Softball Drills & Practice Plans

Softball Throwing Drills for Beginners

2007-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

It is beneficial to review softball throwing drills throughout the season. Players often fall into a comfortable routine and forget key stances that would maximize successful throws. One technique that would eliminate sloppy follow through would be to carefully examine each step. The following is a softball throwing drill that will minimize errors.

This softball throwing drill allows the player to review the steps required for a powerful pitch. First the players should visualize the target and take a step forward. With the hand that is holding the ball, the player should reach his arm back and have the ball level with his ear. The other arm should be kept bent in front of his body and pointed towards the target. With force the player should push his arm towards the target and throw the ball while twisting his body straight towards the target. The player should conclude the softball throwing drill by standing straight forward.

Softball Throwing Drills usually consist of simple techniques that most players adapt to and use throughout the games. If you go through each step carefully, allowing the players to freeze in each stance leading up to the throw, you will be maximizing the outcome of successful pitches and throws. Also, each child will be able to practice the essentials and find their own speed through each position.

Inefficient Time Use? You need a Practice Plan!

2007-03-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Time is one of the biggest assets a coach has, but it has to be used appropriately. When a coach arrives to practice unprepared or overwhelmed, athletes will immediately pick up on that and follow suit. Pretty soon, you have endured a frustrating, useless practice. Everyone leaves in a bad mood, realizing that nothing was accomplished and blaming someone else.

When coaching, your job is to lead your players through drills, improve technique, prepare them for competitions, and build self-confidence and team unity. If you do not have your practice planned, none of these things will occur. Just like a teacher, a coach must have a “lesson plan” of sorts.

Certain things should be kept constant in practice. There should always be time for a warm-up and stretching at the beginning of a practice. During this time, you should help your team transition into “practice mode” and focus on the work at hand. You should help them prepare their bodies sufficiently for the physical exertion ahead and help them concentrate on what they individually need to improve.

Next should be time for technique and drills. This may be the least entertaining part of practice, but it may also prove to be the most worthwhile. No one enjoys repeating drills just to fix some minute error, but this develops strength, patience, a drive for perfection, and personal pride when the drill is performed correctly. All these drills and technique practices should follow a series, working from the most basic to the most intense. You cannot teach your players to run before they learn to walk, so start at the beginning and work your way forward.

After working on technique and drills, take your team to competition preparation. Show them tapes of previous games and what they can work on, or walk them through their last game mentally if you do not have tapes. Be sure to point out the positive aspects of their game as well as the negative aspects, and gently show them what needs to be improved for the next competition. When you enter this section of practice, you must pick a finite number of improvements on which you want your players to focus. More than three is unrealistic. Look at the past competitions and look for a pattern. Are you seeing anything that your team is consistently missing, even though you have raised it as a concern? If so, pick that as your only focus between now and the next competition. Sometimes, even three improvements are too many, especially when you are trying to change a major pattern you see in your team. Ask them to be aware of that issue and to do their best to fix it in themselves. They need to know that even though they are part of a team, their main responsibility is to ensure that their own actions are the best they can be.

To help your team remember which aspects you want them to focus on before the next competition, talk them through it during the warm-up each day. Have a new way of explaining the problem and remind them to focus on improving those specific areas. Also, remind them of past issues you have already resolved, so that they do not fall into the same problems again.
At the end of every practice, spend a few minutes with your team doing some cool-down exercises and more stretching. This will help protect their muscles and give you a chance to have a last minute chat with them before leaving for the day. Encourage them by recognizing the good work they have done during that practice and give them something to think about for the next practice. Keep the focus on their personal performances instead of winning or losing the next competition, because youth athletes perform much better when the emphasis is on performance instead of results.

Before each practice, spend some time thinking of what your team needs to accomplish that day. Follow the plan outlined, but be sure to tailor it to your own needs. This plan is a great way to build rapport with your team, especially during the warm-up and cool-down periods.

Coaching Girls Softball: Techniques for Coaching Female Athletes

2006-12-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

It’s obvious that men and women differ in many ways, but one of the bigger might be how coaches can coach women opposed to men and make them better athletes. Women have many factors to consider when training and practicing for a sport, especially a demanding sport such as softball.

Softball can be extremely competitive especially during tournaments and on traveling teams. To reach your peak, a healthy diet, good conditioning through winter months and a lot of practice are very important.

As the field positions vary, so do the different coaching techniques. The saying goes practice makes perfect, but what about a pitcher? It is not good for a pitcher to practice pitching many hours a week and then go pitch in a game. Every position in all the different sports requires different techniques and training.

Female players also have to watch for signs of overwork. Missing a menstrual cycle can be a sign of overwork and malnutrition. A missed menstrual cycle can also be a warning that Female Athlete Triad might be occurring.

Female Athlete Triad has three components that are extremely dangerous to the athlete.

1. Disordered eating - this ‘symptom’ can come in many forms, female athletes may limit their calorie or fat gram intake severely causing weakness or fatigue and could develop into more serious conditions such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.2. Amenorrhea (missing a menstrual cycle) - this symptom is caused by severely limiting calorie intake and exercising taken to the extreme. Everything is good in moderation; this is also true for exercising and limiting calorie intake. Although a missed menstrual cycle doesn’t mean you have Female Athlete Triad, it is important to consult a doctor if you usually have regular menstrual cycles but then miss one. 3. Osteoporosis - this symptom is, as the others, a harmful condition by itself, but is made worse in combination with the previous two. Osteoporosis is a bone condition where your bones become very fragile and are prone to breakage.

All of the above symptoms can be avoided by keeping a healthy diet and not over exercising.
Here are five techniques that can help you, as a coach, when it comes to coaching women in general:

1. When picking positions for your team, let every player have a shot at all the desired positions. The pitcher might be a better catcher and the center fielder might be a better shortstop.

2. Remember that women can be fragile, so watch what you say. Many female teams greatly dislike being referred to as ‘guys,’ while some extremely dislike the phrase ‘you throw like a girl.’ You need to be totally unbiased when coaching, unless you yourself are female. Many women tend to connect more with a female coach, and don’t mind some harmless ‘poking fun.’

3. Believe it or not, many male coaches can get better participation and drive out of female players than females themselves. This can be attributed to a few things, one being that the male is seen as insensitive so they don’t let their players whine or cry when they fall. This is good and bad, this gives the girls a high threshold for ‘pain,’ meaning when they slide hard into third, they are more apt to jump up than limp off the field. It is also a possibility that when girls are complimented on their sport accomplishments, like throwing six strikes in a row, catching the fly in center field or rounding third and heading for home, it means more coming from a male than a female.

