pitch you know you don't hit well.

It's so important to know what your strengths and weaknesses are against certain pitches. You'll have a better chances of being successful at the plate if you choose to swing at pitches you know you hit well vs swinging at anything near the plate.

However, it's tough to give yourself that advantage if you don't know your softball hitting strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you know what pitches you hit best.

Obviously with 2 strikes, you don't have much choice. You need to open up your zone and protect anything near the plate, but before then, you have more options (especially when you have no strikes and are ahead of the count!).

Carry Yourself with Confidence

Confidence is so important for successful softball hitting. You can have the best swing on your team, but it means very little if you go into the box with a negative attitude that prevents you from executing that great swing!

Even if you don't feel confident, carry yourself into the box with confidence. Act as though you are in control and you know you are about to do something great. You'd be surprised at how the tables will turn throughout an at bat if you just go in there and command your presence well.

Approaching the box looking worried only gives the pitcher more reason to go after you with confidence. Don't give her that edge!

Instead, step into that box and carry yourself with confidence. Act like a batter who has "her number." Look like a batter no one wants to mess with. Carry yourself like you know you're the pitcher's worst nightmare.

Try it. Get into the batter's box like you know you're about to wreak havoc on the defense. It's so fun to see the tables turn in a single at bat. Watch the pitcher go from "sure of herself" to worried while you feel more and more confident with each pitch of the bat.

Clear Your Mind

Once you've evaluated the situation, scanned the defense, taken your signal, and know what you're trying to accomplish in your at bat, the thinking is done. It's time to see the ball and execute.

When you're IN the box, the ONE and only focus you should have is the ball. One of the toughest things to do in athletics is hitting a moving object with another moving object. You can bet this requires as much focus as possible!

Anything else you think about takes away from the focus you need to successfully hit the ball.

It's not time to think about your hands or hips. It's not time to think about your stride. It's not time to think your shoulder or about what will happen if you don't hit this ball. It's not time to think the advice your dad gave you before the game either.

It's time to focus on: ball, ball, ball, ball, ball. All the thinking and all the hitting practice is done. Relax and let yourself execute.

Fun Softball Drills - Vamos

2011-08-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

Purpose: In Vamos (Spanish for "let's go") the challenge is to run in the correct
direction, not necessarily home to first. To get your player's attention you sometimes
must have fun drills when coaching softball.

Procedure: Drill will need bases. Make different baserunning rules for an actual
practice game or specific inning. First inning: run the bases in reverse. Second inning:
second base becomes first, third becomes second, and first becomes third. Third
innning: when the ball is hit to the right side of the field (or infield), the player should
initially run to third base and proceed around the bases in reverse. If another batter hits
the ball to the left side, then the player funs to first base. If multiple players are on the
base paths they must determine the correct direction in which to run, based upon
where the ball is hit. then reverse this trend the next inning. Stipulate that "running in the
wrong direction" (for that particular play) results in an out for the offensive team. Fourth
inning: refer back to the rules of the first inning. Keep home plate as the final destination
in each phase.

Indoor Softball Drills - Action Ball

2011-08-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Stress line drives, being aggressive on a two-strike count, and putting the ball in play. Never watch a called third strike. This indoor game encompasses quick at-bats with balls flying off the floors, walls and ceilings. Knowing all fielding situations and practicing them is a good softball fielding tip for infielders.

Procedure: Prepare a bat and paper ball wrapped in athletic/duct tape. A diamond can be setup with short distances between each base if base runners are desired. The pitcher throws the paper ball slowly and over-hand from about 30 feet away. There are no home runs; only singles,doubles and triples. The instructor must keep track of "runner" location, number of outs, and score of the game. Ground, rules are set up and play begins. Singles can only score a runner from third base. The hitter has a 2-and-2 count. Ball four results in a new count. Outs Include: (1) swings-and-misses, (2) foul balls, and (3) any ball fielded cleanly off of the wall, ceiling or floor. There are no force outs or tag outs. Batters hit and then must sit down in the dugout. Bench people must sit down against a wall in the assigned batting order. Everyone plays defense.

Softball Hitting Drills - Donut

2011-08-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Purpose: ln honor of the Mariners Edgar Martinez, this activity teaches bat speed in accordance with the "sweet spot." Softball hitting techniques should be sound to be a good hitter.

Procedure: This drill will need a Bat, donut or Bratt's Bat, and balls. Slide the donut onto the bat. Now use soft toss, the goal is to make solid contact on the "sweet spot," The donut serves as a guide while building up strength in the hands and wrists. It's also a great challenge. You can also try this with the Bratt's Bat (youth length/weight) and tennis balls. Instead of hitting with the donut younger hitters can tape over the "sweet spot" on a regular bat, so they know where to properly hit the ball.

The #1 Method to Become Mentally Tougher

2011-07-27T02:42:00.000-07:00

Are you mentally tough?

Would your opponents, your teammates or your coaches say you are? Are you recognized to be super confident, focused, and mentally strong when it really counts? If so, congrats. If not (like a lot of us), you need to work on that ASAP! As you know, softball is a game where mental toughness is everything.

Listen, softball IS a mental game. If you're mentally WEAK or SOFT, you gonna be AVERAGE at best. And that would be in non-important games. You'll underachieving or under performing if you're mentally tough when it really counts.

How do you get mentally tougher? There are many ways. However, probably the best method to get mentally tougher is to WORKOUT! Yes, absolutely. When your workout (do strength and conditioning), you're not only making your body stronger but your mind too!

You see, regular physical training will…

* Increase your confidence
* Boost your self-esteem
* Toughen you up
* Make you feel stronger
* Reduce your stress
* Increase your ability to deal
* Make you feel like you're ready "to fight"
* Improve your mood
* Help you deal with anxiety and nervousness
* Enhance your ability to focus
* Teach you how to "never give up"
* Help you get out of "your comfort zone"
* Increase your ability to relax

Bottom line, when you workout, it makes you physically and MENTALLY TOUGHER!

So, what are you waiting for? Get off your butt and start getting mentally tough!

I got two perfect "softball-specific" workouts to help you get mentally tougher:

Solution #1 - 21-Day Express Softball-Specific Workouts This is a quick, fun, and highly effective workout that can be done at home or at the gym, will give you fast results and is a good starting point for when getting back into it or if you don't much time.

Solution #2 - Ultimate 52-Week High-Performance Softball Training System - This is the MOTHER of all softball workout out there. This is SERIOUS stuff and it will MAKE YOU MENTALLY TOUGHER! This program is ONLY for serious and ambitious players who are absolutely committed to become the best they can be. Superstar softball players use that type of workouts.

Get mentally tougher NOW!

Softball Hitting Drills - Pinball

2011-07-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Similar to the arcade game of pinball: Keep the ball bouncing up and down. Look for bat control and proper bunting technique. Coaching softball must always include bunting in its offense

Procedure: While holding the bat with one hand, keep bouncing a ball up in the air before it hits the ground. Use as much space as needed. Holding the bat at the knob makes it more difficult. Make this "the activity of the day" and ask kids to present their highest scores (individual and team) at lunchtime. Bouncing the ball bak and forth with a partner (10 to 15 feet apart) also simulates the bunting technique (can use two hands on the bat).

Basic Softball Drills - Upper Body Throwing Drill

2011-07-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To practice driving the glove and ball back to the ear during the transition. To drill reinforces the correct arm action of a catcher. Softball Catchers have several skills to master and throwing to second is one of them

Procedure: Partners stand 40 to 70 feet apart, have one softball per partner. With toes pointing straight ahead, face one another. Throw the ball to your partner without moving your feet. Just rotate the upper body so that your shoulders line up with the target, and throw. Your partner will catch the ball with two hands and, using the glove, will drive the ball into the bare hand, back and up to the right ear. The glove should push back in a direct route with no arm circle. He will continue this action by throwing the ball back to you.
You may use this drill regularly, for short, intense periods.

Softball Baserunning Drills - Balancing Act

2011-07-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Purpose: These relay utilizing running and balance. Incorporating games when coaching softball makes it fun for the athlete.
Procedure: For each race designate the different teams with starting and finishing points (use bases). In the first game,each kid must run or walk with a bat resting on the end of one or two finger(s). This tests one's balance and hand-eye coordination. Upon arriving back at your team simply flip the bat to the next person. For the daring, then try balancing the bat on each hand. In the second game race with a ball balanced on top of a glove. After that try to flip the ball up and down off of a glove as you go. For every game, if the object drops to the ground a runner must start again from that point before continuing on.

Softball Hitting Drills- No Stride Drill

2011-06-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop a feel for the proper weight transfer back to the load position. To practice staying closed. To isolate upper body movements.It is important to have varied drills when practicing softball hitting.

Procedure: Use a tee or soft toss with the No Stride Drill. If using a tee, place it between the feet and high up on the homeplate. If the drill features a soft toss partner, then he should be kneeling in the opposite batter's box. Shift your weight back to the load position and then pivot to hit the ball. Your weight transfer should also include getting your hands started. Your lower body doesn't move through the drill, with the exception of the pivot. Even then, your feet don't leave the ground. Focus on the fundamentals of the swing. On completion of your swing, your weight should shift back to the middle.

Softball Baserunning Drills - Starter

2011-06-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Purpose: This is a timed race where runners receive points for their efforts.Every aspect in softball should be addressed when coaching softball.

Procedure: You will need a whistle, four bases, and for stopwatches. This game is best suited with either stationary bases or with chalk-drawn bases on a blacktop. Try to use four instructions. Pick four random teams and a captain for each. The captain names a running order which cannot be changed. Each team then sits down behind one of the bases. At the whistle, the first person in each group runs to the next base. Four bases must be touched. If a base is missed that team is disqualified for the particular round. The instructor (standing together) time one group each. The times are then compared for first place (4 points), second (3 points), third (2 points) or fourth (1 point). Tally up the points after everyone has a run, and declare a winner. Play this game each day during a camp, for example

Softball Practice Drills-Shin Guard Shuffle

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Cathers need to think of themselves as a banana; the gear is just an outer layer of skin. These drills focus on getting acquainted to the equipment, footwork, hand-eye coordination, endurance and quickness.Softball Catchers have develop themselves physically aside from skills.

Procedure: The drills have full catcher's gear for each person and balls. For indoor work wear wrestling knee-pads instead of shin guards.Have two catchers face each other while standing in a circle. Use the baskettball tip-of circle when indoors. While wearing full equipment(no mitts;mask is optional) shuffle around the circle while playing underhand catch with the ball and listening for verbal instructions. The toss should refect most of the commands(see below). Attempt to frame every toss. Even the catcher without the ball should perform each command. After each skill, continue on playing catch

Verbal commands include:
Left: Rotate to the left
Right: Rotate to the right
Up: Simulate a pop-up
Down: simulate a block in the dirt
throw: Simulate a toss to second base
Push-up: Do an actual push-up
Sit-up: Do an actual sit-up
Jog: Run in place.

Softball Practice Drills - Fielding During Batting Practice

2011-06-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To de-cleat on every pitch.
To develop a good first step on balls hit to the outfield. To acquire some "live" repetitions. It's important to practice game like situations when practicing softball outfield

Procedure: As an outfielder, spend time at your position during batting practice. Do a 10-minute block of "live" repetitions. During this session, treat every pitch as a live situation. De-cleat on the pitch. Try to anticipate where the ball is going to be hit, and work on getting a good jump on the ball. This fielding practice is instrumental in developing overall good fielding mechanics. Put all of the skills into practice: drop steps, banana curls, crowhops, do Or dies, playing the fence, and communication.

How to Attack Your Softball Training for Maximum Success

2011-06-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Two things you have to understand about softball training is that there are no "small things" and that oftentimes boring = important. How often do you see teams to base running drills and actually see players run in an all-out sprint? There may be one or two that actually run at their best speed during these daily base running drills. How many times do you see players do routine fielding drills and just "go through the motions" giving their bare minimum to get through the drill? It happens quite often wouldn't you say?

But what kind of preparation is this for competition?

How many times have you heard a coach yell, "You gotta get down!" after a player gets tagged outgoing into a base standing up...and yet when this team practices, players are allowed to wear shorts or show up with no sliding pads? They are never required to "get down" in practice and yet coaches expect it in games?

"Practice how you play" they say. What does this mean? Is it something you really do? If you want to perform great consistently...Guess what? You must train that way. You must attack your softball training with your 100% complete and total effort in EVERYTHING. Every drill, no matter how "boring" or "small" or "simple." Make your full intensity, determination, and concentration when executing skills a HABIT by training that way every drill, every day.

You can't go up to a bunt station and just stick out your bat for five straight pitches, bunt some fair, bunt some foul, and miss one then expect to be able to put down a perfect bunt in a one-shot opportunity at game time when you have an opposing pitcher standing at the other end of the pitch throwing at you with everything she's got. * Sprint, don't just run.

* Bunt fair, on the ground, and away from the pitcher, not just stick your bat out.

* Field cleanly, with good footwork, and get rid of the ball quickly while making the catch easy on the other end - don't just field and throw the ball in the general direction of your target.

Challenge yourself. Want more. Expect more. Push for more than what is asked, not less. Do this every each and every day, one drill at a time, and one rep at a time. Then, watch as the cumulative effect of striving for and achieving more in each small rep you do lead you to success at the highest of levels. Doing the "small" things to perfection (or as close to it as you can get) will allow you to achieve the "big" things you want.

Softball Conditioning - Core Training is the Secret to More Power

2011-06-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

We know that the trunk plays an important role in softball.

More specifically, the trunk and the muscles of the abdominal region are responsible for (1) generating rotational power and (2) stabilizing the trunk which necessary to transfer a maximum amount of power from the lower body muscles to the upper body (the trunk links the two).

The power generated by the trunk and the lower body muscles (transmitted to the upper body through a stable trunk) are vital for actions such hitting, pitching, and throwing.

As you can see, it's very important for a softball player to have a stable, strong, and powerful abdominal region not only to be successful on the field, but also to prevent injuries.

This is why proper abdominal training is so important.

However, too many softball players don't train their abdominal region properly. Too often, most of their abdominal training consists of leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups.

While these exercises help develop a "six-pack" and good-looking abs, they do very little to increase performance and prevent injuries.

The abdominal region is often referred to as the "core".

However, the "core" is more than just the rectus abdominis (the "six-pack" muscle).

According to many exercise specialists, the core can be defined as the lower trunk musculature. The major muscles of the lower trunk musculature are the rectus abdominis ("six-pack" muscle), the external and internal obliques, the transversus abdominis (deep internal abdominal muscle) and the erector spinae (lower back muscle). absbig Softball Conditioning Core Training is the Secret to More Power

Now, the problem with leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups is that they mostly target one muscle: the rectus abdominis ("six-pack" muscle) and while it may help make you feel good about yourself by developing good-looking abs, this muscle doesn't contribute to the generation of rotational power or the stabilization of the trunk (transmission of power from the lower to the upper body).

In other words, it is a pretty useless muscle in softball. So, if your routine consists mostly of leg raises and floor-based crunches and sit-ups, you are pretty much shooting yourself in the foot!

Most of the influence in abdominal training comes from the bodybuilding field where the only goal is to make the abdominal muscles that you can see (mainly the "six-pack" muscle) bigger, more defined and good-looking. They really don't care about performance but we do and that's why we need to do things differently.

