Softball Coaching Stuff
CATCHING
Jan 27th
When the catcher comes out of her stance to shift her feet to throw, her back foot must land first before her stride foot in order to push her body to the front/stride foot.
If both feet land together the catcher loses power on her throw.
Teaching catching is something we could all do a better job of. Make sure you also know how to properly teach the hand position for your catcher’s when they make their throws down to 2nd base – or any other base for that matter. Quickness matters to catchers and their hand position upon separation is crucial to a quick release.
25 Things Your Players Wish You Knew
Jan 21st
Ultimately our goal as coaches is to help our players improve. In order to do that to the best of our ability, it’s important that we know more about them than just the superficial softball stuff. The more we understand our players and what makes them tick the easier it will be for us to coach them effectively. With that in mind, here are…
25 Things Your Players Wish You Knew
- I have fears and worries on and off the field. If you can help me resolve my softball fears and worries, you become someone I want to listen to.
- It means a lot to me when you take the time to acknowledge my effort and commitment.
- I don’t mind putting in the time, as long as I feel it’s well spent.
- There are times I don’t understand the concepts you’re teaching or the points you’re trying to make. Can you make them clearer for me?
- Not all adults I’ve seen deserve my respect so my trust and respect are not something you get “just because” you’re supposed to. More >
Chipping Away at the Marble – 8 Strategies for a Successful New Year
Jan 15th
What will allow some of you to become champions while others wait for next year? Does it come down to better players, or is there something YOU can do to help keep everyone on track?
Michelangelo once claimed that he didn’t really create the figures he carved in marble. They were already in the stone; he simply chipped away the excess so that they could be seen. That’s what the start of every softball season is like, isn’t it? We’re staring at our chunk of marble and trying to envision what’s really in there.
Some of us get tripped up because we start carving that marble based on what we “want” to be in there, say a League Champion or a National Champion, when in fact, the rock might simply hold within it a talented group of young players ready to experience the season. Who’s to say that both things won’t end up looking the same (League or even National Champion), but the difference is in how you approach things. The piece of marble that Michelangelo used to carve his now world-famous sculpture of David was so flawed that other artists had given up using it. Fortunately for all of us Michelangelo saw something within that slab that no one else did!
If you start attacking your marble thinking you’re carving a National Champion, then the first sign of anything else and you’re likely to get frustrated and possibly crack the whole thing. But, if you go into that marble and let it show you what’s inside and simply make it the very best you can, then your entire approach and focus and patience level is completely different. And so too, is the outcome.
Throwing a curveball
Jan 10th
When throwing the curveball have your pitcher let her hand lead her arm through the release, instead of tensing up and sticking her elbow at the hip causing the ball to barely move, if at all.
Keeping the elbow stiffly attached to her hip is the biggest error that pitchers make in throwing their curveball. Relax the shoulders and lead with the hand and watch your curveball break!
The Real Definition of Hustle
Jan 8th
By Dick Smith
Head Coach – University of St. Francis
When I was playing the game as a youth, I used to ride my bike to the ball diamond about three hours before game time. No one else was there and I wondered why. About 45 minutes before game time my teammates arrived, and the opposing team came 15 minutes later. All came walking to the field, shirts out, stirrups in disarray, and in a slovenly manner.
Now, I love the game. I think it’s great. I do not respect anyone who plays or coaches the game who does not cherish it as I do. Unrealistic and unfair? Certainly, to a degree. But then why engage in something if is an unpleasant experience? Too many players and coaches involve themselves in the game and then go through varying periods and degrees of depression and the doldrums in general. They simply ain’t havin’ any fun.
During this past season I was at field and watched a team get off a bus. Slovenly? A compliment. Hustle? Not a hint. They played in the same tacky manner. The team was there for something other than softball; the coaches exhibited a similar attitude.
Hustle is something we can control. The demands we make of our teams must include this essential element, but our teams must be made aware of our definition of the word.
Do we merely want out teams to jog on and off the field, run after errant softballs, and talk it up during play? This is the more common definition, and most players understand it as such.
My definition of hustle includes many things. The first is PRIDE in appearance and conduct. A spirited, hustling team will come to the field dressed sharply, on the run, and will enthusiastically be looking forward to the impending competition. Equipment will be in prime condition and will be handled with care. If not clean, the bench area will be immediately groomed and prepared for equipment and players. Personal gear will be dealt with in a like manner by all.
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