4. If you are a male coach it is important that you are sensitive to cramps, needing a bathroom break and impromptu migraines. You have to remember that none of these are the player’s fault, sometimes things just happen.

5. Have fun! As in any sport, there will come a day that everyone just needs to have a break and have some fun. You can play a pick-up game instead of running laps, share stories of the best feeling you had on the field instead of batting practice or you could cancel practice and have a ‘pizza’ party.

The key to coaching and parenting a female athlete is to listen to them. If they are physically saying your pushing too hard then pull back a little bit. Trust is the main component to remember when participating in sports. If the coach trusts the player then the player and parent will trust the coach.

Softball Fielding Drill

2006-11-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

It is important for younger players to understand what happens when the ball is hit and it comes to them. Most will be focused on actually stopping the ball, but when they do secure it in their gloves, they need to know where to throw it.

What you need (set up) The kids should have their gloves on and you can send them out to second base. Have one player play first base to field the throws. You can also have one near you (home plate) to field balls from first base to home.

How this drill works: You can either toss or lightly hit the ball to the players in line at second base. Explain to them that when they get the ball, one of the first places they are going to throw is first base. So, they practice their fielding skills, and then add one more step to it by throwing it to first base. Then the first baseman can throw it home.

Players can then rotate: the fielder goes to first, the first baseman goes to home plate, and then the ‘catcher’ will go to the back of the fielding line. Once the players get the hang of it, you might be able to just keep hitting in succession as all the players go through the drill.

Note: So players understand where all of the bases are, you can run this drill from any position on the infield, and throw to any base. Keep the throw length reasonably short (shortstop to 2nd or 3rd, 1st to 2nd etc.) for the younger players.

Results: One of the toughest things to teach young players is to field the ball, and then throw it to the appropriate base. Repetition is extremely important in this drill for them to associate fielding the ball with throwing it to first base (or other bases). This drill also helps them learn the bases and positions in the infield.

Fielding Drill- Scoop Drill

2006-11-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

This is a great drill to help younger softball players learn which way to use their glove.

What you need: Plastic milk jugs with the bottoms cut out. One half also needs to be cut out. It should resemble the set up of a softball glove, with one side cut out, so it looks like a scoop.

How this drill works: Since a scoop is something that is carried outside the hand, younger kids will be able to manoeuver the scoop easier than having a glove on their hand. With the scoop shaped similar to a glove, they will begin to understand glove positioning.

When you are instructing the kids on how to use their 'scoop', show them where the scoop goes in certain situations. Show them grounders, waist level tosses, and shoulder/head level tosses.

Result: What you want to show the kids is how their glove is just like the scoop. When they have the web side down for grounders the ball rolls into glove, etc.

Softball Workout Stations

2006-10-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a little tip that SAVED me at
last night's practice.

I don't know about you, but sometimes it is tough to
execute softball drills that involve "stations". You know, where
the kids rotate through various drills in groups of 2-3.

I'll admit it, I've had station drills go down in flames.

Stations can be tricky because unless you have an army
of assistant coaches or volunteer parents, it is very
difficult to keep your eyes on each station at all times.

Kids, especially the younger ones, are easily distracted.

Inevitably, they would rather be on the station they aren't.

Last night I found a bit of a "golden ticket".

I told each player to bring in their favorite CD.

I brought a small CD player to the field.

I told them they would stay at their station for 1 song,
then the groups would switch to the next station when
the song was over, then we would keep going song by song,
station by station until all the drills had been done.

MY BIG TRICK: I selected a "winner" from each drill rotation.
The winner was the player who was most focused and hard working
on their particular drill.

The winner would get to play their song NEXT.

This worked like a CHAMP! The kids had a blast,
and for 30 minutes they were extremely focused on their
stations/drills. Every 4 minutes a new winner was crowned.

Amazing!

If you're looking for fun new drills to add to your
stations, check out my coaching guide:

http://www.softball-practice-plans.com/

Try my music trick and let me know how it goes!

Talk Soon,
Becky

Softball Parents

2006-10-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Being a softball coach is not always easy...especially
when you run into "difficult softball parents" or DSP's as I
like to call them.

You know the parents I'm referring to: overbearing, overly competitive, and
overly engaged in your decisions as a coach.

I've actually had a fair amount of experience with this... dealing with
complaints about playing time, who gets to play what position, sportsmanship
issues etc.

No matter how knowledgeable, fair, or kind you are to your team, you can
probably expect an irate parent or two to crop up during the season. Here are a
few tips I find helpful when dealing with these situations.

1. Don't discuss the issue at the game

The first thing the coach should avoid is discussing the problem with the parent
on the field, especially if he/she is visibly upset.

2. Schedule a separate time/venue to have the discussion

Rather than discuss the problem then and there, the coach should agree to meet
or telephone the parent at a mutually convenient time to discuss the complaint.
By doing this, you avoid giving the parent an audience, allow the him/her to
'cool off', and give yourself time to prepare an appropriate response to the
complaint.

3. Be an active listener

When you eventually talk to the parent, one of the most important things you can
do is be an active listener. Doing things like taking notes, maintaining eye
contact and nodding to acknowledge you have heard what the parent is saying are
crucial.

4. Don't interrupt

Even if parents raise their voices or their stories have are not fact-based, the
coach should avoid interrupting. By interrupting a parent, you risk inflaming
the situation.

5. Don't get defensive

The coach should avoid defending or justifying their action. Such behavior at
this point will only make the situation worse.

6. Show empathy

Respond to their concerns with statements like "I'm sorry that you feel your
child has been treated unfairly". This will help the parent to understand
his/her problem is being taken seriously. They are likely to be calmer and more
willing to find a solution.

7. Clarify the problem

This can be achieved by asking probing questions. This helps both parties to
focus on the problem (not personalities), stick to the facts, and avoid being
caught up in extraneous issues.

8. Offer a range of solutions

A lot of times, parents just want their feelings to be heard and understood. If
they want more, try to offer a range of solutions. This demonstrates a
willingness to work together to solve the problem. It's important to avoid
making promises that you can't keep. Explain to them what you can and cannot do.

9. Get closure

Ideally, you will given the parent a number of options and agreed on a mutual
course of action. At this point it's appropriate to end the meeting. It should
conclude with three things:
* Leave the parent with a closing action statement (e.g.. 'I'll get on to that
now').
* Thank the parent for their interest (no matter how unpleasant the meeting).
* If follow-up is required, tell them when you will contact them ('I'll ring you
tomorrow').
This will leave the parent feeling as though their complaint has been heard, and
the parent-coach relationship will be strengthened.