To train your core properly, you must integrate into your routine exercises that will (a) involved many muscles of the core and (b) force the trunk to stabilize. The key is to target deeper abdominal muscles such as the transversus abdominis, a deep internal abdominal muscle that plays a key role in stabilizing the trunk and transferring power from the lower to the upper body.

Any exercise that is not a leg raise or a floor-based crunch or sit-up (or a close variation of it) is likely to accomplish these two goals.

Throw away those old-school and ineffective ab exercises and start using innovative, highly effective core training exercises.

How to Improve Your Softball Hitting Skills

2011-05-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Softball hitting is a crucial part of the game. After all, your team will not be able to rack up runs if you do not hit the ball well. A good hit does not necessarily have to always lead to a home run. Most hits will open up your teammates opportunity to advance, until it ends with one or more of them reaching home plate.
That said, you should devote a good deal of your time in improving your softball hitting skills. But how exactly do you do that? There are a number of things that you can do in order to gain an edge in this particular aspect of the game. And these are the things that we will share with you in this article. So if you’re ready, read on.

1. Improve your softball hitting stance. Hitting the ball well begins with the proper hitting stance. The proper stance includes keeping your balance, having your feet shoulder-width apart, and starting with your hips. The right hitting stance isn’t just about improving your chances of hitting the ball, it is also about preventing hitting-related injuries. Poor swing mechanics increase your chance of injury, which could sideline you for the rest of the game, or longer. So make sure you use a good hitting stance from day one.

2. Increase your hitting strength. Having crazy bat speed is not only about natural talent. It is also something that you can build up over time. If you want to hit the ball harder, spend some time improving your overall athleticism and strength. Core exercises and workouts are perfect for that!

3. Work with a softball hitting coach. You can only go so far improving your hitting skills on your own. More often than not, you will see quicker and more significant improvements to your game if you work with a softball hitting instructor. The reason for this is that your instructor can provide you the feedback you need in order to make the most effective adjustments to your game. For example, checking your hitting stance by yourself can be difficult. Having an instructorcan provide a fresh set of eyes to look and evaluate your performance objectively and efficiently.

4. Get your hands on softball training aids. Although it’s already great to have a softball hitting coach to guide you, you will be able to maximize your training further with good softball training aids. These aids will reinforce all the good techniques you need so you could take your game to the next level.
All in all, improving your softball hitting skills require a combination of the tips that we have just shared with you. Add on top of that a good amount of patience and determination, and you will see your game improve in the near future. So keep practicing, get some great advice from a hitting instructor, and supplement what you learn with softball training aids, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more feared softball hitter.

How to Improve Your Softball Hitting Skills

2011-05-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fun Softball Drills - King Cone

2011-05-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Purpose: This is a fun game where kids learn about throwing and catching. Good passing of the ball is an element of the tag play. Game situations should be taught when coaching softball.

Procedure: The team needs four bases, four cones, and soccer ball (bat, gloves, and regulation ball are optional). Make two teams. Place a cone on the outside corner of each base including one on top of home plate. Put a fielder at each base (total of three) along with a pitcher and catcher. Everyone else stands wherever they want. The batting team has one kicker at a time. A soccerball is rolled at the cone near home plate. After a kick this person sprints around the bases. While this is going on, the ball must be retrieved and passed successfully to the people at first, second, third, and then home. After each catch, the fielder must knock down his/her cone before throwing to the next base.

Outs include the following: 1] A pitched ball which hits the cone at home plate, 2} a ball caught in the air by a fielder, 3) the batter knocking down a cone, or 4) two foul balls in a row. A run is scored if the barter reaches home plate before the ball gets there. Play three outs per inning, or have each player on a team get a turn at bat. For older kids, use a bat, regulation ball, and gloves. After a hit, the ball must be thrown around the infield in similar fashion. This time, after a catch the fielder must knock the cone over in a tag play.

How to Choose a Softball Training Aid

2011-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Visit your local sports store or any website that sells softball equipment and you will see that there are a lot of softball training aids for you to choose from. It can be quite confusing to say the least. On top of that your budget may be limited which prevents you from getting everything you want to get your hands on. Therefore, it is important that you choose your softball training aid wisely, so you can maximize your budget and softball performance with every purchase.
But how exactly do you select softball training aids that are right for you? It’s actually quite simple. It’s all about making smart decisions with the purchases you make. Of course, we’ll provide you with some useful tips on how to do it. Here are the basics we’d like to share with you:

1. Buy used training aids, if you can. Some softball training aids remain serviceable years after they were purchased. Because of that, you can still put that used equipment to good use. This is especially helpful if you are strapped for cash but need decent gear to help you enchance your training.Some of these training aids have only been lightly used. If you’re able to spot some well cared for equipment, you’ll probably want to snatch it up right away!

2. Seek recommendations. If this is your first time buying softball training aids, it is perfectly normal to be overwhelmed and unsure of what to buy. Seeking recommendations from your colleagues first is a great way to narrow down your choices before spending any money on training aids. Others in the game can provide you with a lot of insight on the items you’re considering. It’salso important to know what part of the game you’d like to improve on. This helps narrow down your choices even further. Who can you ask? You can talk to other softball coaches or even parents, read reviews on training aids found online, and you can simply talk with other people knowledgeable about softball.

3. Buy only the gear that you need. In the tip above, we mentioned knowing which aspects of the game you want to improve on. In addition, it also helps keep costs down when you buy only the equipment or training aids you need right now. Of course, it’s verytempting to get anything and everything remotely related to what you want to work on. However, remember that it is better to have just a handful of softball training aids you use regularly, than tons you rarely use at all. So, before you buy any softball training aids, make sure that you these tips in mind. They will not only help you make the right decision, but will likely save you money too.

The Importance of Good Softball Mechanics

2011-05-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably heard your coach preach about good softball mechanics a thousand times before that you’ve since stopped caring about it. So why are we going to talk about the same thing again in this article? That’s because good softball mechanics should be at the heart of every softball player’s skill set. Read on this article and we hope that we can help shed more light on this topic and help you understand what the fuss is all about when it comes to softball mechanics.

If you’re ready then read on.

Here’s why good softball mechanics is important:

1. It helps you perform efficiently on the field. Ever seen some softball players who just seem to swing the bat or throw the softball almost effortlessly? Have you envied players who are just plain fluid with everything that they do on the field? These are players who have good softball mechanics. That is why if you have this, then you will be able to move efficiently and without sweat while you are on the field. Not only will be the envy of your teammates and opponents alike, you will also find it easier to do the things that you’ve always wanted to do while playing softball. So for example, you cannot execute a good pitch even if you wanted to. If the problem is with your mechanics, then correcting it will help you throw faster and harder with minimum effort.

2. It helps you stay injury-free. Good mechanics isn’t just about looking good on the field with whatever you do. It also has a practical purpose of protecting you from injuries. How is this possible? Softball mechanics takes into consideration a person’s anatomy. What it means is that every movement that is taught to you is designed in a way that will put only little stress on your body. And with little stress, you will also have little risk of getting injured due to pulled muscles or repetitive strain injury.

3. Good softball mechanics is all about playing smart. Why would you want to sweat it out all the time or feel pain whenever you play softball when there’s an easy way to play it? And that’s what good softball mechanics is all about. Because you know what to do on the field without putting much pressure on yourself, softball then becomes a lot more enjoyable to you and to your teammates.

Where you can learn good softball mechanics

Now you know why good softball mechanics is important, it’s time that you learn it from an expert. You can seek advice from your softball coach on this one. But if you want a more intense form of training then we would recommend that you attend softball training camps that are designed to teach you the proper softball mechanics.

There you have it. Good softball mechanics cannot be entirely removed from softball itself, especially if you want to enjoy the sport better and longer. So play smart today and learn the proper softball mechanics!

Softball Throwing Drills - Biathlon

2011-05-04T04:49:00.002-07:00

Purpose: Just as in the Winter Olympic sport of target challenges and cross-country skiing, this game combines the talents of throwing and running. The object is to throw balls to designated spots while running against the clock. It is important to put fun drills in softball coaching so players can enjoy while working hard.

Procedure: Stop watch, balls, gloves and bases. Scatter balls feme for each person at the following areas: pitching mound, home plate, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, and right field. Have the instructors or extra players (with gloves on) at home plate, second base, third base, and first base.
At the signal the player runs from each position on the diamond in successive order 1 thru 9: 1 (mound), 2 (plate), 3 (first base), etc. At Number 1, throw to the catcher. At Number 2, throw to second base. At Number 3, throw to third base. At Numbers 4-5-6, throw to first base. At Number 7, throw to home plate. At Number 8, throw to second base. And at Number 9, throw to third base.

Younger kids can throw to second base from the outfield positions. Time limits can vary for the age groups. Make sure the kids run or jog from station to station. An umpire tallies the scores, and has the right to award points even after errors by a receiver. No points are allowed for balls which roll to the target, or draw the receivers away from the bag.

Scoring includes.
3 points: Perfect throw to the receiver.
2 points: Throw which is bounced, picked, or scooped by the receiver.
1 point: Throw which moves the receiver left or right of the base.

Softball Throwing Drills - Biathlon

2011-05-04T04:49:00.001-07:00

Scoring includes.
3 points: Perfect throw to the receiver.
2 points: Throw which is bounced, picked, or scooped by the receiver.
1 point: Throw which moves the receiver left or right of the base.

Softball Throwing Drills - Biathlon

2011-05-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

Scoring includes.
3 points: Perfect throw to the receiver.
2 points: Throw which is bounced, picked, or scooped by the receiver.
1 point: Throw which moves the receiver left or right of the base.

Softball Coaching Tips - Make Yourself Understood

2011-05-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to explain concepts to your players and all you got was a few scratches to the head and chirping crickets in the background? Indeed, it can be quite frustrating when you feel that you cannot put your ideas across to your players. But don’t despair. The truth is that majority of the people out there weren’t born with the natural talent for teaching or public speaking. Yet, there are those who manage to get over it.

The good thing here is that public speaking and teaching are skills that you can acquire with the right training and dedication. So if you want to make yourself understood when talking to your players, then below are some of our tips for you:

1. Attend speech classes. You don’t have to go back to school if you want to improve your public speaking skills. There are short courses wherein you can enroll and learn more about this skill. But don’t worry if you feel that you are too old for this. In fact, most of the people who attend speech classes are professionals like you who simply want to upgrade their skills. So there’s no need to be anxious about this. Plus, there are also courses that are easy on your pocket, so no need to worry about this too.
2. Organize your thoughts. Public speaking seems difficult to many because they often ask themselves this question: where do I start? And this is where organizing your thoughts before speaking can help you. First, summarize it, then create a mental outline of what you’re going to say. Have a beginning, middle and end to your speech. It will be a lot easier to understand that way. So before you stand in front of your players, organize your thoughts first.
3. Write your stuff down. Just because it’s called public speaking doesn’t mean you can’t write down what you’re going to say. So if you don’t want to fumble around when you’re doing your speech, it would help to have something written down. But don’t just read it. Also make your speech as forceful or as gentle depending on the needs of the speech. But if you don’t want to bring with you a lengthy speech, you can simply write an outline of what you’re going to say and work your way from there.
4. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect. And no matter how many times you’ve heard that already, it’s still true to this day. Practice doesn’t just make it perfect, it also helps you build up your confidence before you dish out your speech.

It’s not that difficult to make yourself understood. All you need is to follow the pieces of advice that we just shared with you. They apply not only if you’re going to give a big speech but also when you are handing out instructions to your players. What’s important is that you make yourself clear. Keep that in mind and you’ll be good.

Softball Hitting Drills - Wait Drill

2011-04-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To learn to wait until the ball enters your strong zone. To effectively hit the ball to the opposite field. Softball hitting drills are important to better one's hitting

Procedure: This drill is performed in a short toss situation. Don't pitch from the full distance, so that the pitcher can more consistently locate the ball on the outside corner. Move the screen up to at least half distance or more. The drill can also be performed in batting practice.
The pitcher will place every toss on the outer half of the plate. You will watch the first few pitches without swinging but yell ''swing" at the exact moment when you must start your swing. Hit outside pitches to the opposite field, Going the other way with the pitch is achieved by making contact deeper in the hitting zone without modifying the swing. So if you want to make contact deeper in the zone, you must still begin your swing early enough to get the barrel of the bat on the ball. After watching a few tosses, you can start swinging to hit every pitch to the opposite field. Use a six-pitch round consisting of three observations and three swings.
The players should discover just how long they can wait before swinging. Don't permit players to alter their swing to hit the ball the other way. The strong zone of hitting happens when the top arm is bent at contact.

Softball Drills - Blocking Drills

2011-04-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To know the importance of keeping the ball in front. To accustom your catcher to being hit by the ball. Blocking is an important of softball catching and must be practiced.

Procedure: Have your catcher in full gear. Catcher does not use their gloves.
The blocking drills are a two-step process:
The first phase: catcher will be on her knees with her hands behind her back. Coach will stand not more than 3 feet away with the balls. Bounce the balls into the chest of the kneeling catcher while she attempts to form a wall with her body and block the ball while keeping it in front
The second phase: The catcher will assume the proper catching position behind the plate. Bounce balls off the ground and into the chest of catcher. Catcher is not trying to catch each ball. Rather, she is simply trying to let the ball hit her chest and keep it in front.
Coach must demonstrate this drill before letting the players try it. The partner or coach who will be bouncing the softball must make good tosses so that the ball hits her in the chest

Softball Tips: To Bunt or Not?

2011-04-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Bunting is often one of the most overlooked softball skills by players. After all, it is not as dramatic or fantastic looking as hitting a homerun or stealing a base. Aside from that, bunting is pretty easy to do, unlike swinging the bat hard. But just like any softball technique that is available to you, it is important in so many aspects that you might not realize.

Bunting should also be used sparingly. You should use it only when needed just as you would other softball technique.

But the big question though is how do you know when to bunt or not? And that is what this article is all about. We will help you find out when to do it and when to do something else. Ready? Then read on.

First of all, the decision whether to bunt or not will depend on your coach most of the time. So before stepping into the field, always ask what your strategies will be come game time. He will usually provide you and your teammates a set of options, and it may sometimes include a bunt. This is the ideal situation because your coach has a better view of the big picture regarding your team’s situation during a particular inning.

On other times, of course, the decision will depend solely on you. Being able to make this decision can be quite difficult and scary when you are just starting out, but believe me that it gets easier the longer you play the game.

How do you know when to bunt?

Before anything else, you should of course assess your team’s situation. For example, do you need a point and is there are running who can run home? In that case, then doing a bunt would be a fantastic idea. Also ask yourself if bunting is worth the risk. Try to have a feel if the pitcher knows that you are going for a bunt.

Making decisions like this needs quick thinking. And often, you only have milliseconds to decide. But do not worry. Make sure to make bunting a part of your training because it will help you physically and mentally prepare for situations like this when you are already on the field.

Remember though that bunting also requires sacrifice on your part. Are you really ready to give up the limelight so that your teammate could run home? This is the other difficult thing about bunting. But if you know how to put your ego out of the way and let teamwork take over, then the decision would not be so difficult to make.

Sometimes, you just have to jump in and do it. What is important is that you made the decision—the results are not always within your control. And if everything works out as you planned it, you can even get your teammates’ praise in the end.

So practice your bunting. You will never know when you are going to need it. And when you do, it always pays to be prepared.

Softball Tips: Take Your Injuries Seriously

2011-04-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself in the middle of an important game. The scores are close and you are at bat. The pitcher throws the ball your way, you swing your bat, and you hear the satisfying whack of the ball hitting the bat. The ball flies to the outfield. You run to the first base.

And then the unexpected happens.

You twist your foot. And then you feel a sharp pain in that area. You try to persevere, but you already see one of the outfielders throwing the ball to the first baseman. You run harder but the pain just becomes even worse.

Don’t push it.

Sometimes, you just have to learn when to give up. This is especially the case if you are injured. We have been taught that there is honor in persistence. And you will get your teammates’ nod for taking one for the team.

But always ask yourself, is it worth it? More often than not, the answer is no. You see, pain is your body’s way of telling you that there is something wrong with it. So do not try to push harder even if you think you still can. What you may not know is that you are only worsening your condition by trying harder.

When you find yourself injured, stop. It may not feel much at the beginning but it could be something serious, only that you are not aware of the severity of your condition yet. Sit it out. It is frustrating, of course, but do you really want to be sidelined for the rest of the season, even the rest of your career, for just one game?

What if it is your coach who is pushing you to play with an injury? Try to explain to him nicely about your situation, and tell him that you do not want to worsen your condition. Your coach will always understand, so do not worry about it.

Aside from that, have your injury checked by a medical professional immediately. He can tell you how serious your condition is, and if you can get back to the game soon enough. If the injury looks serious, he will recommend you to sit it out until he can perform more tests on you. Heed his advice and take a different role for the meantime: cheer your teammates on.

Once the game has ended, head out home immediately and give yourself a rest. And then after that, have yourself checked further, especially if your doctor recommended it. This will help eliminate false diagnoses and even prevent damaging your body further.

All in all, do not push yourself to hard. You can always save your game for another day and have a longer and more fruitful ahead of you. And remember that there is still life outside of softball. Ask yourself, is the injury worth enduring? More often than not, the answer is one that lies on your common sense: your injury is not worth enduring. Sit it out. It will be for your good after all.

How to Cut Softball Training Costs

2011-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a softball player or a coach, then chances are that you spend a portion of your funds on a variety of softball training tools. The expenses that you make are of course justified, especially if they help you take the game to the next level. However, in today’s economy (particularly if you’re a coach), then parting with your money for these tools can be quite difficult. In other words, it’s pretty tough to spend a lot of money nowadays.

But there’s no denying too that you still need to train in order to be at the top of your game. So how do you cut your softball training costs, while maintaining your softball skills at the same time? Here’s what we suggest: train in your local playground!

Sounds crazy? Let me explain.

What you probably don’t know is that the stuff that you often see in playgrounds can be great softball training tools. These include your monkey bars and such. The only thing that will limit your training on the playground is your imagination.

Of course you will probably get strange looks from people around you when they see you training in a playground, but why care when it works for you?

Still not convinced? Let us show you some of the reasons why training at your local playground makes perfect sense:

You can do it any time you want. Time is sometimes an issue when you’re dealing with softball training. In that case, then softball training at your local playground would be a perfect solution for you. You can choose to train any time you want, at your convenience. You can train in the afternoon, or in the morning, when people aren’t flocking the place yet.
It helps you save a lot of money. If money is an issue with you, or if you’re done spending tons of money on run of the mill softball training tools, then training at your local playground would be a fantastic way to save money. You don’t have to pay for gym hours too.

Should You Ditch Traditional Softball Training Altogether?

But bear in mind that I am not saying that training at your local playground is everything you need to become a better softball player. Rather, use this type of training to complement your regular softball training. You can use it for your cross training, or simply to help prevent you from getting burned out with the same old training techniques.

Plus, it also helps to invest some of your money on softball training aids such as DVDs, and get a personal coach, if you can afford it. These things will help you improve your game faster and better than if you would do things all on your own.

Now there you have it. What I’m trying to say here is that money shouldn’t always be an issue if you want to become a better softball player. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of creativity to help you achieve your training goals.

Softball Hitting Drills - See, Read & Explode

2011-04-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Purpose: A former major league hitting coach Mike Epstein liked to say, batters need to "see" the pitch just before the pitcher releases the ball, "read" the spin and location of it while en route to the plate, and "explode" at a strike with an aggressive swing at tbe ball. One good softball hitting tip is to act not react

Procedure: Have bats plus a brand-new regulation ball. First explain "soft" and "hard" focus. While in the batters box the hitter should first "soft" focus on the pitcher's head and shoulders. Then when the ball is at the pitcher's hip she should "hard" focus on the ball just before delivery. Have this theory in every live throwing activity.
Now arrange the group into lines. The instructor should face the team, and go through a simulated pitching movement. When the batter thinks the ball is just in front of home plate, she should make a swing. First, pitch in slow-motion for easy recognition. Second, pitch from the wind-up. Third, pitch from the stretch. Fourth, pitch full-speed. Fifth, add in the fastball. See if the kids can pick up the different arm motions. End with a ninth inning, 3-and 2 count, 2-out, bases-loaded scenario.

Softball Pitching Drills - Gun It

2011-04-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Measure pitching speeds of youngsters, and teach how varying speeds will fool hitters. Varying pitches truly help in softball pitching.

Procedure: Rent, purchase, or borrow a radar gun. Measure speeds from behind the backstop. For advanced players, use the radar gun when teaching the fastball vs. change up speed which should differ in mph, When pitching the fastball and basic change up, the arm action should be the same. This disguises the different pitches, so a batter can't tell which one is coming. Simply alter the grip and ball placement in the hand. The changing of speeds keeps hitters off-stride. The radar gun also reveals velocity. Scouts like to compare speeds for purpose of consistency. During games the gun can be used for measuring velocity each inning, and monitoring whether or not a pitcher is tiring and may be losing some speed on the fastball. Professional teams have a coach behind the backstop of every game charting each pitch, location (strike or ball), and most likely velocity. Note that velocity is measured at the point of release —not when the ball reaches home plate. Because kids love to throw as hard as they can, make sure everyone is warmed up and loose before trying this activity, and remind them it's not always strength, but precision that determines the success of a pitcher. When using the radar gun at a camp or clinic competition, use velocity readings to track and record a variety of statistics: the speed of pitchers of different ages, the velocity of each pitcher each day, and stats on the fastball vs. changeup numbers. This ball is for pitching training only, so do not hit it with a bat or throw it on hard surfaces.

Learning the Basics of Softball Hitting Ensures Batting Improvement

2011-04-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

In playing softball, when you are excellent at softball hitting, you are the most admired player. Once you have stepped in the box for your turn to hit the ball, the usual atmosphere to follow will be a yelling great crowd from the outside. This is simply because softball hitting is a skill that is so cool. This should not surprise you why so many softball players are trying to be good at this skill. If you are to be given a position in a softball team, what do you prefer? Most beginners will not choose neither the pitcher nor the fielder but as a hitter.

However, despite the popularity of softball hitting, this skill is not so easy to learn. You can ask the professional players to prove this statement wrong. That’s why in practicing softball hitting, you need to invest more of your time. The hitting skill is not mere hitting. There are actually lots of things to consider learning, developing, and eventually mastering the skill. If you aim of becoming a great softball hitter, you have to make sure that you are equipped with the right attitude towards it. Otherwise, you can find yourself simply giving up.

But in learning softball hitting, you must have to start by learning the basic. That’s why a softball hitter is immediately determined in a team. This gives the coach to teach the chosen ones the softball hitting fundamentals and guide them how to execute it the proper way.

But above all, you must first come up with the right softball bat. A bat will serve as your closest partner during the game thereby you should carefully select the most ideal bat for you. This bat should make you feel comfortable while giving you the confidence in batting. In short, this bat should work compatible with you. But still many others pick a bat that is too large or too heavy for them. They think that they can create an explosive hit out of such kind of bat. But they don’t know that this kind of bat will simply slow their batting speed down. Don’t commit the same mistake again. Take plenty of your time to find the bat that will suit you best.

In softball hitting, speed is never ignored or exchange to heavy bats. Speed can create a big difference in your gaming performance. Yes, speed is indispensable. It would be okay to choose a big bat if you can handle it without affecting your batting speed. But if you are small to hold a big bat, think many times before purchasing it. You don’t want to ruin speed performance.

Another considered vital aspect in softball hitting is the proper stance. Although there is not such thing as perfect stance, the suggested position is standing with your feet a bit wide from your shoulder. Then out of it, find your comfortable stance. And when giving a swing, your body must follow a good coordination to produce a powerful stride. This calls for the proper bending of your knees to the right turning of your hips when swinging with a follow-through to complete the batting motion. Remember all of these things as they are important in softball hitting.

Softball Hitting – The Gloves, Do They Matter?

2011-03-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Softball has been here for a long time now. You can surely see that its popularity is not fading even if it is already been decades since it was introduced to people. Softball is still here and it is still enjoyed by many despite the fact that there are tons of sports introduced after it. Sometimes, maybe you are wondering on why there are still a lot of people who are hooked on this.

Well, that must not be a surprise for you anymore. Softball is still incomparable because it is composed of many elements. It has many skills that players must learn, it has many challenges, you also need to use your mental ability in here, and above all, the element of fun is also injected in here. So it is really a complete game and you will not ask for more.

What challenged many people are the skills in it. They are not easy to learn especially softball hitting. There are some who are spending countless hours just to improve the way they hit. They are doing everything just to be good in this field because they know that they can use this to succeed in this field.

What most people are not aware of is that the simple things that they are taking for granted are also the things that can also take them to victory. So if you are planning to become great in softball hitting, you must be aware of even the smallest details because usually, these things also have the power to take you there.

The importance of the gloves is one of the things that players and aspirants are taking for granted. Most of the time, you are focused with the techniques, drills, and the proper execution to the point that you are already forgetting that the equipments like gloves also matter a lot.

You need gloves because they will be the one that will protect your hands from having damages and blisters. But don’t you know that gloves’ role is more than that? You should be aware that gloves greatly affect the way you hit that is why you must also take time in knowing how to choose the right gloves for you. They will affect your grip and the way you hold the bat. If they don’t suit you then it will be hard for you to concentrate and get a perfect hit. Aside from protecting your hands, you must know that gloves’ role is also to provide you a nice grip of the bat. Once you will have this nice grip then the easier for you to hit the ball. Being good in softball hitting also involves being good in knowing how to choose the right gloves.

You must not only focus on the drills and the techniques. You should also give some importance to the equipments that you are using because they too play a very significant role in softball. The game will certainly not be complete without them.

Softball Infield Drills - Mini D!

2011-03-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Create a small field with bases about 20 to 30 feet apart as away to explain strategy and certain game situations. It is important to practice softball plays when coaching softball.

Procedure: Drill will be needing bases, balls and gloves. Have nine players take the field with everyone else watching. Rotate each player into the field after five plays. Use base runners at a later time . The instructor (will throw the ball where she wants it to go) can mimic bunt coverage, duties for backing up, cutoffs, double plays, on-deck batter responsibilities, rundowns, pop-ups, offensive signals, first-and-third offense and defense, pickoffs, and pitchouts. This activity is best served just before the start of a season. The main reason for the short field is so everyone can easily hear the instructor talking.

Softball Hitting – A Skill that You Must Focus On

2011-03-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

As time passes by, thousands and thousands of people are becoming enthusiastic in softball. Softball craze began from the very first time that it was introduced to people and from then on, the addiction of people for softball does not seem to stop.

Softball is already significant to everyone because it has the power to bring people closer together. Many of us grow with softball because it has been the sport that has been played by parents with their children especially during picnics. This is also the game for those who would like to enjoy and forget their stress from work. It seems to energize people though it is a tiring game because of the fun and enjoyment that it gives.

This is the reason why there are still so many people who are still working hard just to be good in softball. And these people knew that there are ways for them to become good in softball and one of those ways is to try hard to master all of the skills in it. If you are one of those who like to become a great softball player then you must be expert in all the skills especially in softball hitting which is said to be the hardest.

Most experts, professional coaches, and professional players usually have one advice for neophytes, and that is to focus on enhancing the abilities in softball hitting. Why? It is because being good in hitting is considered as an asset to any softball team. If you notice, it always seems like the hitter is the one who holds the greatest responsibility in any team. A team will not be able to achieve home run and score if it does not have an effective and powerful hitter. Among all the positions in softball, being a hitter is the most difficult yet it is also the most fulfilling.

All the players in the entire team will experience to become a hitter that is why there is really a great need for you to focus and master the skill of hitting. If you will become good in softball hitting, it will be for sure that reaching the top will be easier for you since excellent hitters are considered as precious gems in the field of softball.

If you will become good in hitting then learning the other skills in softball will be a lot easier for you because they are far simpler than hitting. To become good in hitting, it is very important that you know all the up to date techniques and strategies about it. Aside from that, you must also know how to execute them by having great drills that would help you develop. Getting a good trainer for hitting can also be of help since he will be sharing you ideas and techniques which will also be useful to you. However, you must be patient in learning all of these because you will not be able to do all of them overnight. Everything will take time but the moment you are already good at it then for sure you can already use it to your advantage.

Softball Hitting Drills - One-Pitch Boom Bat

2011-03-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Purpose: A fun game to reward players and involve coaches and parents. A good softball hitting technique to remember is to focus on proper form.

Procedure: Cones, a large plastic bat, a wiffle ball or other large, plastic, easy-to-hit ball gloves. Divide the players into two teams.
Create a large makeshift baseball diamond marked with cones. The coach can pitch the ball overhand or underhand. The batter must swing at every pitch. If the ball goes outside the diamond, the team gets one run. If the ball is caught, goes foul, is misplayed, or does not reach the outside of the diamond, the batter is out. Therefore, every player can produce only a run or an out. The fielders are not allowed to field a ball beyond the boundaries of the diamond. Because the batters must swing at every pitch, each team gets five outs.

This is an easy skill game that players, coaches, and parents will enjoy. Encourage players to swing for the fences, but point out that sometimes the ball travels farther if the hitter does not swing too hard. Coaches should point out that teamwork and peer encouragement are important in this game, usually this encouragement transfers to baseball games. One of the best things about this game, much like home-run derby, is that players with weaker skills can be just as successful as the stronger players. When a weaker player hits a home run, make a big deal out of it to boost her confidence.
A variation especially appropriate for younger players is to use a beach ball and a tee. Players can also run the bases. Shorten the field and play the game like a home-run derby.

Basic Softball Drills - Outfield Fly Drill

2011-03-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

Purpose: To develop the skills necessary to catch fly balls. Building a good outfield base is one softball fielding tip a softball player should develop.

Procedure: You will need two buckets of softballs, fungo bat, and gloves. Position two infielders, one on either side of second base, a few feet into the outfield grass where they would normally catch a cutoff throw. Set up a line of players in right field and a line of players in left field. One coach stands between home plate and first base. The other coach stands between home plate and third base. Each has a bucket of balls.A parent or coach should monitor both lines in the outfield. A coach, with a fungo bat, hits a fly bat to the first player in the right field line. The player throw's the ball into the cutoff man at second base, runs along the outer part of the outfield, and returns to the end of the other outfield line. The other coach bats a fly to the first person in the left field line, who throws the ball into the cutoff man at shortstop. The fielder runs along the outer part of the outfield and returns to the end of the other outfield line. The more the coaches or parents are involved with this drill the safer it is for the players. If the ball is angled, fielders should run sideways with their lead shoulder pointing in the direction of the ball. If coaches accidentally ground a bail, the piayers should play it. Outfielders should charge a slow-moving ground ball.