10. Leave the door open

There will be cases, however after this whole process where you will not be able
to give the parent the response they are looking for. It is important in these
circumstances that the coach leave the door open for the parent, e.g.. 'If there
is ever anything else, please come to me'. By doing this the parent will at
least feel that his/her complaint has been taken seriously, and the coach-parent
relationship, however strained, will remain intact. Not doing this could allow
the problem to fester... and the parent could damage your reputation through
word-of-mouth.

If you found this interesting, there's all sorts of great coaching tips and
ideas on my website... check it out.

http://www.softball-practice-plans.com/

Good luck,
Becky

Softball & Flexibility

2006-10-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

I hate to stretch.

We all know flexibility is critical, not just for softball-
but daily LIFE.

However, for some reason, I find flexibility is the most
neglected fitness area. For some reason 5 year olds, 15 year olds
and 50 year olds don't like to take the time to stretch out the
muscles after a good workout.

So, I'm really working to incorporate flexibility into
my practices.

I figure I'll try and give them a good habit early on
(maybe they will thank me when they're my age)...

I've been having a "stretching lesson" at the end of
each practice.

So, before we home, we take 10 minutes or so
and stretch. Each player is assigned one muscle to think
of a stretch for.

We go around in a circle until each player has led the group
in "their stretch".

By getting the team involved in coming up with the stretches
they are more interested in participating.

The confidence in leading a group is a bonus.

And for me- I just stretch along with them
and let the players coach each other.

This "Stretch Lesson" and other cool ideas are in the practice
plans:

http://www.softball-practice-plans.com

Let me know if this works for you,

Becky

College Softball Tips

2006-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here's the truth about college softball: The coaches have to know about your players!!

It doesn't matter how good you are, to get recruited and be in line for a college softball scholarship you need to tell the college coaches who you are and why you deserve to be recruited. You have to make it happen, you have to contact the coaches and tell them what you have to offer their softball program and why you deserve financial aid . COACHES CANNOT EVALUATE YOUR POTENTIAL FOR IF THEY DON’T KNOW YOU’RE OUT THERE.Not all athletic scholarships are full ride like football and basketball, so called "head count sports", most are classed as "equivalency sports'", like softball. Put simply this means that coaches can "share" their allocation between a larger number of players.This is good news for the players. In division 1 a coach can divide "12" scholarships between a larger number of players. Say 25 partial instead of 12 full ride scholarships. If you are good enough of course then a full ride scholarship is always on the cards.There are 262 division 1 and 253 division 2 colleges that offer softball scholarships.That's a total of 4,965.6 softball grants available in the NCAA alone.Our recruiting service can help you when applying for NCAA-NAIA softball scholarships. Many fine young athletes are overlooked each year because they didn't submit their athletic profile to the "right" colleges or left out important information. It’s also a fact that many colleges simply don't allocate all of their softball recruiting funds because "suitable" athletes didn't approach them.

College Softball Scholarships. NAIA-NCAA Softball Recruiting.

Scoop Softball Drill

2006-09-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Scoop Drill

This is a great drill to help younger players learn which way to use their glove.

What you need: Plastic milk jugs with the bottoms cut out. One half also needs to be cut out. It should resemble the set up of a softball glove, with one side cut out, so it looks like a scoop.

How this drill works: Since a scoop is something that is carried outside the hand, younger kids will be able to manoeuver the scoop easier than having a glove on their hand. With the scoop shaped similar to a glove, they will begin to understand glove positioning.

When you are instructing the kids on how to use their ‘scoop’, show them where the scoop goes in certain situations. Show them grounders, waist level tosses, and shoulder / head level tosses.

Results: What you want to show the kids is how their glove is just like the scoop. When the have the web side down for grounders the ball rolls into the glove, etc.

Softball Tryouts

2006-09-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Building Your Team

OK, how many players? This is subjective in many cases, but I can offer you a few ideas on coming up with the numbers on your team.

How many players can you have (some leagues or schools may restrict the roster size)
Are you going to have a couple of pitcher who only pitch?
How many players do you want on your roster that are ‘projects’ and you are building for future years?
Is your team reliable in making practices and games?

Taking into account all of these questions, I would suggest that a good sized team is between 15 and 17 players. If you have too many, then everybody is always splitting playing time (which no one really likes), and if you have too few players, then you risk not having enough to play. Players aren’t always the most reliable, and other things like vacations, homework, and other occasions get in the way of Softball – leaving you short handed.

Documenting the tryouts

Many teams have attempted to equalize the playing field and have adopted a strict ‘documentation’ process for the coaches to follow. This attempts to ensure that everyone gets a fair shake on the field during tryouts, and forces the coaches to be accountable. Why did you make the choice to cut one player and keep another?

It will all be down in the documentation. That’s why I have come up with the Selection Matrix – it provides a great opportunity for you to evaluate the players that have come out for tryouts – and it provides you with the necessary documentation to make sure you are selecting the right players.

The Team Selection Matrix

I have put together a system that allows the coach to make fact-based decisions on their team. Here’s how this system works:

List all of the tryout players from top to bottom on the Matrix

Decide on the 3 or 5 most important selection criteria for your team (I have examples below)

Apply a different weighting to the selection criteria, based on what you think are the most important traits.

Each criteria is scored between one and 10. These scores are multiplied by the weighting percentage.

The scores after the weighting will be added together to come up with a final tally that is used to choose the team.

You may come up with different selection criteria on your own, but here are three areas you can start with:

Player skills and positions
Attitude and coachability
Athleticism and potential

What are softball bats made out of?

2006-09-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

What are softball bats made out of?
by: Samuel Johnston

Softball bats were at one time made chiefly of wood, but advances in technology have introduced materials such as aluminum, graphite, and composites. Each material has its positive and unique features.

Wood: Wood softball bats are very rare but are slowly regaining favor with softball enthusiasts who would rather hear a whack and not a ping when the bat meets ball. A wood softball bat is bottle-shaped and can weigh between 32-35 ounces (around 8 ounces heavier than an aluminum bat). Traditionally, wood bats have been made from ash. However, ash is light and soft and bats made from ash tend to splinter and dent fast. Wood from maple, oak, and bamboo is also used for these bats. Maple is harder and its grain is denser as compared to ash, making it less susceptible to splintering and chafing. Bats made from Chinese bamboo are the closest wood bat equivalent of an aluminum bat. Bamboo is extremely light-weight and ha a tensile strength higher than that of steel.

Aluminum: The increased research and engineering in the science of bat making has resulted in high-tech aluminum softball bats that can cost upward of $300. Aluminum bats are lighter thereby enabling batters to generate greater bat speed and control. They are stronger and more durable than wood bats and they do not break; however, they may dent or crack over a period of time. Aluminum bats are available in different alloy and weight combinations. Light aluminum alloys that are thinner are more resilient and provide a larger hitting zone or “sweet spot”. Aluminum bats are made in single-layer and double-layer combinations; double-layer bats are used by the power-hitters.

Graphite/Titanium lined: Aluminum bats are lined with graphite or titanium. These light, durable, and strong materials are added to aluminum bats with thin walls in order to make the bats lighter. Lighter bats help batters to generate more power in their swing. Bats lined with graphite or titanium have a greater hitting zone or “sweet spot”. These materials are shock-absorbent as well and aid in reducing the shock felt when a stroke is mistimed.

Composite materials: Bats made from composite materials such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar are light weight, rigid, and sturdy. Composite materials enable bat manufacturers to incorporate varying strengths and stiffness in different parts of a bat. The result is a bat with stiff bat handles for greater control, low stiffness hitting areas for better performance and reduced shock, and differentiated swing weights. Bats made from composite materials have a large hitting surface with a more pronounced “sweet spot”. However, the extreme velocities at which the ball rebounds off the bat can pose a safety hazard to the pitcher who has to react in a very limited time.

About The Author

Samuel Johnston recommends that you visit http://www.kellysultimatesports.com for more information on softball bats.

samueljohnsto@gmail.com

How To Shoot Video Of Your Kids Sports Team So That Anyone Else Will Watch It!

2006-09-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

How To Shoot Video Of Your Kids Sports Team So That Anyone Else Will Watch It! by: Kevin Rockwell
1. You bought a video camera
2. You want to shoot sports of your kid
3. Here is how to do it
What a wonderful age of technology we live in. You can buy the greatest gadgets now days to record video and music and play them in all sorts of ways on other great technology gadgets from computers, DVD’s, MP3 players, VCR’s, and many more. It is all great stuff. But they all come with thick owners manuals that do not always get you going the right direction. You may eventually learn to use your great new camera for instance, but that does not mean you will necessarily take pictures that are worth looking at down the road. Rolling tape in your camera is one thing and creating video that is high quality and interesting is another thing. The goal of this product is to bring you up to speed with using your video camera (whatever format, and whatever brand) to get the best results for recording those precious moments of your kid’s athletic achievements.
We as parents spend plenty of hours out on the field, court, pool, or track watching our kids take part in and compete in youth sports. If you have a video camera you are going to want to record some of these events for posterity and perhaps education. Following the simple steps in this guide will help you to capture them in the best possible fashion so that it is watch able but also usable down the road.
My video expertise stems from two decades as a network television cameraman and as a parent with several kids actively involved in youth sports. In my years of shooting video professionally I have been around the world and seen just about every type of news event. I also spent 15 years covering pro sports events for my employer. These were the best type of assignments as far as I was concerned. In my entire career the things I have enjoyed most is being able to go to places where the average person cannot. In sports that usually means being on the field, next to the court, in the press box, or in the pit. I have shot football games of all levels up to and including NFC and AFC championship games. Living in the Bay Area has allowed me to cover many baseball pennant races and several World Series. I was right behind home plate the night the earth shook in the 1989 World Series. Talk about a shock. I had to give up covering a World Series between the two Bay Area teams to go and cover a huge news event. Baseball seemed small for a while after the magnitude of the earthquake. The point in this is that I love sports, have been around sports my whole life and I know how to shoot video of sports. With that in mind I will do my best to give you advice on how to do the same.
Gear
Now whether you have the latest DV camera in your hands or an old VHS format camera there are basic things you will need to keep in mind if you are going to shoot sports. As we say in the video business your camera is only as good as the glass that you hang in front of it. The better the lens the better the results will be no matter what kind of recording format you use. Now you already have a camera in hand and may never have heard this particular bit of advice so it is too late to factor it into the equation. However if you have camera in hand and it has any limitations on what it can do due to the lens being less than wonderful there are things you can do to mitigate the situation. We will discuss those things in more detail later on.
The key factors before setting out on your game day video assignment are to make sure you know the operating functions of the gear, have a tape supply in hand (soon to be DVDs with the revolution in gear design that is taking place right now), and batteries fully charged. I know these may seem like the simply obvious things but even the pros have to constantly remind themselves to check and double check these items.
A little aside here about preparation. Over the many years of covering news I learned lots of little tips from other photographers in the field and applied them to my work regimen. In the early days of video we always had to carry around a portable hair dryer because the record decks would seize up if the moisture levels got to high. So in the winter time if you came in from the cold outside into a nice warm building the air would condense inside the machine and cause moisture build up. The warning light would come on and bang we were dead in the water. One of us would have to run to the car and get the hair dryer, fire it up and chase the water away from the record heads of the deck. It caused some very funny moments in public places I can assure you. (This by the way can still be a problem even today with electronics/VCRs/lenses. Too much moisture can cause havoc. So just remember a portable hair dryer can save your day)
Another thing I learned from others is the value of backup. A few years ago I was out on assignment and we had a young eager college intern along with us in the field. This young man wanted to learn all about what we did in our job. He was very interested in how to take pictures, unlike most of our interns who only wanted to become reporters or anchors. He asked many questions and after seeing that he was really paying attention I decided to take him under my wing and really fill him up with information. One tidbit that I shared with him was to always have an emergency stash of tape in his car when out on assignment. He didn’t quite understand the importance of this at first since I had already drilled him about always bringing tape stock with him when going out on assignment. I filled him with stories of times when something or other happened and I’ll be darned if you didn’t need another tape and there under the seat of the car was that emergency spare. So anyway he went off to graduate from college and get a job in a small market TV station. He would send us progress reports from time to time, which I really enjoyed. Then lo and behold one day he sends me a letter telling me how he got into a jam one day on a story and needed that emergency tape. He had dutifully tucked one under the back seat and it was there to save the day. I hope that what you learn in this book will in some way keep you from having a video failure down the road. What I learned in my career is that video production is 80% of it is dealing with the curves and problems that are thrown at you and 20% talent. If you can learn to trouble shoot then you will always be successful.
My first suggestion for shooting your kids sports activities is to go watch TV. Yes sit down put your feet up and watch some sports on TV. Really watch how they make it interesting at the top level. Then watch the news and see how they cover the games from a news perspective. Don’t pay attention to the content; just watch how it develops visually. Now of course you can never duplicate what the networks are doing with just your one camera. However if you can glean anything from watching it should be how they try to bring intimacy with the athletes out in the broadcast. All the new improvements in covering sports have to do with getting you the viewer as close to the athlete as they can. Bring you into their world. From cameras on wires overhead that swoop along the field to cameras in the net of a hockey game to cameras inside the cars at Daytona, it brings you into the game. Now you cannot stand on the pitchers mound at your kids’ baseball game but you can learn some techniques that can make your baseball video more intimate and therefore more compelling to watch.
A side note here, if your task is to capture the whole game or sporting activity for review as a coaching tool you should focus mainly on getting a good high view and putting the camera on a tripod. Pan slowly to follow action and don’t zoom in and out. My main goal here is not to teach you this skill since it is pretty darn basic. However if this is what you are doing you should do it right. Find the right framing to keep as much of the activity in the frame and follow it carefully. Some sports move quickly from one end to the other and you will have to be smooth. Resist the temptation to follow the ball on full zoom. You will lose. Those guys that shoot sports on TV are full on pros using much better gear than you will ever have at your disposal.
Now in order to get a good video of your child’s game you need to find that emotion and excitement that exists in any game. Think of it as capturing a few of the things that occur and making those golden. Does the team do a pre game cheer? Get up close, stick your camera wither way up high over their heads looking down or get underneath looking up and shoot it in a way that takes the viewer where they can’t go. Capture an at bat in baseball by taking a full pitch cycle in close-up of the pitcher, and then one of the catcher and then as close as you can of the hitter. Show their face if you can. If they get the big hit don’t go crazy rushing to zoom out. Follow the runner down the line. It will be almost impossible to follow the ball so stay with the runner. Look for the angles that will give you these emotional shots.
Some sports are more of a challenge due to the size of the field and the amount of movement up and down the field. Take soccer of instance, if you follow the ball the camera is moving all over the place and the viewer gets queasy. To capture some good video of your kid playing you need to focus on specific shots and not try to follow the play. Look for moments such as throw ins, free kicks, kick offs when things are predictable and you can get closer to the action. Walk down the sideline and wait for the action to come to you. If you child is playing right forward then get ahead of the play and when you see the ball moving towards you then you can find you child and roll tape in anticipation of them playing the ball. Be sure to get some shots of the crowd cheering, the coach watching (not yelling I hope) the goalie waiting in anticipation.
Hold your shots steady for 6-10 seconds at a time. If you are taking a shot of someone watching the game actually count it out in your head (thousand one thousand two…) This will ensure that you get good solid shots and that you don’t run on and on with the shot. Brace your arm against your chest for stability and use your other arm across your belly underneath to create a stabilizing platform. This is in lieu of a tripod of course. If you have a tripod it can always be a good thing to use if it does not get in the way.
Use creative angles as much as possible. Get down low and wait for the action to run by you. Don’t pan with it but rather let the action race through the frame. At a swim meet get the camera down on the deck for more of a swimmers perspective of the action. Of course you may not want to stay there when the swimmers approach for a turn. Digital electronics do not like water inside them. I was getting the most awesome low angle shots of some open water ocean swimmers one time and the boat lurched on me and salt water sprayed over the camera. I had a cover on the camera but salt water seeped into the crannies and it caused us much grief getting it cleaned out so as to avoid damaging the electronics of the camera.
About The Author
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports.
http://www.great-digital-cameras.com
info@great-digital-cameras.com