Softball Drills Ideas and the Man behind the Softball Team

2011-02-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

In a sport called softball, we can never underestimate the vital role of a softball coach. Just try to portray in your mind how would be a softball team without a coach. Do you think it can win a softball competition? It will not even close to winning. Miracle when it does. But miracles do no longer exist in this modern age. Since there are so-called softball drills that prepare a team for every game competition, a team needs a softball coach more than ever. As you can understand, an entire softball team’s victory largely depends on a softball coach.

If you are a coach, then you must already know that you are holding the key in order for your team to bring home the glory of success. Since you share the largest responsibility, you are expected to be knowledgeable enough to this particular sport. This means that you have to be equipped with various strategies and techniques to be employed during softball drills. Though, teaching your players the basics of softball is important, that would not be enough for sure. As a coach, you must possess the ability to properly guide them with demonstrations.

We can not eradicate the reality that most softball teams learn and study the other teams. They carefully pay attention to each team’s techniques and strategies including their weaknesses and strengths. As a coach, you must already be aware of this fact since you can also learn other teams. But how you can stand apart from the rest? You can do this by employing new methods and techniques when performing softball drills. This ensures that your opponent can’t simply read your next move as your team is executing a new technique or strategy. This means that your team is advantageous over the other. Above all, you are on the lead!

Since you will be handling more than one player as a coach, your role is quite difficult. But then it is with good reason that you must know well your players. You must be fully aware of their abilities, their strengths, their weaknesses and also their needs. Knowledge of them will help you spare words of criticisms and praises the appropriate way. That’s why softball drills are important so that you can monitor their progress and performance. In giving feedbacks, you learn the art of constructive approach so that you can encourage them to improve themselves.

Familiarizing your players’ skills and capabilities, strengths and weaknesses will help you decide what sorts of softball drills you are going to employ in every practice session. It would be more benefitting if you can prepare drills that can unleash their potentials. But of course, these softball drills must be interesting so that your players won’t get bored. You must also see to it that the drills are relevant and timely in preparation for any upcoming competition. For more help, you can search in the internet and search some videos pertaining to softball. Some softball videos are downloadable for free. These videos will be of great help for sure.

Proven to Be Effective Softball Hitting Drills

2011-02-15T18:54:00.001-08:00

So you always want to outscore your opponent in every softball competition to bring home the trophy. In order for you to attain this, then you need to master the softball hitting skill. This will definitely requires you a significant amount of your time through softball hitting drills. Good drills for softball hitting should help you hit the ball explosively and more accurately. It should also help you build up quicker reflexes and increase the level of your concentration.

So in view of those requirements, let me share you these proven to be effective softball hitting drills. You might want to incorporate them during your practice. These drills concentrate on one aspect to another in improving your hitting performance as well as your gaming performance as a whole. If you are interested, then keep on reading to learn more.

Tee Drill

This is considered one of the basic softball hitting drills that should be incorporated by coaches of softball. This is a drill where one can learn the proper hitting mechanics while giving the participants to hit the ball in different areas on the plate. Tee drill is carried out by partner: a hitter and a feeder. The job of the feeder is to place a ball on the tee while adjusting its height from time to time for the hitter to be trained from hitting low and high as well as inside, middle and outside pitches. Meanwhile, he also moves the tee to different areas on the plate.

Finger Flash

If most softball hitting drills concentrate on proper mechanics, improving the player’s batting strength and speed, finger flash drill helps the player on how to read and find the pitcher’s release point. This drill increases the level of concentration of the player as he/she adjusts from the time the ball is released from the hand of the pitcher and hits it. This drill is performed by a hitter and a pitcher. The pitcher would flash 1, 2, or 3 fingers instead of tossing the ball.

Two-Pitch Game

This softball hitting drill can help your team to be prepared for particular game situations. It performs its name, the two-pitch game wherein a batter is only offered two ways to hit the ball. The batter can move on to the 1st base once he/she hits the first pitch. If he/she missed the hit, he/she will be given another chance. But once he/she fails to hit the ball for the second time, he/she is out.

Pivot Rotation

This softball hitting drill is to help train the player to perform the proper hitting mechanics. This actually focuses on proper pivoting of the player’s body parts involved when making a hit. To perform this drill, the player will place the bat behind his/her back and lock it with his/her arms. Then allow him/her to take his/her normal stance. Then after that, allow the player to pop his/her hips by rotating his/her trunk quickly while pivoting on her back foot. Once the player has done performing this, he/she must be in balance and remain on his/her feet.

Proven to Be Effective Softball Hitting Drills

2011-02-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

Why Softball Drills Are Necessary for a Softball Team

2011-02-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

In softball, engaging in rigid softball drills is essential. Why? This is because softball drills are employed to prepare each player to ready for the battle of softball competition. More importantly, softball drills are good venues to develop and improve each player’s softball skills. They are the best opportunities to create a player in becoming the finest player in the said sport. Drills are also the right time to correct each player’s mistake.

Typically, softball drills are done to improve each player in the aspect of fielding, hitting, and throwing. The coach of the team is required to give various tests that will help him determine what his players still lacks and which need more rooms for improvement. To make softball drills even more meaningful, each softball player is encouraged to participate and devote a great deal of their time when necessary.

A good coach tries his best to help his players in reaching their potential during softball drills. This is in fact the best approach for a player to really learn. Besides, softball drills are a must in preparing the team for major competitions. Therefore, it is expected for each member of the team to take part and contribute for the success of the drills.

Since the coach is the one who will monitor the progress of each player, he must therefore be present always each time there is a softball drill. And each time softball drills are done, meeting all the participants is needed. This is to address what each player’s needs and some certain issues. Using a whiteboard or a chalkboard, the coach will discuss the mistakes committed by each player during their play for improvement. This is also the right time for a coach to motivate his players in achieving their goals.

Among the helpful tools in employing softball drills are through the aid of some presentations and videos. By watching selected softball videos the players can learn different useful techniques which can be of great help to improve their performance. The video must also contain some scenes that teach each player the proper movements. It would also be nice if it shows some of the common mistakes that need to be avoided. The coach must immediately provide guidance and corrections when necessary.

All the above information mentioned indicates the importance of softball drills in playing softball. If you are a softball player who aims of becoming the best softball player in your team, softball drills are your keys. You have to strive hard in achieving that goal. Don’t allow any distraction that can slacken you off in attaining your dream.

After all, softball drills bring many benefits to your health. Aside from learning vital skills, you can develop physical strength and mental ability that are useful in everyday life. It is also in softball drills that an individual learns the importance of self-discipline. And above all, softball drills are your assurance to turn your sweats into success. So, leave no choice but to participate in each softball drill.

Coping Up With Softball Hitting and Knowing How You Could Be Excellent in This

2011-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Softball is a source of happiness and fulfillment for most people. This sport seems to be the reason why they keep on going. This is also a sport that seems to challenge everyone. If you notice, many people are still aiming to reach the top and they are really doing everything to do that. It is believed that it would be a great thing once you will be known as a great and excellent player in the field of softball.

Softball is also a good pastime and a good way to relieve the stress and forget about the problems in the real world. If you want to be good at this, it is important that you will keep yourself updated with the latest techniques and strategies that you could use to be on top of such a difficult sport. There are definitely a lot of ways on how you could possibly be the best softball player. And you can start doing that by having softball hitting drills and activities. If you must know, hitting is considered as the most important skill that one must learn in softball. If basketball has shooting as its most significant skill then softball would have hitting. Why? It is because aside from the fact that this is the most difficult, this is also the greatest way for a softball team to score. With all of the drills and activities that are available right now to be good in hitting, there is a need for you to keep your eyes and mind open for possibilities and options.

To be good and to cope up with softball hitting, it will be better if you will have a softball trainer that could train you. He will be the one that could help you during your training and he will also be the one to guide you with everything. He will hone you and develop you and he will also share his knowledge with you. Aside from that, he will also be the one that you can consult about your performance. He can tell you if you are already doing well in gripping and sliding. He will also teach you the stance and stride that could help you a lot to be excellent in hitting.

After seeking the aid of a coach and after doing all the things that he asked you to do, you must not stop there. It will be nicer if you will also try to do things on your own. Keep on finding and researching about different softball hitting drills and strategies that could still help you in reaching the top. If you really want to be popular and excellent in here then you must never be contented with the things that you know and you must keep on doing your best.

Then try to put your heart in everything that you do. If you want to be good in softball hitting then you must be passionate about it. Everything will be easier if you will enjoy the things that you are doing. Have fun and enjoy every second of learning. That is the best way to cope with all of these.

Softball Drills – Don’t Let Yourself to be Left Behind

2011-01-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

Softball is one of the games that have been introduced long ago but there are some changes that have been made that is why somehow it is now modernized. However, despite everything, a lot of people still enjoy playing softball because it offers a lot of things.

As of now, the list of aspirant softball players still continues to increase. But then again, there are some who are not able to make it because they are not aware that they must do certain things.
If you are an aspirant then you must know that you must not only be equipped with the basic knowledge and skills about softball. Those will not really make you an excellent player though they could still help you in some ways. Because softball is now made to be modernized, you must be aware that the techniques and strategies that are used here are now up to date. So, how are you going to cope with those changes so that you will not be left behind?

There are some things that you can do for that. You must not rely to those obsolete techniques and softball drills because everyone is now after modern drills and techniques that are truly proven to help for you to become a more effective player.
The first thing that you can do is to listen to your coach. Your coach definitely knows a lot of new strategies which are also used by professional teams. Aside from your coach, it would be better if you will also hear the opinions and advices of the experts about these things. Better yet, hire your personal trainer that will not only share ideas with you but would also teach you how to execute the new softball drills and techniques properly. Having a trainer can really be of big help to you.

Aside from that, you can also do things on your own. Try to research regarding softball drills and latest techniques on the internet. For sure you will find a lot of articles that are written on different websites. Try to read and understand them and the moment that you already understood them then that will be the time for you to execute them. There is really no harm in trying all these things but then again you must also remember that you have to be careful when you are doing drills which you are not that familiar with. You cannot afford to have some injuries because those will delay your trainings.

After doing what your coach, your personal trainer, and after following what those articles are telling, then it will be for sure that after some time, you will already be familiar with the modern softball. You will see that those things that you did have made you an excellent and more powerful player. Never hesitate to try new things and never allow yourself to be left behind. With all of these things that you can do, being left behind is probably the last thing that can happen to you.

Softball Drills – Ways for a Coach to Motivate His Team

2011-01-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

Do you think being a coach of a softball team is an easy task? Well, maybe from a distance it may look like it is an easy job because most of the time, what most coaches are doing is to lecture and tell a lot of things to his team. However, though it looks like a simple job, you must know that being a coach of a softball team is a complicated job.

Coaches really play a significant role in softball and without them maybe softball teams will not survive since there will no one that will guide and teach them on the things that they suppose to do. Softball is a sport that is made up of difficult skills and each of these skills is not that easy to teach that is why most of the softball coaches are really having a hard time. Aside from that, they will not only train a single person, they will train an entire team that has a lot of differences when it comes to abilities and characters. Those things alone are enough proofs that being a softball coach is no joke.

The pressure will most likely be on the coach especially if the championship or an actual game is near. The problem and the pressure will be doubled if the team members are not that motivated enough. Not being motivated can be a reason for a team to lose and coaches must not allow this to happen. This is the reason why coaches need to discover new softball drills and techniques that have the power to motivate each of the team players. And again, finding these things is not also an easy thing.

If you are a coach then you must know that there are a lot of things and sources that could help you with your problem when it comes to motivating your players. There are certain things that you can do to catch their attention and make them more motivated.

Try surfing the net because there are certainly tons of websites that have articles which could give you an idea regarding the things that you are supposed to do. Try researching for up to date softball drills which are more challenging. Remember, everyone loves challenges and letting your team execute a drill that is full with challenges would surely motivate them.

Aside from the updated softball drills, you must also discover modern techniques that will make your team players more curious. Maybe the reason why they are not motivated is because the techniques and strategies that you have been using are already obsolete. It is now time for you to change those and shift with the modern techniques that are now used by professional softball teams.

Lastly, for you team players to be motivated, you must not just talk and talk and give lectures to them. You must also “show” them what you are talking about. You must also execute the things that you are teaching them. If you will do this, your team players will not be just motivated; they will also know how to execute things properly.

Free Softball Drills - Resistance Drill

2011-01-02T23:36:00.000-08:00

Purpose: To build strength in arms, wrists, and forearms. Developing strength is important to improve softball hitting.

Procedure: You'll need a partner and one bat. Take your stance. Your partner will stand to the side with his hands on the end of the bat. As you swing, your partner will resist by pushing against the bat.

The partner can also help the hitter to take a straight route to the ball. Don't let the batter loop his swing.

Softball Hitting Drills - Pivot Board Drill

2010-11-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Purpose: To develop complete back side pivoting action. A good strong pivot will lead to powerful softball hitting.

Procedure: A pivot board is needed for this drill. A pivot board consists of a thick piece of plywood (approximately 3 feet wide and 5 feet long) fastened to a border or frame of two-by-four. At one end of the plywood a hole is cut out and the cut out piece is then fastened to a "lazy susan" device. The lazy susan is a bracket (sold at most hardware stores) which permits a complete 360 degree turn. The circle should turn freely. These pivot boards are available at several sporting goods stores or through some mail-order companies. You can build your own pivot board at a much cheaper cost, and with limited skills and effort.

Start with your back foot on the circle part of the pivot board. The ball of your foot will be placed directly on the centre of the rotating part of the board. Take your stride and then hit the ball off the tee or the toss from your partner. Your back foot should turn freely to enable a complete back side pivot.

Softball Practice Drills -Wall Drill

2010-09-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop comfort when being hit by a ball pitched into the dirt. Practice catching scenarios should be done when coaching softball.

Procedure: As catcher, you are located at home plate with full gear on. The coach will stand about six feet away with several soft balls. Start on your knees in the blocking position with your glove and hand placed accordingly. The coach will throw five to eight balls consecutively. The throws will bounce in the dirt directly in front of you so that they bounce and hit you. Relax, and become familiar with being struck by a ball hit into the dirt- Breathe out as you are hit by the ball.

You may use softer balls take the fear factor out of skill development. Emphasize that the catchers are acting as walls, and that nothing should get through them. Watch for and eliminate any body tension in players. coach or another catcher. Additional padding may be used to protect the exposed part of the bare arm, especially if the catchers are feeling bare up at the time.

Basic Softball Drills - Break The Tape

2010-09-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Time and evaluate the speed of each person. Increasing speed should be a goal in coaching softball.

Procedure: The team will need stationary bases and speed. For running home to first take an actual swing. when touching first base, lean forward as if , breaking the tape in a sprinting competition. Don't lunge for the bag. Sprint in a normal fashion. When running first to third or home to home, start from the base or the actual lead. Make a cut out towards right field just before rounding second base. Try leaning to the left when rounding the bag. Be sure to touch every base during the activity. Add three seconds if you miss a base. No sliding. Add in the 60s yard dash for high school and up. Write the times down for each kid, and see if they improve over time.