Aim For The Fences When Picking A Softball Bat!

2006-09-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Aim For The Fences When Picking A Softball Bat! by: Ben Hultstrand
Last season your team went to the playoffs, and didn’t do as well as you wanted to. This season you want to go all the way! It takes more than just your basic fielding skills and base running to get to the final dance, you need to keep up with the other teams hitting! If they have the newest bat on the market, broken in and ready to go, your aluminum bat just doesn’t cut it. You need to step your game up and buy a new bat!
When it comes to choosing the best softball bat for the next big season, there are a few things that you might want to consider. The new softball bats have so much technology pumped into them that they are more powerful after every swing. Technology is the biggest factor when trying to choose a new bat because it will give you the competitive edge that you need. Another factor to consider is the longevity of the bat. If you have a bat that is well broken in, you don’t want it to break on you once you have it just the way you want it.
Some of the new Demarini bats offer the half and half technology that fuses carbon composite and high performance aluminum together. This creates amazing pop when the carbon composite flexes like a shaft on a golf club and the high performance aluminum takes over by delivering the power. The new Easton softball bats have a similar technology with the Stealth series. Both of these brands are great, but Demarini seems to set the standard with softball bats.
Another technology that is seen everywhere is the pure carbon composite bats. Every softball bat company seems to have their own variation of this but it is all essentially the same. The reason why this technology is preferred over others is because it does not dent, and produces bigger hits as it gets broken in. If you are looking to buy a new softball bat, I suggest a carbon composite bat. It will last longer and give you the performance that you need to hit it over the fences!
Within the new carbon composite softball bat technology is Easton’s CNT. This stands for Carbon Nanotube Technology. The nanotube technology has a smaller bead which makes it stronger and more flexible. This is a huge advantage when using a bat that has been well broken in and has no signs of breaking! A bat that lasts a while is more likely to produce more powerful hits.
So if your team wants to not only make it to the championship, but dominate the other team, purchase a new softball bat with the latest technology to have that extra advantage!
For more information regarding these softball bats, visit http://www.buysoftballbats.com.
About The Author
Ben Hultstrand
I am a college student that loves softball!

The Greatest Sport On The Planet - Fastpitch Softball!

2006-09-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Sport On The Planet - Fastpitch Softball! by: George Phillips
Welcome to the greatest sport on the planet - fastpitch softball.
Fastpitch softball now ranks near the top of team participation sports played in the U.S.. There is special appeal in fastpitch softball that has allowed it to steadily grow in popularity through the years. Once a person chooses to become involved in fastpitch softball, the sport seems to dominate their lives. I know it did mine, I pitched this game for 35 years, over half of my life was devoted to this sport! I pitched this game for 35 years, over half of my life was devoted to this sport! Starting from never having picked up a softball, to Regional most valuable pitcher, to our team finishing 7th in the nation.
I would rather watch a good exciting fastpitch softball game anyday, than a world series baseball game. Fastpitch softball games move faster, have more action, and you'll soon see how hard it is to hit that big old ball. The windmill motion of a fastpitch softball pitcher can send the ball to the batter at speeds equal to major league baseball pitchers. Now its pretty clear why it is hard to hit a fastball or a fastpitch softball: the batter doesnt have much time to decide!
Fastpitch softball is often characterized by a minimal numbers of runs, desperation drag bunts and delayed steals, just to score that winning run!
Due to the fact that fastpitch pitchers were so hard to find, another form of softball quickly emerged, slow pitch. Slowpitch softball, which does not require the dedication, or travel, or skill of fastpitch, became hugely popular and remains so even today. Most of the differences between fastpitch softball and slowpitch softball are designed to give the batters more dominance, and make fielding more important.
There is a vast difference between when I first started playing fast pitch softball, and todays players. When I started, back in 1958, we didn't have training videos, dvd's and cd's to show exactly how to pitch. We had to learn by trial and error, and hope we could talk someone into slipping us a few secrets of how they threw their rise ball or drop ball, or whichever pitch we wanted to learn. This is another reason for the shortage of decent fastpitch pitchers over the years, which led to slow pitch leagues being formed.
Today there is a video or dvd available that will teach you every phase of pitching, batting, coaching, and almost everything else you would want to know about playing this fantastic sport. How to be a power pitcher, how to throw a rise ball, how to throw a drop ball, how to throw a change up, how to throw a curve ball, and much more. Now anyone with the determination and desire, can quickly grasp the how to information and cut the learning curve down drastically!
For many new players just wanting to get into fastpitch softball, the place to start is getting involved in a local fastpitch softball league. Most major cities have fastpitch softball leagues, some even have both, mens and womens. Many local teams are looking for new players who have above average skills and some knowlege of the game of Fastpitch Softball.
Right here you need to decide whether you want to just play for the fun and exercise, or whether you are up to the challenge of serious competition in fastpitch softball. You will find both types of teams usually in your local leagues. It's a fun and competitive way to particpate in fastpitch softball.
Funding a "First-class" fastpitch softball program can be very costly. If you already have a fastpitch softball team, and looking for a good sponsor, you might want to consider car dealerships or companies involved in mining and exploration, as I have found both to be very receptive for sponsorships.
One last tip, for a new pitcher wanting to become an outstanding fastpitch softball pitcher is... Team up with an outstanding catcher, who knows the game, That will make you many times more effective!
Where fastpitch really shines, is at the college level... where womens fastpitch is a very competitive sport. You may have caught some of the games broadcast by ESPN showing tournament action.
Some people find the transition from recreational softball to fastpitch to be too intimidating, but don't let that happen to you!
You will be missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.
About The Author
George Phillips is the webmaster of cashbuilder.com and The Cashbuilder Free Article Directory. Making Money Online Working From Home business offers. Visit us at: http://www.cashbuilder.com

Strength Training Develops Solid Softball Players

2006-09-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Strength Training Develops Solid Softball Players by Lynn VanDyke
Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com
Softball is a popular sport these days. Corporations, adult leagues and inner-city competitions are fueling the demand for skilled and competitive players. While softball may be experiencing a surge of interest, the basic techniques to improve your game and gain a competitive edge have remained the same.
Many do not realize that basic softball movements such as batting and throwing are not a directly related to arm strength. The movement begins in the legs. The power is then transferred into the hips, the torso, the upper back, the chest, the shoulders and then the arms.
A proper softball strength training routine will include an exercise for each muscle group. During the off-season, athletes will be able to strength train 2-3 times per week. Training should be reduced to 1-2 times per week during the season. Each exercise should be performed 8-12 times for 1-3 sets.
Quickness, speed, agility, balance, explosiveness, and power will be enhanced as the strength training program progresses. Below is a list of sample exercises for the commonly used muscles in softball. There are many other exercises you could perform, but this will provide a starting point.
Quadriceps- Squats, One-Legged Squats, Jump Squats
Hams & Glutes- Lunges, Explosive Lunges, Bridge on Ball
Hip Adductors/Abductors- Lying Side Leg Raises, Ball Squeeze
Obliques- Oblique Crunch on Ball
Rectus Abdominis- Ball Crunch, 180 Ball Crunch
Erector Spinae- Plank Pose
Deltoids- Shoulder Press, Military Press
Pectoralis Major- Chest Fly, Chest Press, Push ups
Latissimus Dorsi- Bent Over Row, Reverse Fly
Triceps- Overhead Extensions, Skull crushers
Biceps- Bicep Curl, Hammer Curl
A powerful softball strength training program will produce powerful players. Use a full ROM (range of motion) for each exercise. Generally free weights provide a better ROM than machines, but use which ever feels best to you. The ultimate goal is to create a solid program that will deliver a well-rounded athlete.
About the Author
Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://strength-training-woman.com . Her expertise in strength training and fitness is quickly becoming recognized by industry leaders. You may grab your free strength training log by visiting her site.

Softball: Olympic Sport No Longer?

2006-09-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Softball: Olympic Sport No Longer? by Jay Moncliff
Softball has been around since a man named George Hancock first invented the game in 1887 in Chicago. It took over 100 years, but women's fast pitch softball became an Olympic event in 1996.
Fast pitch is different from the looping, relaxed pitch often used in recreational softball leagues. Fast pitch players must hit a ball traveling at about 70mph. This is slower than baseball, but certainly much faster than the meandering slow pitch game. However, since the pitcher's mound and the home plate are much closer than in baseball, (40 feet versus 60 feet) the player must react to the pitch just as quickly.
The first softball, a spur of the moment creation in that long-ago first game, was a boxing glove tied into the shape of a ball. Today's softball is 12" in diameter, significantly bigger than the standard base ball at 9", and all white. Softball is actually a misnomer, as the ball used in the game is no softer than a baseball, just larger.
The playing diamond is much smaller than baseball's, with only 60 feet between bases. Baseball diamonds have 90 feet between each base. This makes for a faster, more active game than baseball, a fact that many softball enthusiasts cite as one of the reasons they enjoy the game so much.
Softball games are also two innings shorter than baseball games. However, like baseball, softball seems to inspire devoted fans and players. Many truly love their softball and pursue the game with an almost fanatic passion.
In 1996, women's fast pitch softball made its first appearance at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The United States team took the first gold medal in the sport, beating China in the gold medal game 3-1. An orthopedic surgeon from Florida, Dot Richardson, hit the first Olympic softball home run ever to win the game for the United States, an achievement she calls her most memorable.
After being an Olympic sport for the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic games, softball was recently dropped from the 2012 London Olympics by a tied vote of 52-52 with one member abstaining. Only a simple majority of 53 votes were needed to keep softball in the Olympics, and softball supporters are trying to get the vote reconsidered.
Unfortunately, the Olympic committee doesn't seem very interested in recasting this important ballot. Although the softball federation will certainly have something to say about this, the situation doesn't look hopeful for girls fostering an Olympic fast pitch softball dream.
Perhaps confusion on the part of the Olympic committee caused them to drop women's fast-pitch softball from the London games. There has been speculation that the committee members thought that women's softball was just a female version of baseball, and not popular enough to matter. Whatever their motivations, we hope that the committee will reconsider and reinstate women's fast pitch softball.
About the Author
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.softballcenter.info a website specialized on Softball, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Softball. For more info visit his site: Softball