Fun Softball Drills - Ultimate Throw & Catch

2010-09-19T22:15:00.001-07:00

Purpose: This competitive game teaches throwing accuracy, team work and quickness. Adding games to drills make practice more fun when coaching softball

Procedure: softball, gloves, and colored vests. Make two distinct teams. Designate playing boundaries similar to a game of "Ultimate Frisbee." While playing outside on a diamond, name the outfield foul lines as the "touchdown areas." Kids can play anywhere but only on the outfield grass, for example. The goal is to complete a series of throws to teammates, and then reach the other foul line.

Put at least three opposing teams. You cannot throw underhand. Defenders must be feet away and cannot touch anyone. The receivers can only take 2 or 3 steps after a successful catch. Upon receiving the ball, throwers must make a toss or else a turnover is called. Make short tosses. A dropped or missed throw, the ball goes to the other team, One team starts with the ball. Attempt to make accurate throws. Point is awarded for every successful throw caught beyond the foul line. After a "touchdown," the "losing" team should walk to the other end line. The next game should begin with a "throw-off" to the other team. Play to 10 points.

Softball Hitting Drills - Hitter's Challenge

2010-09-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Hitters are challenged to see the ball and hit it hard. How hard they hit the ball, and where, dictates the points they receive. After learning the basics, softball hitting techniques should be developed.

Procedure: This drill will be needing bats, balls, helmets and gloves. This game can be played either inside or outdoors while using a pitching machine or live arm. The hitter should aim to hit ground balls and/or line drives. Only fair balls count. Issue 7 to 10 swings each.

Hitter Scoring Includes:
10 points: Line drive up the middle. 5 points: Line drive anywhere else. 3 points: Hard hit ground ball. 2 points: Slowly hit ground ball, 1 point: Pop-up/fly ball. Another variation of this game, arrange a fielder at each position (no catcher) and rotate people after each hitter. Both hitters and fielders can now earn points on virtually every swing. Establish priority on subsequent grounders and fly balls. Try to maintain equal at-bats and fielding attempts it the different positions for each of the players. Include both of the scoring systems.

Fielder Scoring Includes:
10 points: Difficult catch of a line drive. 3 points: Difficult catch of a ground ball. 2 points: Routine catch of a ground ball. 1 point: Routine catch of a pop-Up/fly ball.

Softball Practice Drills - Catcher's Bunt Drill

2010-09-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To practice the catcher to field bunts. It's important to put several softball fielding tipin catching drills to improve catcher's performance.

Procedure: As catcher, you're positioned at home plate in full equipment. A coach or another catcher will stand behind you with softballs. Start in your receiving position as if there was a runner on base. The coach or other catcher will toss out a "bunt" to various spots on the infield. You will spring forward and set your feet to field the bunt properly and make the throw. After that or four bunts, switch with your partner. Bunts should be tossed in various directions to work on different approaches.

Concentrate on the footwork involved with fielding bunts correctly. Catchers should be working on developing quick feet. Make sure they keep their masks on while making the throw.

Softball Hitting drills -Overhead Drop Drill

2010-09-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To improve bat speed. Check this for softball hitting tips to watch for.
Procedure: Place a chair or short ladder in the batter's box opposite the hitter. Your partner will stand on the chair and instruct you to Stride. Upon complying your stride, yom partner will drop the ball into the hitting zone from above. You must explode your hips to generate the bar speed necessary to make contact.

Due to the difficulty of this drill, I wouldn't recommend it for beginners they may become quickly discouraged.

Softball Infield Drills- Infield Square Drills

2010-09-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To put a lot of ground ball repetitions in a short period of time. To promote good fielding mechanics. Repetition in training is a good softball fielding tip

Procedure: You will need four people to hit ground balls and four people to catch. Also, each hitter will need a good supply of balls. All infielders and outfielders should be positioned at the four infield spots. Catchers can also go to an infield position unless needed to catch or hit.

At the younger levels, try to get other coaches or parents to hit and catch in order to ittpre of your players available to field ground balls. At the older levels, It is important to observe the mechanics and reinforce good habits. You may want to have a reward system for consistent good plays and/or accurate throws, this may help improve focus and concentration throughout the drill.

Softball Throwing Drills-Crowhop Drill

2010-08-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To teach the proper footwork of a crowhop step which is essential for developing momentum and power behind a throw. Using the crow hop to increase strength in ones throw is a good softball fielding tip to follow

Procedure: You will be needing softballs and a glove. Start with your toes and body facing the target. Place your cap on the ground about a foot in front. Right-handed throwers will push off on their left foot and land over the hat on their right foot. Left-handers will push off with their right foot and land on their left. When you land, your foot should be squared and your body turned to the directional side as you continue the throwing process. Once again, righties push off their left foot to hop over the hat and land on the right foot, squared, and throw the ball. Vice versa for lefties.

If you have never tried this before, then practice yourself so that you can demonstrate. The first time you introduce this drill you should have players practice without a ball. Once players understand the footwork involved, have them throw the ball. It is very important that players don't take a skip step. In other words, they do not push off and land on the same foot. It is a hop, from one foot to the other. As they become familiar with the drill, switch the focus to explosive power to generate more distance on each throw.

Free Softball Drills - Opposite Angle Drill

2010-08-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop the hitter's bunting technique. Softball hitting must include bunting to have an over-all game.

Procedure: The team will need softballs, a bat, and two helmets. A marker should be placed near each base line approximately ten feet apart. The batter assumes a good hitting stance. A feeder then stands approximately fifteen feet away from the batter to overhand toss the ball to the hitter. The hitter should pivot on her back leg as the feeder raises her arm to throw the ball. As the batter pivots, she should square her body to the feeder and slide her top hand down the bat to the midpoint of the barrel. The hitter should flex her knees and get into position to bunt the ball. To bunt the ball down the third-base line, the right-handed hitter should pull his left hand to her navel. To bunt the ball down the first base line, the right-handed hitter should push her left hand away from her navel.

The batter should catch the ball with her bat,rather than punch at the ball. The batter should never bunt the ball to the feeder. The batter should practice bunting with only her top hand on the bat, so that she can learn how to catch the ball with the barrel of her bat. The batter should never drop the head of the bat below her hands when bunting. rather, she should bend her knees to bunt a low pitch.

Softball Infield Drills - Front end-Backhand Drill

2010-08-27T04:38:00.000-07:00

Purpose; To teach the middle infielder how to underhand feed the ball to the back end receiver on the double play. Practicing game situation is good softball fielding tip to follow.

Procedure: This drill will need a crate of softballs and a base. Position the players in the infield around second base. The feeder should kneel on the ground or sit on a crate in the infield grass. The infielder who will be the frontend of the double play should assume the ready position and await the toss of the ball. The feeder rolls the ball between the base and the front end infielder. The infielder should sprint toward the ball and field the ball on the move. The fielder should clearly present the ball to the backend receiver by immediately pulling his glove away from the ball as he begins to make the feed. He should then use an underhand motion to toss the ball to the backend receiver at second base.

The front end fielder should actually put his glove behind his back as he makes the underhand feed. The frontend fielder should grasp the ball in a manner so that the ball is held firmly. The front end fielder should keep a "stiff wrist" when performing the urderhand feed. The right-handed fielder should use his left foot to step toward the backend receiver, following through with his right foot.

The Right Attitude towards Softball Hitting

2010-08-26T01:54:00.001-07:00

When the scheduled softball competition is approaching, there is no doubt that every softball team undergoes rigid practices and drills. And when this competition is towards championship, it is understood when efforts are doubled. Why there is such a need of rigid practices and drills?

Well, there is this element that needs to be eliminated before the competition and that is nervousness. Although, it may not be totally eliminated, the players can gain confidence if they took thorough preparation. And the weight of this preparation is largely focused on softball hitting. Why? This is because a hitter is usually the center of attraction. And this has something to do with tension. If the team’s hitter is unprepared, tension will easily rise in him. And this can bring a real problem. If you have been into different competitions, you know what I mean.

Although being tensed is normal, this feeling should not hinder the team’s goal, which is to win. Besides, your team has surely undergone various sacrifices just to reach that common pursuit. Therefore, in softball hitting, being nervous is not an excuse. Moreover, in every sports competition, losing is not an option. Thus, preparation must be made to minimize this mood.

If you are one of the hitters in your team, you know how important your role is. That’s why whenever there are practices and drills, you must not be absent by choice. You must have to keep on improving your softball hitting skill until you master it. So that when time comes that you will be the next to step in the box, you can leave that tension and feel relax.

Well, what should be the right attitude of a player when he is about to hit the ball? First and foremost, never forget the importance of focus. This is always enhanced whenever there are drills on softball hitting. Then you need to gather your courage to stand up in the middle of the crowd with confidence. And then you have to think how you can smash that ball. This is a great way for you to avoid being affected by tension. Then of course, you can not ignore the importance of being positive. Optimism helps the team to become determined. So endeavor not to get drowned by nervousness. Remember, you hold one of the biggest responsibilities.

But of course, you can not simply have that positive attitude when the team is not well-prepared. As a softball hitter, you must not waste time especially when your team is facing championship. When there are ways you can improve your softball hitting skill, do so without holding back. You share a great part in bringing home the glory.

There are many methods and techniques on how you can improve your softball hitting skill. The internet can provide you just what you need. Sports books and magazines regarding softball are also helpful tools in honing your softball hitting skill. Give them a chance to equip you. Remember that optimistic spirit, your team can make it and have that shout of victory!

Proper Nutrition is Significant during Softball Drills

2010-08-26T01:53:00.001-07:00

Every softball player knows that before they would go and compete on the actual competitions, there is a great need for them to condition themselves first, do trainings and softball drills. A softball player must do a lot of preparations and this just not involves physical preparations but mental preparations as well. But what many players don’t know is that in order to be completely prepared, there is a need for them to have a proper nutrition. Proper nutrition is important because without it, you won’t be able to perform well in the game. For sure a player will have some difficulty and can’t give his best when he is playing.

As we all know, softball is not just an ordinary sport because you don’t only need your physical strength here, you will also need to have a sharp mind. Just like a car which needs fuel in order to go on for hours, your body also needs something that will serve as its fuel so that you can still play for hours. There is a need for you to eat meals regularly, and remember, it is not just ordinary meals. You have to make sure that the foods that you are eating are all nutritious because these will keep you going and will give you energy all throughout the softball drills and actual games.

A car will not run if it does not have fuel. Your body will not function well if you are not eating. Try to skip meal once and you will see what I mean. But then again, skipping meals will not do you any good especially if you are getting ready for a big game. This will just worsen your situation and this will affect your body. As a result, you will not play and perform well since you don’t have energy to move and do all the necessary things that you need to do. Despite the busy schedule, you must not forget to prepare and eat nutritious meals. It must be a balance meal though. You must eat fruits, vegetables, meat, and some other energy giving foods.

Aside from making sure that you are eating regularly, there is also a need for you to monitor the foods that you are eating. You can’t just eat and eat, as I have said, it must be a balance meal. You have to see to it that you have the right eating habits. If you have the right eating habits then it is for sure that you will stay physically and mentally active. In contrast to that, if you don’t have the right eating habits then it is for sure that you will feel tired and exhausted all day. What is worse is that you will also be prone to sickness because your immune system does not work well.

So you have to eat right always. This will make you healthy and strong and you will need all of these to surpass the difficult softball drills that you are doing right now.

Softball Drills – Make Sure That You Will Do These Things!

2010-08-26T01:51:00.001-07:00

There are certain things that you need to do when you are undergoing softball drills and trainings. You must know that softball is not just a simple sport. You need to be prepared and be ready for it if you want to succeed. Drills and trainings are not that easy since you will not only master a single skill. So in order to do good during the drills up to the actual games, you must accomplish and do some things.

While you are undergoing trainings, there is this great need for you to make your body as your first priority. Don’t just take it for granted and don’t just ignore its needs. Your body has its limitations. It feels pain and exhaustion. Listen to it from time to time and you must not abuse it. Your body and your health is your best weapon during the trainings and the games so you must treat it perfectly. Because once your body gives up, no matter how good you are in softball or no matter how good your strategies are, they will be useless because your number one weapon is not doing well. To make sure that your body will be healthy and strong, you must eat healthy foods. Fruits and vegetables must be first on your list. Aside from that, you must also exercise everyday. Daily exercise will make your body stronger and fit. If you will do these things everyday you will surely feel that you are more energetic. It is also important to take some rest once in a while.

Aside from taking care of your body, you must also enjoy what you are doing, enjoy the softball drills. Yes, you need to take this seriously but you must not also forget to enjoy. After all, the primary reason why you tried this sport is because you want to enjoy. Don’t think of this as a burden because if you will do that, everything will be more difficult for you. Enjoy each moment and treasure all the things that you are learning.

Apart from those important things, you also need to take a look on some other important things and that includes that equipments that you are going to use during the time of your training and when you are already on the actual game. You need to select and buy equipments that are of high quality. Excellent bats, gloves, and shoes are important because if they don’t have excellent qualities then this will surely affect your performance. Excellent equipment may be a little expensive but they are worth buying.

You also need to have a regular checkup on your eyes. Your eyes will play a very significant role especially if you are a hitter. Clear vision is necessary when you are doing softball drills and when you are already on the competition.
Aside from your eyes, your arms are also important when you are playing softball. You will use your arms for throwing, hitting, and catching the ball. So you need to see to it that they remain to be strong and powerful.

Softball Hitting – Focus and the Proper Handling and Picking of the Softball Bat

2010-08-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

Softball hitting is one of the most imperative components of softball game. In fact, this is the skill that softball players want to refine and master. However, if you are a diehard fan of softball and want to become a softball player, then it would be great if you were going to put your attention in refining your hitting skill.

Softball game is the descendant of the baseball game and they are differ in some ways, for instance; size of the field, speed, and equipment. The softball is larger than the baseball and it requires more speed to make a good play. In fact, softball hitting is one of the common differences of the two, most particularly with regards to speed.

In filtering your softball hitting skill, there are certain things that you need to put into consideration. First and foremost, it is significant to condition your mind and body before undergoing such trainings. Then, you should possess the behaviors that would help you out in filtering the skill easily and effectively. Of course, self-discipline and determination is the best key to start and to end the training successfully. Keep in mind that the softball hitting skill needs great endurance, firmed concentration, and effective application.

The first thing that you need to consider and put into practice is the proper picking of a softball bat. You might know already that the softball bat is the chief key for you to hit the softball; thus, it is important to get and to use the best softball bat. There are actually a lot of players who are getting used to big and heavy bats, for they believe that they can be able to strike the ball easily; well, it is somehow true; yet, it cannot throw away the ball in a far away land. Of course, your main goal is to make the score runs. As a result, you need to get a bat that has the proper size and weight, which is, of course, suitable to your dimension. The standard length of a softball bat is from 24 to 31 inches.

You should also learn the proper handling of the softball bat. Your hands have an important role with regards to bat handling; thus, you need to settle them properly. Actually, your fingers have the power to create a great softball hitting, for the force that you will be releasing will pass on to your fingers and not on to your palms.

Having a full concentration is the key to success. Yes, if you do have a firmed kind of focus, then for sure, you are going to win the game. You really need to improve your focus, most particularly when it comes to getting the right timing to strike. You should give your full attention in the direction of the pitcher in order for you to obtain the perfect timing. Also, you will be able to make release of the enough force that is needed to make a great softball hitting.

Softball Practice Drills- First and Third Offensive Situation

2010-08-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop defensive strategies against a first and third steal situation. Practicing game situations is important in coaching softball.

Procedure: For this drill, prepare one softball, a bat and gloves. Set up infielders. Station base runners on first and third. The pitcher pitches the ball, and when the ball crosses the plate, the runner on first runs to second. Depending on how the defense is set up, what the score is, and what inning it is, the runner at third will either stay or run home.

The batter should take the pitch so that the runners can move up. The runner at first base must slide at second whether the catcher throws the ball or not. Sliding creates a bigger diversion for the fielders than going in standing up. The runner at third base should lead off the base toward home plate and constantly look at the catcher. If the catcher fakes a throw down, the base runner on third should stay on the base. Although the third-base runner doesn't advance, at least one base runner moves up and no one is thrown out. If the catcher throws the ball to second base, the base runner on third must watch the flight of the ball. Sometimes the catcher throws hard back to the pitcher to make it look like he is throwing it all the way to second base. In this case, the pitcher can throw to third and catch the base runner too far off the base.

Other times, the catcher may make it look like he's throwing to second base, but he will throw it to a drawn - in shortstop or second baseman. If the shortstop or second baseman catches the ball, the base runner must go back to third base. If the ball goes all the way to second base, then the base runner at third can take off and slide into home plate.

If the coach determines that the fielding team has excellent skills, the base runner on first can stop between first ard second. A rundown will ensue, which might allow enough time for the runner on third base to score.

Free Softball Drills - Dive-Ball Drill

2010-08-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop the confidence to leave the feet, or dive, when finding a hard-hit ball on the ground. One good softball tip is just to "choose now"

Procedure: Prepare a bucket of softballs, and have some gloves. Divide the team into two or three groups, depending on the number of available coaches. The coach calls out the first player, who stands 10 to 20 feet from the coach, facing him.The coach takes a ball from the bucket, then yells, "Left." The player moves toward the left, and the coach leads him with the ball so that the player must dive for it. If the player catches the ball, he rolls it back to the coach. Knocking down the ball or stopping it with his body is as good as a catch. The player should kick aside any balls in the active "diving" area. The coach then yells, "Right" The player moves to his right. The coach leads the player with the ball so that he must dive to catch or stop the ball. Each player gets three or four turns before the next player's turn.

The player's main objective is to stop the ball and keep it in front of her instead of worrying about making a spectacular catch. Players should start off in the ready position Teach players to keep their gloves open as they run to make a backhanded catch. Teach players to run toward the ball to make a catch rather than reaching outward diving for it. A dive should always be a player's last resort. As the players progress, add a player at first base, and instruct the fielders to throw to first after making a diving stop.

Begin this drill with the players kneeling, diving for the ball from their knees. This variation trains players how to dive even if they aren't in the ready position.

Great Advice to Improve the Softball Hitting Skill

2010-08-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

The day softball was launched; its popularity has started to reach many lands. In United States, this is one of the favorite sports by teenagers. However, regardless of the fun and thrill it brings, softball remains to be a serious game. This is especially when competition is involved. This requires serious training and drills. And one of the important skills to be developed by each player is softball hitting.

The term softball hitting sounds to be an easy skill to learn. It seems that you are just going to hit the ball by handling a bat. The truth is this skill requires so much time to master. Yes, there is more than in it than you can think. And there are also a lot of things to consider in perfecting this essential softball skill. That is why most players concentrate practicing this skill while some others even hire their own private trainer.

However, it is relieving to know that there are several ways and tips to learn softball hitting. And a softball coach is much aware of these techniques. Therefore, it is with sound reason to follow his instruction. When there are scheduled drills for softball hitting, you must be in attendance always. A player who missed a certain hitting practice can never say that he fully completed the training. And the hard thing about it is that he can hardly catch up with the others and to other important matters. This explains why participating in scheduled softball hitting drills is very important.

On the other hand, one of the most important attitudes to be considered when practicing softball hitting is focus. It will be hard to hit the ball when focus is lacking. Then focus is accompanied by precise timing. Focus and timing are both needed to create a great hit.

Since there are lots of available techniques for softball hitting out there, you have to be selective. Although some of these techniques can help you in improving your softball hitting performance in one way or the other, you don’t need them all at once. Choose only those that you can use in actual game. Then you have to concentrate on one technique after the other. After mastering one technique, then move to the next one.

For beginners, softball hitting should be taught by the coach with demonstrations. Although lectures are also important to understand the mechanics and purpose of the game, softball players are active individuals who find more excitement on demos. Besides, demonstrations teach more than lectures. Therefore, a softball coach must do everything in order to maintain the appetite of each player for hitting drills.

At any rate, there is no better alternative in mastering softball hitting skill than to keep on practicing. As an old saying that still applies and still relevant down to this day goes, “practice makes perfect.” With persistency, discipline, and determination, there is no way you can’t be a good hitter. Yes, if others can, why can’t you, isn’t it? You can do it!

Why Consider Team Building in Doing Softball Drills

2010-08-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Youth are very promising athlete. Since they are still young, they posses the desire and the energy needed in order to become an effective softball player. As a coach you are surely aware that teaching softball is not a simple task, much more if you will coach youth softball. The main reason why youth decide to play softball is for them to have fun and can occupy their leisure time. Not all youth you have recruited to join your team are serious in taking softball as their profession. Some of them like only to make as their hobby.
Though, youth have varied reasons why they play softball, it is your duty as their coach to teach them all the basics of softball which they need to know first before they jump to the different softball drills. You should make them understand every aspect which can help them in becoming a good softball player.
Softball drills are grouped into simple and hard drills and exercises. Thus, if have a team compose of youth, you have to make sure that your softball drills are just simple so that they can learn it easily. Also, make sure that you will demonstrate every drill you will teach them. It is a proven fact that learning by doing strategy is the most effective method in teaching anything especially to the beginners.
You should never teach your players with long speeches and lectures because this will only bore them to death. You can have some lectures but you should also demonstrate what you are teaching after explaining it to them. This way, they can easily pick the idea you are talking about. Another benefit you can get using live demonstration in your softball coaching is that you players can avoid doing mistakes which are commonly done by most softball players since they can see the proper way of executing a certain softball drill.
Another thing you need to bear in your mind is that make your softball drills and exercises fun and motivating. This can lessen the burden you are having for your players will surely enjoy your training. You should not take your training too seriously because this will make the training more difficult.
You can ensure that you team will develop good relationship with each other if you incorporate some team building strategies in your training. You can find different softball drills for team building in the internet. When you incorporate team building in your training, you should group your players into teams when they will execute your fun softball drills. By doing this, team work and cooperation will be developed into each of your player. You know how important team work in playing the game is. No matter how good is your softball hitter or pitcher, it will be come useless if the rest of the team will not do their part in order to win.
As the leader and the role of the team, it is your duty that your players have healthy relationship. This way, softball drills will become easier and you have more chances of making your players a real champion.

Softball Drills Make a Team Strong

2010-08-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

The game softball is now becoming the sports of the many sports enthusiast individuals, not only in the United States, but also in many parts of the world. Since this game was launched, it became so popular then up until now. In fact, some became obsessive to this sport. While others considered it as their favorite game. Whatever they think of it, softball is a good sport. However, since softball is a kind of sport played as a team, the article will focus on this matter.

All softball teams have only one aim and that is to win the game. That’s why each member of the team is required to attend softball drills not only to improve each performance but also to sharpen each player’s mind and build a strong body. These are needed because in softball, a strong team dominates the game. Another importance of softball drills is that it establishes teamwork. Players also learn here the value of discipline and friendship. In playing softball, you are bound to mingle individuals with different backgrounds, thus you can also learn from them.

It is important for every softball player to be strong. This is what a team badly needs in order to become a great and powerful team. And softball drills are among the best methods to achieve this. But learning some new skills is also important for every softball team keeps on improving as time passes by. Of course, you don’t want your team and you to be left behind. That’s why constant practices and drills are always necessary to improve one’s abilities.

Since a softball coach is the person who has authority and knowledge to make softball drills successful, it is just right for every player to follow his instruction. You maybe the best player of your team, but there are things that you still don’t know and need to learn. And listening to what your coach is saying is a wise response. As they say, you need the guidance of the experts.

Nearly all softball professionals and successful players agree that softball drills are the key to create a strong team. This explains why so many players give so much attention on developing their skills while turning themselves into a powerful softball machine through drills at the same time. Although a coach prepares the activity for softball drills, the success will still depend on the cooperation of every member of the team. If you are a responsible player, then you must do your part during softball drills. Your team will certainly have a good chance on winning once softballs drills are taken seriously by your team.

To fully equip yourself with some of the softball drills being taught, you can search for more details in the internet about certain drills and techniques. Definitely, with softball drills, every softball keeps on improving and getting to become stronger. Thus, its importance must not be taken for granted. It is only the best way to improve the team’s performance and attain each team’s goals which is to win.

Softball Drills: Sharpen the Strengths and Improve Weaknesses

2010-08-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

There is no denying that softball drills are very important in improving the skills of each softball players. Generally, skills that are enhanced in softball drills include running, pitching, batting, hitting, and catching. It is impossible for a team to win in a softball competition without prior practices or undergoing some form of drills. This only proves that softball drills are necessary.

When carried out properly, softball drills can unleash the hidden skills of every player. And these potential abilities can be improved with the drills. In addition, each player’s weaknesses are also being enhanced. Thus, attending scheduled softball drills is a must. When not neglected, there is a great chance for a team to bring home the trophy of success.

However, the success of every drill also depends on the attitude of every player and the sorts of drills to be employed. The softball coach must see to it that the drills are not monotonous so that the execution of softball drills is meaningful. On the other hand, players must in full support so that drills can be carried out smoothly; after all, it is the player’s relevant contribution.

In fact, softball drills do not only bring out and improve the potential skills of every softball player. Another great use of softball drills is that it builds up teamwork. As in any team sport, the importance of teamwork can never be taken for granted. When teamwork is strongly built, the team can not easily be defeated. And teamwork sprouts in softball drills.

Aside from that, softball drills are also a perfect way for every player to learn from each other. This is because no individual is perfectly alike so as in a softball team; thus, one’s strength and talent differ from one another. Therefore, by dealing with each other during softball drills, they can learn from each others’ abilities. This only reveals that participating in such drills are truly benefitting for every player. Again, attendance and participation is a must.

When each player has honed their skills and talents in playing softball, the victory of the team is seemingly within their grasp. Thus, the softball coach must be observant. He must know the strengths and weaknesses of his players. This will help him in choosing which technique is to be employed during softball drills to enhance a particular skill. Furthermore, he must not hold back himself in giving praise whenever it is needed. This is also essential for the players to build their confidence. However, in giving criticisms, he must learn how to deliver it constructively. This is a good way not to hurt their feelings or discourage the players, but instead, it helps to further improve their weaknesses.

All in all, softball drills unleash the potential skills of each player. It also improves these skills as a preparation for their upcoming games. More so, teamwork will be developed. And to make the drills to become even more exciting, the coach must make sure that they are varied.

Enhance Your Softball Hitting Skills Together with Your Coach

2010-08-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

If basketball has this shooting skill and baseball has this batting skill, in softball, it has this hitting skill that also requires to be developed. And like in any sports, softball needs a coach. The coach has a vital role in developing the softball hitting skills. He is the right person who can unleash the ability of each player in bringing out the best in them most especially when it comes to hitting. Without a coach, a softball team will be like a plane without a pilot.

Truly, a softball coach is very much needed for a team. But a good coach needs to be versatile. He must be knowledgeable in various aspects. In short, he must be able to play more than the role of a coach. From time to time, he must be able to act as a teacher, a trainer, a father and a friend. Yes, a good coach does not only teach or train his players, but also serve as a loving father who wishes his children to become successful. He should after the improvement of his players. And whenever his players have problems, he must be at their side to uplift them like a friend. Most importantly, he can teach softball hitting excellently. After all, it is his primary role.

If you want to become a successful hitter, for sure your coach feels the same way. This is because his ability to teach and train players is reflected or measured through outcomes. When a team produces great softball players, the credit belongs to a good coach. In addition, a team needs players who are good hitters in order to win every softball competition. If you desire to be a good softball player and want to master softball hitting skills, you must have to listen and be guided by your coach. He is well-aware and experienced enough to teach you.

If you have been playing softball, you may be aware that softball hitting is not that easy to learn. Knowing its basic would not be enough for you to become a good player. In fact, learning softball hitting requires a lot of strategies to perfect it. Since a coach has wide experience than you are, he can definitely teach and guide you the proper way. You certainly need him more than ever. And through your cooperation, you can become a man of your dream.

During softball drills, a coach examines and evaluates his players. This helps him to determine what are the weaknesses and strengths of each member of the team. And a good coach is willing to spend time helping each player. Perhaps, for those who need improvement, he can cook a particular food seasoned with ingredients that is purposely for these individuals. When softball hitting is where his team lacked skills, then he provides training for that aspect.

Well, if you are playing as a team, you know how much important is the role of a coach. The more you realize his importance, the more eager you will participate. And if you want to further enhance your softball hitting skills, then you need him the most.

Basic Softball Drills -Pop-Up Drill

2010-08-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To practice fielding pop-up balls around home plate. This is a helpful softball catching drill.

Procedure: As a coach, you will need a tennis racquet and a few tennis balls. Each catcher will be in full gear. Get them in a crouch position at home plate. The coach will hit a tennis ball straight up in the air. He will decide when to yell "Go" to signal to the catcher that the ball is up. You will attempt to locate the ball, discard your mask, and then field the pop-Up at or above eye level. Because the tennis ball is bouncy, the catcher is forced to use two hands to safely make the catch. The tennis racquet makes it easy to place the ball where you wish.

With older, more experienced players, add a second ball to the drill. Once the ball reaches its height, catapult another ball and have the catcher attempt to catch both of them. This makes the drill more difficult and challenging.

Softball Hitting Drills - Vision Drill 2

2010-08-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To improve pitch recognition abilities. Visualization and tracking is a big part of softball hitting.

Procedure: Number six to nine softballs with a marker. This drill can be conducted in soft toss or live batting practice environments. The hitter will use solid hitting mechanics to make contact with each feed. After making contact, the hitter will call out the number she saw on the softball, (Number the ball several times to increase visibility.)

Since the rotation will not be as tight on soft-toss feeds, coaches are encouraged to use soft toss when first introducing this drill. As players become more adept at seeing the rotation, progress to a batting practice situation. If the batting-practice pitcher throws with a tight rotation on her ball, players may not be able to identify the numbers. Even so, since they'll be concentrating on the pitch in an effort to determine the number, the objective of the drill-pitch recognition will be met.

Softball Pitching Drills - Umpire

2010-07-31T00:32:00.001-07:00

Purpose: Pitchers need to learn the strike zone while facing a batter and get accustomed to game atmosphere. Always have variety when coaching softball pitching.