Youth Softball Bats For Players Of All Sizes

2006-09-01T08:53:00.001-07:00

Youth Softball Bats For Players Of All Sizes by William Smith
Buy a bat based on the size and knowledge of the participant. The taller the batter, the longer the bat. This allows the player to better drive the ball.
Getting your gang the correct batting gear can mean the difference between a acceptable season and a bad season. For youth, softball bats can be the most critical aspect of all equipment purchases that your team will ever make.
Since so many youth vary in their talent levels and proficiency to lift different weights of bats, you will need to have the correct range available for every player on your team. Giving the players some tips on how to handle the youth softball bats they will be using is also a great way to lead them to triumph, and in the end, as for any child, that success will give them confidence in doing everything they do in life.
For instruction, let the youth players know predetermined tips, too, that will be things they can carry with them when they leave your ball club and move onto to other levels of sports. For instance, if your young players find it hard to hit the ball, it is usually not the fault of the bat, if the right weight has been determined.
One good thing to try is to lift the elbow a little, the back elbow, a bit like an old time superstar of the Detroit Tigers, Alan Trammel. The extent of the swing is reduced, so that you allow the youngster to experience a quicker bat speed and increases the power of the swing by giving a right angle torque to the delivery.
Many baseball retailers offer name-brand baseball equipment such as baseball bats, gloves, pitching machines, field equipment, baseball training equipment and more. Brands include Rawlings, Easton, Louisville Slugger, Mizuno, Underarmour, Wilson and more. If you're a baseball coach, from little league to high school and college, ask for special programs designed just for you and your team you may be supprised you will probably find your best source for all the latest in baseball equipment in one online store that offers an even more complete product selection, special online pricing, as well as great deals on other items.
It's a great alternative to choking up on the bat, which can occasionally make it then tough to control the hitting triangle. Go for it kids!
Buy a properly weighted bat. Test this by holding the bat out to your side, using your weaker hand. You should be capable to control it for at least 30 seconds
About the Author
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball's Holy Grail

History of Softball

2006-09-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

History of Softball by Kevin Stith
The game of softball has an interesting history. America has always been the most innovative and inventive nations of the world when it comes to sports. Softball is one of the finest innovations in the history of American sports. Softball is another close relative of the popular sport baseball, but with slight and significant alterations. It is very interesting to note that though softball has never gained much popularity worldwide, it has its genesis right in the nineteenth century. The very first version of softball was invented in Chicago in the year 1887 by a reporter from the Chicago Board of Trade. His name was George Hancock, and he tried to innovate a winter version of baseball.
Farragut Boat Club was the first venue where the newly evolved game of what was then known as 'indoor baseball' was first played. There are many humorous incidents which have proven to be one of the most important developments of the game. Instead of a specialized glove for the game, a boxing glove was tied to the ball. Instead of a specialized bat, a broom handle was used to hit the ball.
IN 1895 came the first time softball was played as an outdoor game, in Minneapolis. Firefighters played it for exercise. The game of softball at that time was known as kitten ball. After years of development in the game, the first ever softball league outside the United States was organized in Toronto, Canada, in 1897. Softball's name had itself undergone a series of changes since 1926. Some of the names include indoor baseball, kitten ball, diamond ball, mush ball, and pumpkin ball. Standard and international rules were first agreed upon only after the formation of the Amateur Softball Association in 1933.
About the Author
Softball provides detailed information on Softballs, Fastpitch Softball, Softball Equipment, History Of Softball and more. Softball is affliated with Miken Softball Bats.

Softball Equipment

2006-09-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Softball Equipment by Kevin Stith
Through the passing of time, the game as well as the equipment of the game of softball have developed to a great extent. Among the various components of the game of softball, the most important ones are the ball itself, gloves, the bat, the jersey, shoes and the protective gear that is so essential for the catchers.
The size of the ball varies according to the codes of the play. Besides being easily distinguishable, the particular ball used for the game has some particular measurements to which the ball must adhere. The permitted circumferences for the international rules of play are 12 inches or 30 centimeters, and 11 inches or 28 centimeters. Often the ball remains enclosed in a layer of white leather, roughly in two pieces. The ball then resembles the shape of the numeric figure of 'eight' (8). It is sewn together with a red thread. The material of the core of the softball is made up of long fibers, a mixture of cork and rubber, polyurethane mixture or another material approved by the international organization of softball. The recent invention of the yellow, easily visible optic ball is a landmark achievement in the history of the game.
Gloves and mitts are prime components for those players on the field trying to catch the ball. All players wear gloves and mitts, and the latter is differentiated from the first on the basis of the fact that mitts have an extra padding with no fingers. The bat that is used is usually made of hardwood, metal, or any other materials that the game permits, and is no more than one kilogram in weight, thirty-four inches in length and just over two inches in breadth.
About the Author
Softball provides detailed information on Softballs, Fastpitch Softball, Softball Equipment, History Of Softball and more. Softball is affliated with Miken Softball Bats.