Procedure: This drill will need catching equipment, helmets, bats, balls and gloves. During pitching practice with catchers, hitters should stand in the batters box. No swinging. Catchers call the balls and strikes and call/frame pitches according to the count, Catchers should call out each pitch, so the hitter can thereby judge velocity, movement, and location of each variety. Then have the hitters try and guess which type of pitch is thrown. Try to alternate between left- and right-handed batters and pitchers. For older players, try rounds of 25 pitches per person. Non-throwers count the number of strikes. Try it as a competition.

Softball Drills – Key to Win the Game

2010-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

All softball teams’ aim is to win the game. They all strive hard to practice each day just to attain this exciting experience of winning. That’s why softball drills are needed to be taken seriously. No softball players are born with innate great softball skills. Skills are learned and are further developed through regular drills.

Softball drills are designed in order to prepare a team for actual sport competition. Of course, no player wants to see his team from losing. When sincerely carried out, softball drills will play a very delicate role that can lead the team to a successful result.

During softball drills, participants are faced with different challenges that can be the same when actual competition comes. This is also the best time for each player to bring out their potential skills. However, though drills are to be taken with seriousness, this does not always mean that you have to be extremely serious. Bonding of every member of the team is also important. This means that jokes can sometimes find its way. Improper seriousness will only make the drill boring and tiresome.

In every softball team, cooperation or teamwork is important. Again, softball drills are helpful instruments to build this fundamental prerequisite. It should be remembered that softball is a sport that is being played as a team and not for one player alone. Therefore, a good teamwork should be strengthened through bonding and cooperation.

If you are a softball player who wish to excel from this particular sport, you should be active and always attend every softball drills. Do your part as other member of the team do theirs. In this way alone, cooperation starts to build among the players. When all players have mastered a certain skill, they can step forward for another skill to learn.

At this juncture, a coach also plays a crucial role for the smooth execution of softball drills. However, in the absence of a coach, a team captain is expected to take in-charge. Thus, a team captain should be a role model who does not only possess great softball skills. He should be able to perform the role of a player, a captain, and a coach.

In the selection of softball drills to be executed, a coach must wisely vary the drill to avoid monotony. Monotonous drills don’t only make the drill boring, but ineffective as well. There are many guidelines for softball drills in the internet. Many of them truly provide satisfying results. These drills should be incorporated if necessary.

After discussing the various softball drills and techniques, they should as well be demonstrated. The truth is actual demonstrations are more effective than merely discussing the information to the players. The coach is the primary responsible in this regard. However, he can also use other old players of the team for the demonstrations especially when the demo requires more than one player.

Let the hidden skills of the player be unleashed. Let this happened through softball drills. Who knows, you can have a perfect team!

Softball Hitting: Never Commit the Same Mistake Twice

2010-07-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

In playing softball, softball hitting is considered to be one of the most important fundamental skills than needs to be sharpened. This is because it is usually in the hitter’s hands that can deliver the team to victory. So a softball hitter must fully develop and master the softball hitting skills. This skill may appear to be easy to learn, but mind you, it’s not what you think.

In a softball actual game, you might notice that most of the hitters can swing the bat perfectly. But maybe you don’t know that behind those great strikes are hundreds of days devoted for practicing and training. Yes, softball hitting is more than that of swinging and hitting the ball.

When joining a softball team, you might immediately choose to be a hitter, like other beginners. It is because in softball, the thrill is there in hitting. However, in actual play, if you happen to hit the ball on your first attempt, you are lucky. And it would be miracle if you can still hit the ball more than twice. What I am trying to point out here is that softball hitting is not that easy and quick to learn. It is not a matter of hour or day. In fact, perfecting softball hitting can take months or even years of training. This explains why even those we think are professional or great hitters still keep on practicing. But the good thing is there are ways to improve this skill.

But of course, there are also factors that affect your performance in hitting. These factors are equipments that are needed to have a good performance during the play. These equipments are especially needed when undergoing softball hitting. In fact, this article concentrates on this matter. But we will be focusing on the use of gloves as one of the most important tools.

The used of gloves has already started a few decades ago. In the advent of playing softball, gloves are proven to be of vital use. Softball players used gloves to prevent hand swelling from holding bat several times when hitting. The use of gloves is also considerably important during softball hitting drills. This is the time where you will be holding the bat for a longer period of time. This explains why you simply need gloves. It is mainly to protect your hands from blisters.

Avoiding blisters is impossible for a softball hitter. That’s why wearing of gloves in softball training and during the play has become a common scenario. However, there are still players who prefer to hold a bat with their bear hands. Perhaps, they just want to feel the bat. Although, this is not prohibited, wearing gloves on the other hand is a wiser option. Besides, there are lots of gloves today out there that are made comfortable to wear.

Gloves are actually not just a protection for the hands; they can also provide you a better grip of the bat while giving you a better softball hitting performance. In addition, with the use of gloves, you can even practice softball hitting more. Thus, it allows you to have enough time to improve and master your softball skills.

Softball Hitting and the Use of Gloves

2010-07-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Softball Hitting - Your Success Does Not Only Depend on Your Bat

2010-07-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Every player who is assigned to softball hitting will have to work hard so that he will be able to reach his full potential. Practicing will help a lot so that a hitter will be able to perform especially on actual games. If you are a softball hitter, you must know that there is a great need for you to commit yourself into doing all the things that will help you improve more in hitting. You must spend most of your time practicing and learning things that have something to do with hitting because these will be a great way for you to succeed in the end.
There are certain skills that a hitter must possess and you must have these skills because without them it will be hard for you to reach the top. You must be aware that your bat is not your only weapon in here. It does not necessarily mean that if you have an excellent bat, you will also become excellent. You will not be successful just because of your bat. Don’t forget that your number one weapon and your most important key to reach all your goals is yourself. The talents and abilities that you have can be very helpful and useful.
As a hitter, you must have the speed especially when it comes to your swing. It must be smooth yet your swing must also have this great impact on the ball that you are going to hit. If you have these then for sure that it will be a perfect hit. To make this possible, you must have some exercises for your arms and shoulders. Shoulder rotation is important because this will improve your swing. A lot of hitters do not succeed because they have this wrong move when they are swinging. You will avoid making the same mistake on softball hitting if you are willing to undergo trainings and exercises that are intended to make your swing better. Even though it seems like swinging is simple, it must be studied carefully because if you will keep on doing it the wrong way it will not only affect you and your team but the entire game as well. Mistakes must be lessened because no one will become successful by making loads of mistakes.
Starting and practicing the things that are connected to softball hitting is essential because by doing this then you will have this chance to correct your mistakes earlier. And because you corrected your mistakes earlier then it will be for sure that you will improve quickly. Willingness to take more drills for hitting and practicing is a good thing because these will help for you to have a better performance.
On the other hand, the coaches must also do their job of guiding the players. A coach must be a keen observer and if there will be a time that he has seen that a player committed a certain mistake in hitting then he must correct it as soon as possible because if a player is already used to doing this mistake then it will be harder to correct it.

The Fundamentals of Softball Hitting

2010-07-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you are into the sport of softball, you should aim to learn every aspect of the game so that you can be familiar with the different skills you should learn. But, as your softball coach always says, softball hitting is one of the important skill that every softball player must know. This means that even if you will not become the softball hitter of your team, hitting is the very first skill that you have to master. This is because softball hitting can give you the chance to dominate the game.
However, softball hitting is not a simple thing. To make a perfect hit doesn’t only mean simply swinging your bat then hitting the ball. There are other important things that you should learn when you will engage to practice softball hitting drills. You must learn the aspects included in eye coordination, focus and equilibrium. There is no denying that there are lots of softball hitting tips which you can follow in your training but the mention three softball hitting tips is the common tips which famous softball coaches and players follow in order to reach their success in softball hitting.
Before you begin practicing the varied styles in hitting the ball, you must learn first the concept of focus. Focus is the secret in making a perfect and powerful hit. It is true that softball hitters sometimes miss the ball but you can actually avoid committing such mistake. To make sure that you will hit the ball once the pitcher releases it, you have to maintain your focus on the ball and on the pitcher. You can do this by keeping your head still and maintain the proper angle of direction. This is very helpful to determine the speed, vector and spin of the ball. You can increase your focus by practicing drill which target concentration, visual and mental focus.
The next thing you should learn is the proper coordination of the eyes and the hands. This is an important skill you need to master in effective softball hitting. Your eyes will dictate your hands and arms when and where to move and hit. Your eyes will gather date such as the speed and direction of the ball and then send signal to the brain which will dictate your hand to hit the ball only in the right direction and with a proper timing. If you are poor in eye-hand coordination, you have fewer chances of making outstanding scores.
Lastly, if you want to become good in your softball hitting, you need to master equilibrium or body balance. If you have the proper balance, you have more chances of making a powerful hit using your full power and force. The principle under this softball hitting tip is that your weight will absorb the impact of the ball as the ball and the bat meets in contact. Because of equilibrium, the player is able to hit the ball with his full force and power without getting off balanced.

Youth Softball Drills - Hurry Up

2010-07-27T09:19:00.001-07:00

Purpose: This game preaches aggressive hitting and hustle. It is important to emphasize hustle when coaching softball.

Procedure: Will need a bat, four bases, and jugs foam bill wrapped with athletic tape. Make two teams and an assigned batting order. The pitcher is from the hitting team. This person cannot field any batted ball or else the batter is called out. The hitting team does not have to wait for the fielding team to get ready. Thus, the fielding team has to hustle out to their positions. The pitcher can stand anywhere, but has to be a safe distance away. The batter receives one pitch. A fair ball must be hit or else an out is called. No leading, stealing or bunting. It's great to see the kids hustle after each third out. They'll learn to place the next batter as catcher, so she can quickly jump into the batter's box, Runs are scored in traditional fashion.

Fun Softball Drills - Scramble the Egg

2010-07-26T02:39:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To teach or reinforce bunting techniques. One important softball coaching tip is to add fun during practices.

Procedure: We will need a bucket of very old softballs, a bat, a dozen eggs, a clear plastic tarp. Lay out the tarp on the ground and place the eggs on top of it. The first player bunts the ball toward the eggs, with the goal of trying to break or "scramble" the eggs with the ball. Give each player several chances, but make sure there are enough eggs to last the entire drill.

This is messy but incredibly fun. Only do this drill once, usually at the end of the season when the softballs you have been using are worn out. The player should square to bunt when the pitcher's front foot is about to hit the ground. Substitute water balloons for eggs; however, they are harder to break. Make sure the players are away from the tarp when the coach cleans up.

Softball Drills: Making Your Team the Future Champions

2010-07-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Softball is just like the other team sports that requires not only your physical strength but also your mental capabilities. You should know that softball is not only hitting, pitching, throwing and catching the ball. There are other aspects of softball that needs your alertness and your ability to make quick decisions. Pressure is a normal part of softball and other team sports. As a matter of fact, you will feel how pressurize is your situation the moment you step on the field. The pressure is more intense if you are one of the assets of your team.

Thus, it is very important for your coach to incorporate some mind conditioning drills aside from varied softball drills in your training. Since training is the only time to prepare yourself from the hardship you may encounter in your upcoming game, you should develop both your mind and body. Skills are not the only important to become an effective softball player. You also have to increase your speed, agility, endurance and of course your self-confidence. It is not easy to play softball most especially if your opponent team are better than you. However, you should not let your opponent to affect your performance because this can cause you to lose the game.

To make sure that everything will be fine in your game, you should aim to play your best shot even if in your training time. You have to be serious in doing the different softball drills and mind conditioning drills so that your muscle memory will be developed. And when the time comes that you have already mastered all the softball exercises that your coach has taught you, the drills will become your second nature. This means that your muscles will do the appropriate move automatically.

One of the important skills that you need to develop is the ability to make quick decisions. Softball is made up of different game situations. You cannot ensure that your plan will work out always and so you have to make some back plans everytime you will face your opponent for a match. If you have the ability to read the mind of your opponent then you have more chances of making a counter part of their plan. This will give you opportunity to defeat them then.

You can never say that you will win in your every game but as long as you have the necessary preparations before your actual game then you have nothing to worry. In your training, never do the same softball drills which did not work on your previous game. This is to avoid your team from doing the same mistakes again. But if you think that a certain softball drill will only be the perfect move to defeat your opponent then you have to spend enough time for your team to master it.

In every game there is one winner and the other is loser. It is possible for you to become always the winner but of course you have to work hard in order to achieve it. You should take your part in the team and help your coach in spreading the impression that you team is one of the best in the country.

Useful Tips in Softball Hitting To Make You an Exceptional Hitter

2010-07-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

With sufficient and proper training in softball hitting, there’s no way you can’t create a good hit. However, as a softball hitter, you must not stay in what a common softball hitter’s do. This means that you must always strive to move to the next level. Yes, always strive to be the best and make your way to stand out from the rest. Well, how can you do this?

Hereunder are three helpful tips on softball hitting that can make you a dominant hitter:

1. Be confident. The moment your opponent sense that you are nervous, he will certainly take advantage to it. Therefore, it is with utmost importance to build your confidence once you stepped your foot in the box and face your opponent head on. Don’t allow tension to engulf you or swallow you alive. Prove in your stance that you are ready to smash the ball. This may not be easy because it is normal for us to feel nervous especially if we are in the limelight. But with much softball hitting practices and constant exposure, you can defeat tension and stand with confidence.

2. Hone your skills constantly. This is to prove that your confidence is backed up by deed. Therefore, you have to keep on practicing softball hitting whenever you have the time. This is because it’s hard to pretend that you stand with confidence and that you seemingly appear to be a good hitter but you fail to carry a good hit afterwards. In return, it’s all your shame. So, if you can afford to have a private trainer that can guide you to sharpen your softball hitting skills, do so with willingness.

3. Avoid injuries as much as possible. A good softball player stays in the game not just once or twice but for all seasons. You can do so if you are not injured. This is great way to carry your name continuously. Well, how you can do it? You can do so, first and foremost, by strengthening your body parts. The more you strengthen your muscles and ligaments, the lesser probability in having injuries. Also, it is important not to abuse yourself. Take your rest whenever it is needed. Taking rest after a tiring play or a softball season helps your body to recover from overuse. Remember that you can dominate the game longer if you are free from any sort of injuries.

The above mentioned softball hitting tips help you not only to become an outstanding softball player, but also allows you the opportunity to enjoy a long-term softball career. After all, your long lasting popularity can be measured on how you can carry your name as a dominant softball hitter throughout your softball career. So, don’t forget the three softball hitting tips: Be confident, hone your skills constantly, and avoid injuries as much as possible. Doing this is molding your self to become an exceptional softball hitter among the rest.

Setting Priorities Gives You a Perfect Softball Hitting Performance

2010-07-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Softball hitting is indeed the most difficult skill that can be learned and taught in the part of the coach and players. There is no doubt why coaches and players are finding a way in order to make it simply and easy to adopt. Setting priorities is important in playing softball. If the players are able to meet their priorities, a perfect hit of the softball is not impossible. It is very important for a softball player to set priorities for them to discover, develop and increase his skills in softball. One of the best and effective ways to do so is of course set priorities that will fit to place himself to various drills in hitting.
Setting priorities and objectives will help the coach determine whether he is efficient and at the same time effective as a coach. In addition, it helps the team to get things done with much less annoyance thus will surely result to a perfect softball hitting performance of the team and of course winning each competition that they play. It is certain that the softball team will stay more organized when they set priorities.

Despite from the fact that setting priorities brings a lot of better outcomes, a lot of player does not really understand what they need to priorities when they engage their self in playing softball. Setting priority is not as simple as making the most urgent thing in your life. As we know for a fact that softball hitting is the most difficult skill to teach and learn in softball, setting priorities will be helpful. For instance, in playing softball, you can make a list of your priorities in the order of what is most important to you. If it is time to have a practice, you should set aside the problems and leisure so that you can focus in your practice and can perform your softball hitting well.
Success is without a doubt can be achieved when you set clear priorities in order of importance and then carry out around them. You should be aware of what is really important when you are practicing or playing the sport. The most important skill that needs to be expert at is softball hitting.
To enhance your softball hitting performance, set your priorities and practice to address weaknesses at the root cause and then work out on it with the help of your team or your coach. When someone invites you to attend a gathering which is not important you should know when to say no to an urgent request that is not as important as the important as your softball hitting practice that which is already set.
The more you have time to practice your softball hitting, the more chances that this “tough to learn skill” will be easier. It may seem off-putting at first to set priorities in this fashion but one is for sure, if you set priorities into action, you will see immediate and positive differences in your life and in your playing performance, both personally and professionally.

Mastering Your Stance Helps Your Perfect Your Softball Hitting

2010-07-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Softball is a kind of team sports that requires different skills. Although it seems simple when you watch it, it may be complicated sometimes especially when you lack the skills in playing it effectively. Aside from pitching, fielding, catching, throwing and running, softball hitting is one of the important skills that every softball player must learn. Actually, it has an important role in winning and so not only the hitter should learn at least the basics of softball hitting.
As a softball hitter, your bat will become your partner in improving your softball hitting skill. Thus, you have to make sure that you posses the right softball bat. Choosing the right softball bat doesn’t necessarily mean that it is expensive. It can be less expensive as long as it is made of high quality of materials. Also, it is very important to pick a softball bat which has the right size and weight so that you cannot have difficulty in hitting the ball once you are in middle of your game. Purchasing a bat is one of your investments when you are into the sport of softball thus you have to make the right choice in order to prevent wasting your money.
Aside from choosing the perfect bat for you, you should also learn the concepts of doing the right swing, stride and stance. These three terms also play an important role in taking your softball hitting skill to the next level. Thus, it is very essential to incorporate some exercises that will help you to make the right swing, stride and stance in your training. Swing refers to the swinging of you bat once the ball is near your softball bat. Stride is the timing to make the perfect swing. Timing is very important in softball hitting in order to know when and where to do a perfect swing.
Stance is your position while you are waiting for the pitcher to release the ball. There are different stances you can use while you are hitting the ball but make sure to choose to where you are most comfortable with. This means that you have to use a stance which will give you the air of confidence and the power to hit the ball from the point of release. Just like the other skills in softball, learning the perfect stance for you takes time. Thus, you have to spend enough time to learn such skill.
There is no such perfect stance in softball hitting. It is just a matter of mastery. So, it is not possible to change your stance when you are already in the middle of the field. You have to stick with your stance because this is the position where you are used to. Of course, you can change your stance just like you can change your softball hitting style but you can only do this after your game or many months before your actual game. Changing your stance in the time of the game will just ruin all of your plans and will affect your over all performance.

The Value Learning of Softball Hitting Skill

2010-07-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

A softball player that earns the admiration of the spectators outside the field is certainly a softball player that spends most of his time training and practicing just to become a good player. And one of the most admirable skills in the game softball is softball hitting. That’s why many softball players devote so much of their time and effort to sharpen this skill.

Learning softball hitting requires patience. This is because this skill can not be learned in an instant or just in a few days. In order to become a good hitter, you have to undergo several softball hitting drills. This skill also requires exercises and techniques that allow you to perform the exact skill to employ resulting to a better performance during actual play.

All exercise plans should be developed and put into practice as much as possible by all softball players. And in softball hitting, you must find a way on how you can become comfortable with your stance and movement. Being comfortable allows you to become relax. And when you are calm and relax, you can concentrate more that can lead to a great hit.

To become a good hitter, you must start by developing your muscles. However, developing muscles does not necessarily mean that you have to build up strong muscles. This is because in softball hitting, what you must have to develop primarily is muscle coordination. Although, having strong muscles are also important for you to create a powerful hit. Therefore, this requires you to learn the elements of turning and twisting in softball hitting.

After launching a good hit, the softball player on the other hand, must proceed as a base runner without delay. That’s why a player must also concentrate on instant softball hitting. After a full swing of the bat, the player must immediately prepare his arm and leg to run as fast as he can to reach the first base or the second base. This means that the player is not just a good hitter but a fast runner as well. Also, another important thing to remember after hitting the ball is that immediately forget the ball. What does this mean? This means that you don’t have to watch the ball as it flew, but concentrate right away on running. This is actually the common mistake of some softball hitters; they tend to stare at the ball where it goes.

It is the main duty of a softball coach to train his team in softball hitting. In addition, all the drills and trainings must concentrate on how the player can speed up his performance. The coach must also encourage the right attitude towards drills and practices. Let the players learn the value of determination, eagerness, patience, cooperation, and self-discipline.

The coach, on the other hand, must learn how to deal effectively with his team members. This greatly helps to employ every strategy smoothly. A greater chance of winning is in your hands. Therefore, when teaching softball hitting, you must do it with all your heart and knowledge.

Softball Baserunning Drills - Baserunning Curcuit

2010-07-15T23:05:00.001-07:00

Purpose: A pitcher will throw from the plate. A catcher in full gear will receive the ball at home plate. Runners are positioned at first and second base only. Practicing base running is part of coaching softball.

Procedure: The pitcher throws to the catcher. He deliberately throws many pitches in the dirt. The runners at both bases will take their primary and secondary leadoffs, read the pitch and react accordingly. If the ball is caught, runners will return to the base. If the ball is in the dirt, runners will react and take off for the next base immediately.
If you can set up additional temporary bases a few feet behind the real bases, more players can participate on each pitch. For older age groups, the pitcher should use a variety of pitches so that the runners can learn to read breaking balls and change-ups.

Softball Hitting Drills - Eyes Closed Drill

2010-07-15T23:04:00.001-07:00

Purpose: To visualize the ball. To make the swing automatic, developing solid muscle memory. Visualization is a good mental training practice as well.

Procedure: A tee and a few softballs are all that is needed for this drill. Place a ball on the tee and prepare to hit. Once you feel ready and have had a good look at the softball close your eyes. Picture the ball in your mind. With eyes closed, stride and swing to strike the softball.

The Eyes Closed Drill is demanding, so it will be popular with players while refining their hitting mechanics.

Free Softball Drills - Paddle Drill

2010-07-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Purpose: To develop an infelder's hand-eye coordination. Practicing fielding ball hop is a good Softball fielding tip.

Procedure: You will be needing softballs and foam paddles. Players start facing each other a short distance apart. One player throws the ball in such a manner as to make the ball hop, simulating a ground ball hit to the infielder. The right-handed infielder assumes the ready position and awaits the throw, keeping his left foot slightly in front of the right. The ball is tossed directly toward the infielder who is holding a foam paddle in each hand. The infielder should use the funnel technique on regular ground balls and the push-through technique on short hop ground bails. The funnel technique involves the infielder cushioning the impact of the ball as it hits the hands. The push-through technique involves the infielder catering the ball by pushing his glove forward through the ball as he points the fingers downward.

The players should strive to make the catch without making any noise. The drill maybe run with hitting softballs using fungo bats to the infielders from home plate.

Protect Yourself from Injuries while Practicing Softball Hitting Techniques

2010-07-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Just like any other thing, learning softball particularly the different skills needed in playing the game takes time. This means that you really have to spend some time before you can finally master the different skills in softball and play the game without committing any error. This is the reason why coaches work hard to teach their players several softball hitting drills. Everybody is a unique individual and so you should choose your own hitting style. The hitting technique which works for your teammate might not work for you and so you have to observe your own performance so that you will know what technique will work best for you.
Softball hitting involves a series of processes that you should learn. So your coach see to it that you will undergo everyday training to make sure that you will learn everything regarding how to make a powerful and amazing hit which can give you the control of the game. There are terms which you need to understand in this skill such as stance, stride, swing and many more. You might not understand these words at first but with the help of your coach who will become very happy to explain to you and show you how these skills are done, you will eventually learn each term.
In attending your practice, you should forget to bring with you your protective gears. Why? This is because batting requires a lot of your energy and power. Since you need to become alert and alive in the whole time of your practice, you should avoid having any injury that may hinder you from joining your teammates in doing the drills prepared by your coach. By wearing protective gears, you can ensure your safety while training.
Protective gears can be bought in the different stores in your area. Just like in choosing the right bat, you also have to make sure that you have the right protective gears. Since you will wear this everytime you have your training and even when you are playing the game, you should pick something comfortable and fit to your body size. You know that playing softball in the middle of many people can make you feel pressured. But you should not let those people to affect you especially when you are to hit the ball. Wearing a protective gear which is not comfortable can cause you some distraction which can cause you to miss the ball.
Hence, you have to make sure that the protective gear you are wearing will not give you any discomfort and uneasiness. This way, you can have more chances of making a powerful hit which is an opportunity for your team to make outstanding scores. Looking for the right protective gear which will be your partner in practicing your softball hitting drills is not difficult because you can go online in your shopping.
Now you know that learning softball hitting does not only need your dedication and determination. You should also protect yourself from any injuries which can cause delay in reaching your goal.

Softball Drills That Prepare the Team to Victory

2010-07-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Each softball team strives simply to taste the sweetness of victory. However, this aim would surely require extensive training and drills. This is aside from the fact that each player has its own weaknesses to improve. And softball drills are the best method not only to polish each player’s performance but to sharpen their softball skills as well.

Apparently, softball drills are much needed when a game competition is approaching. That’s why scheduled drills are needed to be taken seriously. When employed and performed properly, the chances of winning in every game competition is big.

In this situation, softball drills that are to be provided by the coach must be in relevant to the upcoming competition. After all, this is one of the main objectives of softball drills that are to prepare the players for the competition. The advantage of softball drills is that allows the coach to monitor the progress of his team. It gives the coach the opportunity to measure one’s capabilities and determines each one’s weaknesses. In this way, he can immediately address the problem where there is a need for improvement.

However, when we say taking the softball drills with seriousness, it doesn’t mean that the element of fun and excitements in every activity are to be taken away. Fun makes the drill even livelier and more fruitful. In addition, incorporating the element of fun also makes the activity not tiresome or boring. Therefore, when we say seriousness, it means eagerness, dedication, and self-discipline of a player. When there are scheduled softball drills and practices, he gives importance to them.

Bonding of the team is another essential factor in playing softball. When a strong bond is developed, cooperation and teamwork is likely to follow. And these relevant qualities or attitudes are best developed during softball drills. These are helpful instruments to achieve the goal of the team, and that is to bring home the trophy of success!

As a softball player, it is understood that you also have your own dream. Most players dream of becoming the best player in their team. If you have that dream, you should therefore be active in every softball drills. If possible, always be present on scheduled practices. Listen carefully to your coach; he is the right person who can turn your dream into reality. Do your best in performing all the essential softball skills to be mastered.

In preparing the softball drills to be carried out, the coach must resourcefully vary the drills. This is one way of making the drill meaningful. After all, the capability of a coach to teach is measured by his effectiveness to educate his team. When his team performs well, this is because he is a good coach. And the good thing to know is that there are lots of available techniques and softball drills that can be found in the internet. Try to check them they can be of great help for your team. Pick those drills that you think are necessary for your team. Impart them and of course, put them into practice.

Softball Hitting - Practice is the Key for a Perfect Hit

2010-07-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

There are certainly a lot of things that you can do for you to improve your hit in softball hitting. One of the things that you can do in order to develop your hitting ability is to practice. Practicing is said to be the most effective and the most excellent among the techniques that you can use. If a player is really determined to fill in where he lacks then he must spend some of his time and he must also exert some effort in practicing. Remember that practicing is not done only once. This is a long process and it will take a long time more than what the player is expecting. A player must do this continuously even if the way he hits already improves. Practicing will not only help a player to improve, this will also help a player to maintain everything.
However, even though practicing is certainly effective, you as a player must also be aware that mere practicing is not enough. Aside from practicing a lot of techniques in softball hitting, you must also try to read and research on your own. Reading a lot of books, some sports magazine, and some articles on the internet that has something to do with softball and hitting can greatly help. These reading materials contain a lot of informations that you need when it comes to hitting. Aside from the numerous tips, these will also tell you on how to utilize some techniques properly.
Aside from reading and interviewing, asking the help and opinions of the experts can also help a lot. Try to ask an experienced coach or hitter about what they know about hitting. They can definitely give you informations that are based on their real life experiences and from these you can learn a lot.
You can also watch the games of softball teams and try to see the techniques that a hitter is using. But then again you must be very careful in copying a hitter’s technique in softball hitting because there is a possibility that this may not suit you. Even if you think the technique that the player is using is amazing, you can’t just copy it and use it without knowing if it will be right for you.
Now after the reading, researching, interviewing, and watching, for sure you got a lot of tips and techniques that you can use when you are practicing and when you are already in the actual game. Practicing and utilizing all of these things will not be so easy and it will take time. The only thing that you can do is be patient about it and execute things properly during your practice. Don’t rush things because rushing will never give you a good result. Enjoy every minute of your practice because every minute that you spend practicing is worth your while. Always do your best and concentrate and one day you will just be surprised because you are already as good as those professional players that you are watching.

Techniques for Softball Hitting

2010-07-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Several individuals love to play softball and for the fact that it is one of the most admired sports in the whole world. They are truly engaging themselves to practices and trainings just to filter the skills needed in order for them to play the game. One of the most fundamental part of the softball game is softball hitting and when regards to hitting, you need to ensure that you have the required skills in order for you to succeed the battle.
It is important for you to refine softball hitting, for it is the most powerful skill to be able to win the game. You need to mull over a lot of things before you can make a great hit. It would also be better if you are going to have a coach or someone that will guide you all throughout your training. However, if you can’t have a coach, then you can merely open your computer and start browsing the internet. There are lots of details regarding guidelines for softball hitting that you can definitely fine online. There are also videos in which you can be able to watch the proper positions of hitting.
One of the most important things that you need to practice is the handling of bat. We all know that bat is the main weapon for a player to strike the softball. As a result, you need to learn the correct handling position of the bat in order for you to make a nice hit. When gripping the bat, it is important that you settle your fingers, for you will be applying pressure with your fingers when you make a hit and not your palms. You should also position your arms in order for you to swing the bat properly.
You need to put into practice the proper position, as well. In softball hitting, it is very vital that you keep a comfortable position so that you will be able to hit the ball in a relax manner, yet powerful. It is always recommended that your knees must be bended and give at least enough space between your two feet in order for you to position the bat correctly. In fact, there is no great posture in hitting, yet you need to develop your own position and you should practice it regularly so that you can merely get used to it, right away.
Your concentration toward the pitcher is extremely imperative. This will give you the signal on what time you are going to strike the ball. Do not let yourself distract by your surroundings. You need to keep your head fixed on the way to the pitcher. Place your full attention to him in order for you to approximate the amount of energy that you need to let go.
In softball hitting, you must be always attentive and must possess endurance in order to succeed the game. You need to practice every single detail regarding softball details for you to filter your skills and be able to play the game.