FOUR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL TRAINING SECRETS

2006-09-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

FOUR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL TRAINING SECRETS, Part 1 by Steve Zawrotny, MS, CSCS
As you might guess, a lot of the training information that is widely circulated and believed to be helpful is not only wrong, but in many cases has the potential to cause injury and long-term damage. This four-part series will dispel some myths and reveal four important keys to baseball/softball training that will help you train safer and smarter with the aim of improving your on-field performance.
Baseball is not a strength game - it is a game of explosive power. A small child can pick up and throw a regulation-size 5 oz baseball, and even swing a 30 oz bat. But it takes a highly trained athlete, demonstrating precise mechanical skills, to propel that 5 oz ball 90 + mph, or to hit it 400 + feet.
Add to this the fact that most plays on a ball field rarely take longer than 6 or 7 seconds. There are exceptions - an inside the park homer, or an extended rundown or "pickle." But, for the most part, things happen pretty quickly on the diamond.
Why does this matter to you?
Well, let me ask you this: How often have you heard coaches tell pitchers to condition themselves by running laps - Long, Slow, Distance (LSD) training - or to spend a lot of time pedaling a bike? If you've been around this game as long as I have, you've seen a lot. Here's the problem: these coaches (and many players) incorrectly believe that LSD (or aerobic) conditioning increases leg strength, thereby improving player performance.
In fact, one of the worst ways to develop leg strength is by long distance running. Biking is somewhat more effective in this regard, but "strength endurance" is the trait it develops, when POWER is what is needed. Since baseball and softball require little in the way of aerobic or strength endurance (other than the throwing arm, a different discussion) a lot of time and energy is being wasted utilizing these conditioning methods.
As further proof, consider that the oxygen uptake of a pitcher (the most active position) is a low 45% of the maximum required. Apparently the rest pitchers get between each pitch and in-between innings is sufficient to replenish the energy system most used by ball-players - the "alactic anaerobic" energy system. The key to proper conditioning is to train the energy system actually used during games.
What this means is that there is little to no lactic acid buildup as a result of the activity of pitching. Perhaps you're familiar with that burning feeling you get in your muscles when you do a hard set of weight lifting? That's a result of a buildup of lactic acid, a by-product of that and other short-term, intense exercises.
Have you ever heard of a ball player complaining of this problem?
Here's what a baseball pitcher faces while pitching: It takes about 0.15 seconds from the time the front foot contacts the ground until the ball is released. Very little lactic acid is built up during this short burst of activity. The primary source of fatigue in pitching is not metabolic, but neural. [1]
Again, why does this matter to you?
Because studies show that LSD training significantly detracts from power, strength, and speed development. Put another way: Train Slow, Play Slow. Function becomes form.
Reduce these characteristics and you reduce your ability to throw with high velocity, hit with power, and run at high speed. Look at the physiques of sprinters vs. marathoners. You don't have to be built like a sprinter to be successful at baseball and softball, but this illustrates how training affects one's body, conditioning, and hence, ability to function.
As mentioned earlier, aside from the game itself (which can be long and slow!) things happen quickly on the ball field. Playing softball and baseball requires high velocity, ballistic movements like throwing
(C) 2004, Baseball Fit LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quotations with attribution permitted. Cite source as Steve Zawrotny's BASEBALL FIT Hitting & Pitching Academy - www.BaseballFit.com
The information contained herein is the opinion of the author based on his personal observations and years of experience. Neither Steve Zawrotny or Baseball Fit assume any liability whatsoever for the use of or inability to use any or all of the information presented on this website.
About the Author
I am currently the Strength & Conditioning Advisor to the Lincon Saltdogs minor league baseball team. In addition:
30+ Years As A Player & Coach, From Little League Through NCAA D-1 Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Physical Education from BYU Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) With The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Formerly a Physical Training Specialist with T

5 Tips for Coaching 8U Softball

2006-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

5 Tips for Coaching 8U Softball by Stacie Mahoe
Work within an 8U Attention Span Players at the 8U level can get bored and distracted very easily. Keep them involved by splitting them up into smaller groups. Have coaches work with as few players as possible so that there is minimal standing in line time. If you don't mind parent help, ask parents to come out and help roll grounders, throw fly balls, or take care of other simple tasks. This can help move practice along and keep groups or stations small.
Everyone is Involved Strive to have your players understand that even if it's not their turn, you expect them to be involved and pay attention. Explain that they can learn by watching their teammates do drills. They can also help their teammates by cheering them on. Just like in the game, even if it's not their turn to field or catch the ball they are still involved in the play (i.e. cover a base, let your teammate know where to throw, etc). Also make it clear that no one should be talking or playing games as they wait in line. You can explain that practice is similar to school, there is no talking simply because the focus is on someone else. No one should be talking when the coach is talking just as no one talks in school while the teacher is talking.
Take Away the Fear Factor Many players in the 8U division will be learning many of the skills you teach for the first time. Obviously, this means they may not be able to correctly perform certain skills, catching a thrown ball for instance. If a player at this age gets hit with a ball they try to catch, they may become afraid of catching. If you've ever seen a scared player trying to catch a ball, you know that it's not likely. The shy away from the ball, they turn their head, or they close their eyes. None of these actions will help them get better at catching. Help them stop doing these things by taking away the "fear factor." You can do this by using wiffle balls, or even crumpled up paper balls until the player becomes confident in their own ability to catch a ball. An added bonus is the fact that a paper or wiffle ball often moves in flight. It does not travel in as straight a path as a regular softball. Therefore, if a player can learn to catch a curving paper or wiffle ball, catching a softball that travels in a straighter path should be relatively simple for them.
Cover fundamentals Cover fundamentals over and over and over and over and over again. I think you get the idea. If a player learns nothing else this season, they should at least learn good throwing and/or fielding mechanics. I say "or" because everyone has a different learning curve and you may have that one player who, for whatever reason, masters skills at a much slower rate than usual. Fundamentals are also the basic building blocks these players will fall back to over and over again throughout their career if they begin struggling with a particular skill. If they never learn these fundamentals, they'll have no clue how to "get back on track" later on in their career when they need to.
Have Fun - this is not the Olympics Last but not least, players at this age will play because it's fun, not because they see that they are the best in the league. Never underestimate the importance of enjoying the game. It's what keeps players coming back season after season, year after year. Keep the softball fire burning by making practice and game experiences fun!
For help on Keeping Softball Fun check out the e-book at AllAboutFastpitch.com.
About the Author
Stacie is the owner of AllAboutFastpitch.com and offers tips at FreeFastpitchTips.com.

Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations

2006-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations by Udo Vieth

Softball Cleats Facts
The following article includes pertinent information that could induce you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most crucial thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.
When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
See how much you can learn about Sport shoes when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Most of this information comes straight from the Sport shoes pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.
Often, if you are involved in a softball league for younger kids, you will note that they do not wear softball shoes. Even though this is not a problem and regular shoes will work, cleats make everything so much more comfortable.
Softball cleats will allow for the players to get more efficient traction when attempting to run on the field. Most fields consist of a soil infield and a grass outfield. This implies that if you have ordinary shoes on, you will have a really hard time keeping your footing on the dirt infield. But if you are using softball cleats, you will be able to grip the dirt better, and keep yourself balanced.
The reason that many younger children do not wear softball cleats is because of safety regulations in the league that they take part in. However just because there are safety regulations does not signify that you cannot wear cleats. There are two different types of softball cleats that you can find. For starters, if you are advanced and play in an senior league, you would want to go with a pair of alloy softball cleats. However on the other hand, if you are younger, you may want to buy cleats that are not alloy. These cleats ensure that potentially if an accident does take place, nobody will get harmed. The rule in the little softball leagues is typically that the players could have on cleats as long as they are not metal.
In general, each player should have a good pair of softball cleats. These would go far in making the softball playing experience as enjoyable as possible. Before you buy any new cleats, make sure that you check the league regulations in order to discover precisely what you can and cannot wear. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Today might be a good time to write down the primary points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's vital about Sport footwear.
There's a heap to be aware of about Sport shoes. We were able to provide you with a select few of the details above, but there is still much more to write about in following articles.
About the Author

Ameritor is the owner of Online Cleats Resource , Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations.