There was a time in the past that all you needed to be a good athlete was to be in good physical shape. However, with the development of more sports-specific exercises, being in shape simply doesn't cut it anymore.
Today, you need to undergo a softball specific program if you want to get an edge over your opponents. Being fit for playing softball means you will be able to compete even at the highest levels of the game where things are a lot more demanding.
But what are the benefits of going through a softball-specific training? There are tons of them, all of which help to improve the way you perform on the field. Here are some of them to start with:
1.1. Pitch faster and throw harder. Obviously, this is something you cannot realistically achieve if you only use conventional training methods. A softball-centered approach will do more than just develop muscles in your body. Rather, it will focus on specific muscle groups that you use for pitching and throwing. This of course gets you exactly the results that you wanted.
2.2. React faster. A lot of decisions made on the softball field are made in less than a second. It applies to when you're deciding whether to hit the ball or not, or to steal a base or stay in your position. Sure, you can improve your reaction in a number of ways, but nothing beats training on the field. It enables you to embed the knowledge better, so you'll know what to do next time you play – without even thinking about it.
3.3. Recover faster between innings and games. Endurance is also important in softball. But it's not the type of endurance that basketball players or marathon runners need. When you're playing softball, you only need to sprint occasionally, but you also have to deal with the weather especially during summer. If you go through softball-specific training, your body will be a lot more tuned to staying in the game longer. But more than that, your recovery time will also be a lot quicker.
4.4. Be mentally tougher. Since softball is a non-contact sport, you go to war against your opponents using not just your skills but also your understanding of the psychology of your opponents. And you can only achieve this if you are a mentally tough player. This is something that gym trainers will never be able to teach you – only softball coaches and trainers can.
5.5. Stay healthy and avoid injuries. The physical demands of softball are a lot different from other sports. In softball, you don't need to run often, and you don't do a lot of jumping. But the wear and tear on your body happens in muscles that you use often for swinging or throwing the ball. Getting softball-specific training will give you the exact exercises that will help you strengthen and avoid injuries in these areas.
Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher and be more dominant on the softball field.
softballperformance
Showing posts with label Fastpitch Softball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fastpitch Softball. Show all posts
Monday, July 15, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Understanding Softball Balls for Better Pitching and Batting Practice
Softball Balls for Better Pitching and Batting Practice
By Guest AuthorJacob Bennet
Purchasing softball balls may sound easy enough, yet the ones used for practice may differ in texture and size as opposed to official game day balls. Some are used for practice only while others are sized up for league competition. Other things to consider before placing an order include equipment compatibility as well as the many different age groups and skill levels involved.
While fastpitch bats are designed to handle higher velocities, the slow-pitch models are configured to suit lighter impact settings. With all the different softball balls and accessories on the market today, buying one of each may be out of the question. When it comes to softballs for sale, a few brand names stand out above the rest.
It's also important to figure out which ones will work best in any given pitching machine and be used for manual throwing exercises; many baseball pitching machines for sale have specific mechanisms designed to house most every type of baseball and softball imaginable. Pitching machine balls such as the Atec Tuffy and Supersoft SFTs are just two examples of softball balls specifically designed for the Power Streak machine.
Their raised seams allow breaking balls to dance across the plate while giving young hitters a great deal of confidence. The soft housing provides a reduced injury factor, as instructional league hitters get accustomed to the different types of ball movement. These are great training balls that can help to improve hand-to-eye coordination, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor practices. They can also be used in other pitching machine models as well, yet it's best to check the specs beforehand.
Many other softball balls can get the job done for intermediate training sequences. Taking it to the next level requires using simulated league play balls. A variety of authentic game-day softballs for sale include the Easton and Worth brands respectively, which are constructed for fastpitch bats.
The Easton FX1 Power Brigade is built with composite alloy barrel material that solidifies the sweet spot while being able to endure heaters up to 98 MPH. Approved by over a half-dozen organized leagues, it can be used to hit a number of softball balls made for league play.
The collection of Worth RIF Fastpitch brand softballs includes the 10, 11 and 12 inch balls with yellow covers and bright red stitching. The benefit of having two sharp contrasting colors enables younger hitters to see the ball better and make solid contact. Because these balls are both firm for getting some distance and spongy enough to reduce the sting; practicing with confidence can carry over into game-time situations. This is an important aspect of the developmental process concerning adolescent athletes, which is why the Worth brand softball balls are recommended for youngsters up to 12 years of age.
With literally dozens of different types of softballs for sale can increase both offensive and defensive skills, getting a chance to practice with as many different balls as possible is recommended. Becoming familiar with diversity is one of the key components of being able to adapt and adjust in a fluid manner.
Baseball and softball training aids are there primarily for the purpose of increasing athletic ability, yet this process extends beyond motor skills and coordination. Gaining a sense of camaraderie and heightened self-esteem is paramount to the chances for future success in the game of life itself. While softball balls may seem inconsequential to some, understanding the benefits and features of this piece of training equipment can better prepare your team to maximize their game day performance.
Jacob Bennet reviews of various team softball and baseball sports equipment including various types of batting cages, pitching machines and even likes to share his expertise on researching and purchasing softball balls. He is eager to help both players and coaches make good sound decisions when searching for specific baseball equipment including baseball and softball balls to help find the best ways to create and experience an effective practice for your team.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Bennet
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7605182
By Guest AuthorJacob Bennet
Purchasing softball balls may sound easy enough, yet the ones used for practice may differ in texture and size as opposed to official game day balls. Some are used for practice only while others are sized up for league competition. Other things to consider before placing an order include equipment compatibility as well as the many different age groups and skill levels involved.
While fastpitch bats are designed to handle higher velocities, the slow-pitch models are configured to suit lighter impact settings. With all the different softball balls and accessories on the market today, buying one of each may be out of the question. When it comes to softballs for sale, a few brand names stand out above the rest.
It's also important to figure out which ones will work best in any given pitching machine and be used for manual throwing exercises; many baseball pitching machines for sale have specific mechanisms designed to house most every type of baseball and softball imaginable. Pitching machine balls such as the Atec Tuffy and Supersoft SFTs are just two examples of softball balls specifically designed for the Power Streak machine.
Their raised seams allow breaking balls to dance across the plate while giving young hitters a great deal of confidence. The soft housing provides a reduced injury factor, as instructional league hitters get accustomed to the different types of ball movement. These are great training balls that can help to improve hand-to-eye coordination, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor practices. They can also be used in other pitching machine models as well, yet it's best to check the specs beforehand.
Many other softball balls can get the job done for intermediate training sequences. Taking it to the next level requires using simulated league play balls. A variety of authentic game-day softballs for sale include the Easton and Worth brands respectively, which are constructed for fastpitch bats.
The Easton FX1 Power Brigade is built with composite alloy barrel material that solidifies the sweet spot while being able to endure heaters up to 98 MPH. Approved by over a half-dozen organized leagues, it can be used to hit a number of softball balls made for league play.
The collection of Worth RIF Fastpitch brand softballs includes the 10, 11 and 12 inch balls with yellow covers and bright red stitching. The benefit of having two sharp contrasting colors enables younger hitters to see the ball better and make solid contact. Because these balls are both firm for getting some distance and spongy enough to reduce the sting; practicing with confidence can carry over into game-time situations. This is an important aspect of the developmental process concerning adolescent athletes, which is why the Worth brand softball balls are recommended for youngsters up to 12 years of age.
With literally dozens of different types of softballs for sale can increase both offensive and defensive skills, getting a chance to practice with as many different balls as possible is recommended. Becoming familiar with diversity is one of the key components of being able to adapt and adjust in a fluid manner.
Baseball and softball training aids are there primarily for the purpose of increasing athletic ability, yet this process extends beyond motor skills and coordination. Gaining a sense of camaraderie and heightened self-esteem is paramount to the chances for future success in the game of life itself. While softball balls may seem inconsequential to some, understanding the benefits and features of this piece of training equipment can better prepare your team to maximize their game day performance.
Jacob Bennet reviews of various team softball and baseball sports equipment including various types of batting cages, pitching machines and even likes to share his expertise on researching and purchasing softball balls. He is eager to help both players and coaches make good sound decisions when searching for specific baseball equipment including baseball and softball balls to help find the best ways to create and experience an effective practice for your team.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Bennet
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7605182
Monday, December 5, 2011
Different Ways to Utilize Softball Pitching Machines
Different Ways to Utilize Softball Pitching Machines
By guest author: Lincoln Hawk
As a softball coach or a player, it's important to practice with the best all-around equipment, and an example of this would be softball pitching machines. This piece of equipment is very versatile in that it can be used to help improve your skills in many different aspects of the game. Here are a few ways that softball pitching machines can be used to improve your overall performance:
Outfielding
One way to use softball pitching machines is to adjust the machine to throw pop-ups to your outfielders. You can practice catching pop-ups, as well as chasing down pop flies that are "hit" away from you. You also could lower softball pitching machines to simulate line drives to the outfield that need to be fielded and thrown back to the infield. It's as important to field the ball in the outfield as it is to catch pop flies.
Infielding
To work on taking ground balls in the infield, you can set softball pitching machines to fire line drive grounders. You can also adjust the speed of the machines to simulate weakly hit grounders that infielders will need to run in on.
Hitting
The most obvious use is for throwing pitches so you can work on improving your hitting. You can adjust the machine to practice hitting pitches with lots of arch to them, or to pitch softballs that are a little bit flatter. If you are a fastpitch player, you can increase the speed of the machine to help you improve your contact as a hitter.
Team Drills
You can utilize softball pitching machines to work on team fundamentals. One way is to set up situational drills, such as having a runner tagging up from third trying to score. Use the machine to throw pop-ups to the outfielders. Have the outfielders catch it and relay it in back to a middle infielder, who will in turn fire it back to the catcher to tag out the tagging runner.
You could also simulate a game by having the players who aren't starters in the field act as base runners. You can then adjust the pitching machine to "hit" the ball to different parts of the field as the base runners advance. You can make a game out of it by making the fielders have to run laps or do pushups if the base runners score so many runs. This will encourage the fielders to pay more attention to what they are doing on the field, which will hopefully translate onto the field during a real game.
For more information on where to find softball pitching machines, check out pitchingmachines.zoostores.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lincoln_Hawk
========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
By guest author: Lincoln Hawk
As a softball coach or a player, it's important to practice with the best all-around equipment, and an example of this would be softball pitching machines. This piece of equipment is very versatile in that it can be used to help improve your skills in many different aspects of the game. Here are a few ways that softball pitching machines can be used to improve your overall performance:
Outfielding
One way to use softball pitching machines is to adjust the machine to throw pop-ups to your outfielders. You can practice catching pop-ups, as well as chasing down pop flies that are "hit" away from you. You also could lower softball pitching machines to simulate line drives to the outfield that need to be fielded and thrown back to the infield. It's as important to field the ball in the outfield as it is to catch pop flies.
Infielding
To work on taking ground balls in the infield, you can set softball pitching machines to fire line drive grounders. You can also adjust the speed of the machines to simulate weakly hit grounders that infielders will need to run in on.
Hitting
The most obvious use is for throwing pitches so you can work on improving your hitting. You can adjust the machine to practice hitting pitches with lots of arch to them, or to pitch softballs that are a little bit flatter. If you are a fastpitch player, you can increase the speed of the machine to help you improve your contact as a hitter.
Team Drills
You can utilize softball pitching machines to work on team fundamentals. One way is to set up situational drills, such as having a runner tagging up from third trying to score. Use the machine to throw pop-ups to the outfielders. Have the outfielders catch it and relay it in back to a middle infielder, who will in turn fire it back to the catcher to tag out the tagging runner.
You could also simulate a game by having the players who aren't starters in the field act as base runners. You can then adjust the pitching machine to "hit" the ball to different parts of the field as the base runners advance. You can make a game out of it by making the fielders have to run laps or do pushups if the base runners score so many runs. This will encourage the fielders to pay more attention to what they are doing on the field, which will hopefully translate onto the field during a real game.
For more information on where to find softball pitching machines, check out pitchingmachines.zoostores.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lincoln_Hawk
========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Episode 52 - Infielder Faceguards Review - The Fastpitch Softball TV Show
Episode 52 - Infielder Faceguards Review - The Fastpitch Softball TV Show
Uploaded by FastpitchTV http://Fastpitch.TV - On this episode the Batbusters softball team helps us review fastpitch faceguards for infielders. See which one they choose as their favorite. They choose from the D Mask, The Rip it, The Gamerface, and The Bangers.
All the facemasks in this video can be found at http://www.FastpitchFaceguards.com
Visit the Fastpitch TV Show's website at http://Fastpitch.TV
You can find our softball iPhone App at http://FastpitchApps.com
Don't forget to visit our other softball websites
The Fastpitch Radio Show - http://Fastpitch.FM
The Fastpitch News Blog - http://Fastpitch.US
Free fastpitch video drills http://FastpitchDrills.com
A search engine for softball - http://FastpitchSearch
This content is provided with a Creative Commons Share-Alike License. Feel free to use this content, in whole or in part, in any manner you like so long as you give credit to Gary leland, Fastpitch.TV and link to http://fastpitch.tv
For softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball bats visit http://softballjunk.com/.
Gary leland is a new media producer of fastpitch softball. information. For advertising information send him an email to FastpitchTV@Gmail.com, or visit his personal website site at http://garyleland.com for more information on Gary
Add The Fastpitch Softball TV Show to your social network of choice at http://fastpitch.tv.
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Feel free to email questions for future shows to FastpitchTV@gmail.com. You may also leave questions, or comments on our call in line 209-softbal.
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Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Softball Practice Drills - Improve Technique for Any Position
Softball Practice Drills - Improve Technique for Any Position
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg
Drills for Stronger Players
Good softball practice drills will both teach the players new techniques and allow them to see the results of their practicing over time. When used effectively, they will challenge players to become stronger in their positions and also reward them with successful game play. The following drills focus on strengthening infield, outfield, and base running technique.
In-Betweens
In this softball practice drill, outfielders learn the importance of communication while working on catching fly balls. First the team is divided into two groups. The groups form two lines in the outfield, spread out about 60 feet. The coach stands in front of the two lines and throws a softball in the air, like a fly ball from a hitter. The first two players in the lines watch and call for the ball until someone catches it (ideally the one who called for it). The players then run to the end of the line and the next two players complete the drill.
Two Line Challenge
This practice drill for softball focuses on catching in the infield and often includes diving practice as well. Players form two lines, one at the second base position and the other at the shortstop position. The coach stands at the center of the diamond and rolls the ball in the direction of one of the positions. The first player in line fields the ball, which might require diving. Once she fields the ball she quickly tosses it back to the coach and runs to the end of the line.
Base Cycles
This softball drill works on increasing speed and improving technique in base running. Players form a line at home plate, starting with the fastest and ending with the slowest. Keeping a safe distance between each player, they run from home run all the way through first base. Once each player has reached the grass, they line up again at first base and run to second, then to third, and lastly to home.
The next level of the drill incorporates base coaches. The players run from home through to second base, making sure to check in with the coach. Then they complete the drill by running from second to third and third to home. Next they run from home to third, and on the last level of the drill they run from home all the way back to home. Players should focus on proper base running technique and following the instructions of their base coaches.
And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:
http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Wittenburg
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5143616
====================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
By guest author: Becky Wittenburg
Drills for Stronger Players
Good softball practice drills will both teach the players new techniques and allow them to see the results of their practicing over time. When used effectively, they will challenge players to become stronger in their positions and also reward them with successful game play. The following drills focus on strengthening infield, outfield, and base running technique.
In-Betweens
In this softball practice drill, outfielders learn the importance of communication while working on catching fly balls. First the team is divided into two groups. The groups form two lines in the outfield, spread out about 60 feet. The coach stands in front of the two lines and throws a softball in the air, like a fly ball from a hitter. The first two players in the lines watch and call for the ball until someone catches it (ideally the one who called for it). The players then run to the end of the line and the next two players complete the drill.
Two Line Challenge
This practice drill for softball focuses on catching in the infield and often includes diving practice as well. Players form two lines, one at the second base position and the other at the shortstop position. The coach stands at the center of the diamond and rolls the ball in the direction of one of the positions. The first player in line fields the ball, which might require diving. Once she fields the ball she quickly tosses it back to the coach and runs to the end of the line.
Base Cycles
This softball drill works on increasing speed and improving technique in base running. Players form a line at home plate, starting with the fastest and ending with the slowest. Keeping a safe distance between each player, they run from home run all the way through first base. Once each player has reached the grass, they line up again at first base and run to second, then to third, and lastly to home.
The next level of the drill incorporates base coaches. The players run from home through to second base, making sure to check in with the coach. Then they complete the drill by running from second to third and third to home. Next they run from home to third, and on the last level of the drill they run from home all the way back to home. Players should focus on proper base running technique and following the instructions of their base coaches.
And if you'd like to see more free softball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:
http://www.softball-spot.com/vid/
Becky Wittenburg is a kids softball coach, and the owner and publisher of Softball-Spot.com, the web's #1 resource for softball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Wittenburg
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5143616
====================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Power Hitting - Ultimate Strength And Conditioning For The Softball Elite!
Power Hitting - Ultimate Strength And Conditioning For The Softball Elite!
By Brandon Richey
Being a strength professional and fitness trainer in the Atlanta, Georgia area now for over 10 years I have had plenty of experience in training athletes of all kinds. I remember when I played baseball and looking back I wished I knew then what I know now about strength training and athletic performance. Even though I didn't play softball on a regular basis the act of hitting comes from the same motion and the integration of the same muscles that are involved in swinging the bat. If I would have had the opportunity to add something to my strength training program it would have been the kettlebell swing lift. This is a great strength and conditioning drill for softball players to develop some serious hitting power.
Strength Training Softball
You see as a player you already get plenty of skills training in terms of your hitting and fielding when you are at practice. This is a common theme with baseball and softball players and is also something that can tend to hurt your softball playing performance to a degree. So you are probably wondering Brandon how can this hurt my game? Well, its not the practicing that will hurt your softball game, but I have seen many players neglect the implementation of a smart strength and conditioning program over the years by putting all of their emphasis on skills practice and none on strength training. The only way you are going to improve your hitting, throwing, and fielding abilities is by making yourself a better athlete and this starts with lifts such as the kettlebell swing.
The kettlebell swing is the base strength endurance lift that is performed with this ancient device and it involves all of your big core muscles in order to pull it off. You are basically implementing a swinging motion with the bell by moving it at an arc back and forth from between your legs up to at least chest level. This is done by you having to engage your hips and knees in a state of constant flexion and extension in order to create the necessary momentum to swing the bell. By doing this you are involving all the major muscles that work together in order to hit the ball for some serious power.
Kettlebell training is a movement based style of training which is why it is so effective for preparing you for all sports. You move during the game so you should train your body in the same way. If you haven't already started to implement the swing lift into your softball strength and conditioning program then you are falling behind. Remember that most any athlete can train hard, but only the best train smart!
To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com.
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html.
I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
===================
Thanks to Our Sponsor: SoftballrUs.com
Suggested Links:
http://fastpitchsoftballcoaching.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballtrainingequipment.blogspot.com/
http://youthsoftballcoachingclinic.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballhittingcoach.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchpitchingcoach.blogspot.com/
http://softballbloopers.blogspot.com/
http://softballvideosonline.blogspot.com/
http://wildsportsvideos.blogspot.com/
http://rottensports.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballcoaching.blogspot.com/
Check out these site:
RottenCoaches.com
WildSportsVideos.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com
FunnyBaseballVideos.com
SoftballBloopers.com
RottenSports.com
By Brandon Richey
Being a strength professional and fitness trainer in the Atlanta, Georgia area now for over 10 years I have had plenty of experience in training athletes of all kinds. I remember when I played baseball and looking back I wished I knew then what I know now about strength training and athletic performance. Even though I didn't play softball on a regular basis the act of hitting comes from the same motion and the integration of the same muscles that are involved in swinging the bat. If I would have had the opportunity to add something to my strength training program it would have been the kettlebell swing lift. This is a great strength and conditioning drill for softball players to develop some serious hitting power.
Strength Training Softball
You see as a player you already get plenty of skills training in terms of your hitting and fielding when you are at practice. This is a common theme with baseball and softball players and is also something that can tend to hurt your softball playing performance to a degree. So you are probably wondering Brandon how can this hurt my game? Well, its not the practicing that will hurt your softball game, but I have seen many players neglect the implementation of a smart strength and conditioning program over the years by putting all of their emphasis on skills practice and none on strength training. The only way you are going to improve your hitting, throwing, and fielding abilities is by making yourself a better athlete and this starts with lifts such as the kettlebell swing.
The kettlebell swing is the base strength endurance lift that is performed with this ancient device and it involves all of your big core muscles in order to pull it off. You are basically implementing a swinging motion with the bell by moving it at an arc back and forth from between your legs up to at least chest level. This is done by you having to engage your hips and knees in a state of constant flexion and extension in order to create the necessary momentum to swing the bell. By doing this you are involving all the major muscles that work together in order to hit the ball for some serious power.
Kettlebell training is a movement based style of training which is why it is so effective for preparing you for all sports. You move during the game so you should train your body in the same way. If you haven't already started to implement the swing lift into your softball strength and conditioning program then you are falling behind. Remember that most any athlete can train hard, but only the best train smart!
To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com.
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html.
I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
===================
Thanks to Our Sponsor: SoftballrUs.com
Suggested Links:
http://fastpitchsoftballcoaching.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballtrainingequipment.blogspot.com/
http://youthsoftballcoachingclinic.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballhittingcoach.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchpitchingcoach.blogspot.com/
http://softballbloopers.blogspot.com/
http://softballvideosonline.blogspot.com/
http://wildsportsvideos.blogspot.com/
http://rottensports.blogspot.com/
http://fastpitchsoftballcoaching.blogspot.com/
Check out these site:
RottenCoaches.com
WildSportsVideos.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com
FunnyBaseballVideos.com
SoftballBloopers.com
RottenSports.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Conditioning Workouts for Fastpitch Softball
By Guest Author Bruce Smith
Sport specific conditioning or game speed practicing are not new concepts, but often overlooked is the unique fitness training needs of fastpitch position players. Softball athletes execute short explosive movements followed by time at rest, but each position has different amounts of rest time. Softball pitchers and catchers operate at a different frequency than either infielders or outfielders. This rest interval difference needs to be taken into consideration by their strength and conditioning program. Many athletes now have specifically tailored fitness programs. Taking this into consideration, here are three examples of a tailored fitness program.
The Power Hitters:
The power hitter's greatest asset is their ability to generate bat speed through the hitting zone. Power hitter's can hit for high average and/or home runs. Defensively, power players will typically play as the catcher, corner infielder, or right field. For this group, the fitness program emphasizes the lower and upper body and core strength development. Conditioning workouts put added emphasis on incorporating medicine ball plyometrics for trunk torque and power development and improving speed-endurance for under 40 yard conditioning.
The Speed Players:
The speed player is defined by her ability to accelerate quickly and maintain a high maximum running velocity. Offensively this group includes your slappers, single hitters and base stealers. Defensively, this group is usually your middle infielders and outfielders. Even though speed player's training emphasizes speed and agility, they can also be some of the strongest players on the team. Speed player's typical strengthening routine focuses on full body exercises like lunges and squats, with less of an emphasis on upper body strength. Agility is enhanced through cone drills, ladder drills, and short shuttles. Finally, the speed endurance targets acceleration and running distances of less than 40 yards through resistance sprints and form running.
The Pitchers:
Arguable, the pitcher is the most influential player that effects the game's outcome. Not only do they need to be pitch explosively, but they also must have the endurance to pitch multiple games per week with, potentially, long innings. Their lower body and core must be exceptionally strong and powerful while maintaining wide range of motion and flexibility. Like speed players, pitchers conditioning training focuses are full body workouts with a slightly greater emphasis on lower body strength. Pitchers also need to do extra grip strengthening work and as hip flexors and adductors to improve lower body mobility.
Final Training Considerations:
Off-season and in-season fitness training sessions have dramatically different emphasis. In the off-season, a strong emphasis is placed on muscle building and injury prevention. Conversely, in-season training is for injury prevention and maintenance.
While the majority of each groups training is essentially the same, the number of sets and repetitions differ depending of the areas of emphasis. All groups include full body strength training, injury prevention exercises, and strength endurance training. Over the course of a week, the athletes cover all the strength and conditioning development areas, but with varying amounts of time based on their emphasis.
Article Tags: Conditioning Workouts, Full Body, Lower Body
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Learn more about softball conditioning fastpitch from Softball at Youth-Athlete
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Sport specific conditioning or game speed practicing are not new concepts, but often overlooked is the unique fitness training needs of fastpitch position players. Softball athletes execute short explosive movements followed by time at rest, but each position has different amounts of rest time. Softball pitchers and catchers operate at a different frequency than either infielders or outfielders. This rest interval difference needs to be taken into consideration by their strength and conditioning program. Many athletes now have specifically tailored fitness programs. Taking this into consideration, here are three examples of a tailored fitness program.
The Power Hitters:
The power hitter's greatest asset is their ability to generate bat speed through the hitting zone. Power hitter's can hit for high average and/or home runs. Defensively, power players will typically play as the catcher, corner infielder, or right field. For this group, the fitness program emphasizes the lower and upper body and core strength development. Conditioning workouts put added emphasis on incorporating medicine ball plyometrics for trunk torque and power development and improving speed-endurance for under 40 yard conditioning.
The Speed Players:
The speed player is defined by her ability to accelerate quickly and maintain a high maximum running velocity. Offensively this group includes your slappers, single hitters and base stealers. Defensively, this group is usually your middle infielders and outfielders. Even though speed player's training emphasizes speed and agility, they can also be some of the strongest players on the team. Speed player's typical strengthening routine focuses on full body exercises like lunges and squats, with less of an emphasis on upper body strength. Agility is enhanced through cone drills, ladder drills, and short shuttles. Finally, the speed endurance targets acceleration and running distances of less than 40 yards through resistance sprints and form running.
The Pitchers:
Arguable, the pitcher is the most influential player that effects the game's outcome. Not only do they need to be pitch explosively, but they also must have the endurance to pitch multiple games per week with, potentially, long innings. Their lower body and core must be exceptionally strong and powerful while maintaining wide range of motion and flexibility. Like speed players, pitchers conditioning training focuses are full body workouts with a slightly greater emphasis on lower body strength. Pitchers also need to do extra grip strengthening work and as hip flexors and adductors to improve lower body mobility.
Final Training Considerations:
Off-season and in-season fitness training sessions have dramatically different emphasis. In the off-season, a strong emphasis is placed on muscle building and injury prevention. Conversely, in-season training is for injury prevention and maintenance.
While the majority of each groups training is essentially the same, the number of sets and repetitions differ depending of the areas of emphasis. All groups include full body strength training, injury prevention exercises, and strength endurance training. Over the course of a week, the athletes cover all the strength and conditioning development areas, but with varying amounts of time based on their emphasis.
Article Tags: Conditioning Workouts, Full Body, Lower Body
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Learn more about softball conditioning fastpitch from Softball at Youth-Athlete
Thanks to our sponsors;
BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com
Other Recommended Websites;
RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos,.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fastpitch Softball Coaching Tips and Drills
Softball Coaching Drills
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
This softball coaching drill is explained as a defensive exercise but the skills that are being used will help to improve the players all-around. The Bubble Drill will help to ensure that your team is a step ahead of the other team. The Bubble Drill teaches the skills that a team needs to make it all the way.
Drills for Girls Softball
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
If you're searching for the best infield drills for girls softball, then look no further. This article details two excellent combination drills that aim to improve your infielders' throwing accuracy and pivot skills in both regular play and double play situations.
Free Softball Drills
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Softball drills are what ultimately trains a team to win. It's very important that the various drills are adequate in teaching skills for different parts of the game. As the coach, it's your job to decide which drills will give the team the best practice. Here are some free softball drills that you can use.
Teaching Softball Drills To Win
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Teaching softball drills can be extremely challenging for new softball coaches. Here are a few strategies you can use when teaching softball drills to your team.
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
This softball coaching drill is explained as a defensive exercise but the skills that are being used will help to improve the players all-around. The Bubble Drill will help to ensure that your team is a step ahead of the other team. The Bubble Drill teaches the skills that a team needs to make it all the way.
Drills for Girls Softball
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
If you're searching for the best infield drills for girls softball, then look no further. This article details two excellent combination drills that aim to improve your infielders' throwing accuracy and pivot skills in both regular play and double play situations.
Free Softball Drills
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Softball drills are what ultimately trains a team to win. It's very important that the various drills are adequate in teaching skills for different parts of the game. As the coach, it's your job to decide which drills will give the team the best practice. Here are some free softball drills that you can use.
Teaching Softball Drills To Win
By Guest Author: Becky Wittenburg
Teaching softball drills can be extremely challenging for new softball coaches. Here are a few strategies you can use when teaching softball drills to your team.
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fastpitch Softball - Basics on How Its Done & Fastpitch Softball Pitching Equipment
SoftballrUs.com
Fastpitch Softball Pitching Equipment
By Mike Ripley
The game of softball is often confused with the game of baseball and many are often lead to believe that if one plays baseball one can play softball too. Before one discusses what softball pitching is all about it would be worth while to just have a glimpse of some of the differences. Softball as a game has its roots in the game of baseball. In softball the numbers of innings are limited to seven; the ball is thrown underhand and played on a smaller ground. The game of softball has been attributed to George Hancock and since then this game has become increasingly popular. Today it is played in countries all over the world.
Pitching a softball requires quite a bit of practice. It's not just about throwing the ball but instead requires proper hand and body coordination before the ball is pitched.
The whole idea of softball pitching concentrates around the pitchers body position with respect to the pitchers plate, the gripping of the ball in the hand and the proper positioning of the foot. A full understanding of these positions will help a softball pitcher perform better.
While pitching a softball the weak foot is usually placed at the end of the back of the pitch plate with the feet placed apart at around shoulder length. The arms are kept at the sides and the back heel is lifted in the air. This gives more strength to the front foot and greater balance. The weight can be shifted to the back by rocking the arms in a backward position. The arm is now brought forward with the ball in the glove such that the ball remains hidden from the batter. Rotating the ball in the air in the vertical direction and moving it in a circle the ball is released from the hip position. The action finishes by looking at the direction of the catcher. This is the essence of softball pitching where the main softball equipment with respect to the pitcher is the ball and the gloves.
However, there is fast-pitch softball also known as fast pitch or just fastpitch. This term refers to a form of softball played by women, though male and mixed fast pitch leagues also exist. They commonly start at the age of 6 and play it through the college. The International Softball Federation recognizes three pitch speeds: fast pitch, medium pitch and slow pitch. The fast pitch is considered as the most competitive form of softball. This form of softball was played in Olympic Games from 1996 till 2008.
Softball equipment helps a player to perform at the highest level possible. It is important that bats, gloves, cleats, apparel and more, are top notch in performance, quality, and durability at an affordable price. Nokona as a main manufacturer of softball equipment offers great quality and affordable prices. They make bat bags, softball knee leg guards, catcher gear and accessories (such as Nokona wrist saver, Nokona palm saver, Nokona classic glove conditioner, leather lacings, leather bags, NGM Nokona glove mallet).
Nokona athletic company provides softball players with quality gloves. They come in following series, Buffalo. Buckaroo, Classic Combo and Walnut Classic. They also use a wide range of materials to get the best results. Therefore, Buffalo and Classic Combo are made of American range bison, the leather which provides soft and sturdy at the same time. More over, Buckaroo is combination of kangaroo and cowhides to form lightweight gloves. At last, but not least important Nokona built its reputation on famous Walnut 'crunch' leather. For fastpitch, in their rich array they included series such are Catcher's mitts, Elite and Youth.
Fastpitch softball pitching equipment
http://fastpitchsoftballpitching.org
http://softballbaseballequipment.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Ripley
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Friday, March 19, 2010
3 Great Articles on Free Softball Drills
SoftballrUs.com - Our name says it all!
Common Basic Softball Drills
You should have sufficient knowledge about the different softball drills that will increase your skills because this will be your edge against other players ...
ezinearticles.com/?Common-Basic-Softball-Drills&id=2824609 - Similar
Fast Pitch Softball Drills
Jan 10, 2009 ... That's why softball drills are such an important part of a player's practice routine because they focus on different parts of the game and ...
ezinearticles.com/?Fast-Pitch-Softball-Drills&id=1866832 - Similar
Softball Drills
Bunting
Aug 19, 2009 ... Want more softball drills to practice your team's bunting? Well, why don't you check out my website at www.Softballperformance.com/? ...
ezinearticles.com/?Softball-Drills---Bunting&id=2784710 - Similar
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Friday, January 22, 2010
our Little-Known Baseball/Softball Training Secrets, PART 1
Four Little-Known Baseball/Softball Training Secrets, PART 1
By Steve Zawrotny
*************
Train for POWER
*************
Baseball and softball are not games of strength, but of EXPLOSIVE POWER. Just how strong do you have to be to pick up a 5 oz baseball, or a 30 oz bat? On the other hand, propelling that 5 oz ball 90+ mph, or hitting a ball 400+ feet with that 30 oz bat requires tremendous power - the ability to perform work. In this case, the work of playing baseball and softball at a high level.
In both games, while they can be slow in duration, the various activities that comprise a game are short and quick. Rarely does a play take longer than 6 or 7 seconds. There are exceptions, of course - an inside the park homer, or an extended rundown or "pickle." But, for the most part, things happen very 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 as long as I have, you've seen this a lot. Here's the problems: these coaches (and many players) incorrectly think that LSD (or aerobic) conditioning improves player performance. In fact, studies show the aerobic demands (the amount of oxygen needed by the body) of baseball and softball to be very low.
In fact, the oxygen uptake of a baseball pitcher (the most active position) is a low 45% of the maximum needed. Apparently the rest pitchers get between each pitch and in-between innings is sufficient to replenish the main energy system used.
Baseball and softball are considered to be "alactic anaerobic" sports in terms of the energy system utilized, with pitchers in both sports the busiest players on the field. What this means is that there is little to no lactic acid buildup as a result of this activity. That burning feeling you get when you lift weights really hard is a result of a buildup of lactic acid, a by-product of that (and other) short-term, intense types of exercise.
Have you ever heard of a ball player complaining of this problem?
Consider the baseball pitcher: it takes about 0.15 seconds from the time the front foot contacts the ground until the ball is released. Very little lactic acid can be built up in 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.
Reduce these characteristics, and you educe your ability to throw with high velocity, hit with power, and run at high speed. Look at the bodies of sprinters vs. marathoners. You don't have to be built like a sprinter to be successful as a ball player, but this illustrates how training affects one's body, conditioning, and hence, ability to perform.
Put another way: Train Slow, Perform Slow.
As mentioned earlier, aside from the game itself (which can be be long and slow) things happen quickly on the ball field. Playing softball and baseball requires high velocity, ballistic movements like throwing a fast, well located pitch, taking a hard swing at this high velocity pitch, and exploding out of the batter's box to sprint down the first base line.
So how should you train?
To augment the aforementioned activities, concentrate on developing power, flexibility, and speed. Weight lifting, plyometrics, flexibility, and short burst sprint interval training should form the basis of conditioning for baseball and softball players.
[1] Gambetta, V. A Big Windup. Training & Conditioning, p. 43 March 2003
Steve Zawrotny, MS, CSCS 405.373.3253 steve@baseballfit.com FREE REPORT: "Harmful Resistance Exercises Baseball/Softball Players Should Avoid" VISIT: http://www.BaseballFit.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Zawrotny
BatAction.com
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SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Benefits of Practicing Softball Drills With Your Teammates
HandsBackHitter.com
Softball drills are very important if you really want to be skillful in the whole game of softball.
There are a lot of benefits that one can get if he is practicing the different softball drills. With these drills, you are able to practice different moves in softball, not just one, but all moves in softball.
By practicing this sequence of actions regularly with your teammates, you are not only able to enhance the one that you are strong with. You also have the opportunity to get to know the other drills in softball and in addition, you are given ways to improve them as well if you are not that much good at them. And because of the fact that you are practicing with your teammates, it is not only you who is actually learning. Even your co-players also do have chances to learn about the different skills in softball aside from the one that they are good at - the one that they have been plying for a long time in the real softball battlefield.
Another benefit that you can actually get when you and your team are practicing these drills aside from the one mentioned above is, you have more chances to be closer with your co-players (well that is if you are somewhat sentimental). As you are constantly practicing with your teammates, you have more time to be with one another and that will make you closer making you build a more solid team.
Another benefit that is somewhat related to the latterly mentioned is, as you are now closer to your teammates, you also have better chances of understanding each other more. You can simply know what is on the mind of the other therefore making you understand their strategy and in the end, making you to work as one. This is very important in a team so because if you can fully understand what the other co-players are thinking, it will be easier for you to work spontaneously as a team. There will be no blaming of certain this and that because you are working as a team.
There are truly a lot of benefits when you are practicing these softball drills with your teammates, and not to forget your coach as well. It does not only give you a chance to be apt in all the different drills in softball. It also gives you chances to meet get to know more of your teammates, and once you are already familiar with them; it will be easier for you to work as one. It will be easier for you to work as a team. As you have more time of getting to know one another and practicing and playing with one another, you will have better chances to fulfill the mission of every playing team. And that is to make their every game worthwhile - to make every game, a game of their life.
Marc Dagenais is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to sign-up to get our FREE softball pitching tips!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Softball drills are very important if you really want to be skillful in the whole game of softball.
There are a lot of benefits that one can get if he is practicing the different softball drills. With these drills, you are able to practice different moves in softball, not just one, but all moves in softball.
By practicing this sequence of actions regularly with your teammates, you are not only able to enhance the one that you are strong with. You also have the opportunity to get to know the other drills in softball and in addition, you are given ways to improve them as well if you are not that much good at them. And because of the fact that you are practicing with your teammates, it is not only you who is actually learning. Even your co-players also do have chances to learn about the different skills in softball aside from the one that they are good at - the one that they have been plying for a long time in the real softball battlefield.
Another benefit that you can actually get when you and your team are practicing these drills aside from the one mentioned above is, you have more chances to be closer with your co-players (well that is if you are somewhat sentimental). As you are constantly practicing with your teammates, you have more time to be with one another and that will make you closer making you build a more solid team.
Another benefit that is somewhat related to the latterly mentioned is, as you are now closer to your teammates, you also have better chances of understanding each other more. You can simply know what is on the mind of the other therefore making you understand their strategy and in the end, making you to work as one. This is very important in a team so because if you can fully understand what the other co-players are thinking, it will be easier for you to work spontaneously as a team. There will be no blaming of certain this and that because you are working as a team.
There are truly a lot of benefits when you are practicing these softball drills with your teammates, and not to forget your coach as well. It does not only give you a chance to be apt in all the different drills in softball. It also gives you chances to meet get to know more of your teammates, and once you are already familiar with them; it will be easier for you to work as one. It will be easier for you to work as a team. As you have more time of getting to know one another and practicing and playing with one another, you will have better chances to fulfill the mission of every playing team. And that is to make their every game worthwhile - to make every game, a game of their life.
Marc Dagenais is a Softball Peak Performance Coach that helps softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents. Visit us to sign-up to get our FREE softball pitching tips!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
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SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
I Want to Play Fastpitch Softball and Need to Get in Shape
SoftballCoachingDIGEST.COM
By Brad Henks
I get asked quite often what kind of exercises to do to get in shape for softball. There are a lot of kids out there that want to play the game but have never played. I think this is great. Fastpitch Softball is one of the most exciting sports there is.
I see some kids that want to start at the high school level. Again, this is awesome. It may be a little tough if you have never played softball before to make your high school team though. It depends on several things, like how many kids are going out, how many teams your school has - Varsity, JV, C team, Freshman team, etc.
Some high schools are only able to field enough players for a varsity. Others only have a Varsity and JV. So in those cases it is hard to say, you may have a better chance there because they really need the players.
So, what kind of workouts are good to get in shape for the upcoming season? Well, you want to get some conditioning started now. If your season is 3-6 months away you have plenty of time to get into good shape. If you only have a couple months well, you better get going strong now.
There are several areas of strength and speed needed to play this game of Fastpitch Softball at an elite level. Probably the area you need to work on the most is your Core. That means work on your midsection, your upper body, your legs, your arm strength. Kind of sounds like your whole body doesn't it. It kind of is.
You will also need to get your throwing arm into throwing shape and get the mechanics sound. A strong, and mechanically sound throwing arm will keep you playing and off the injured reserve list.
Always start your workout with some good dynamic warmups. Stretching is fine but that is really what you should be doing at home and after practice to cool down. Dynamic warmups are moving basically stretches. You want to get your muscles warm before you stretch them or do any hard workout.
Warm muscles will be loose muscles and loose muscles will be quick, strong and healthy muscles. There are many resources available to find more information about dynamic warmups. I may write about that another time. Just do a search and you will find some good exercises to do.
Here are some good ones to get you started.
Arm Circles: Stand with your arms out to the side and make small circles, then medium, then large circles doing about 10 of each size, then reverse and go back down to small.
Torso Twist: Stand with arms out to side, and twist side to side about 10 times to warm up your lower back. Your back gets a lot of work playing softball.
Butt Kicks: Slowly jog forward kicking your feet up to your butt. Go about 20 feet, turn around and do them back to where you started.
High Knees: Raise your knees high as you slowly jog about 20 feet.
Power Skips: Skip forward as high as you can. This gets your nervous system kick started.
Carioca: This is old school but does a good job of twisting and getting your coordination working.
There are many more good ones but that should get you started.
To get yourself into shape for softball you need to work on your core. A really good exercise for that is to start on your stomach on the floor, raise up on your elbows and toes and hold that pose for about 30-60 seconds. Drop and rest about a minute, then repeat this 3-5 times. You will definitely feel this in the abs, shoulders and the back of your legs if you are doing it correct.
Other core work can be medicine ball where you are sitting on the floor with your knees bent. Grab the ball and hold it in front of you. Twist from side to side. Another good exercise with the medicine ball is to remain sitting, have a team mate toss the ball to you. Catch it and then toss it back. Do this standing as well for a different set of muscle work.
Pushups are great for working the upper body, arms and shoulders. Try some variations such as the Inch worm.To do this get into a push up position, slowly walk your feet up as far as you can, then walk your hands out until you are flat again. Repeat this across the room or until you can't go anymore. Then do one more.
The Marine style is a tough one. Start in an inverted pushup position with your butt in the air. Then lean forward over your hands and then back. Kind of a wave motion. This one will work your upper arms and shoulders.
Let's move on to your legs. Doing Squats is a great exercise to increase your leg strength. This will also help with running speed. Spend time on these and do them slowly and correctly.
Another is to stand with your back at a wall, slowly slide down until you are in a sitting position and extend your arms out in front of you. Hold this for 45-60 seconds. Rest and repeat three times. This is really good for Catchers and Pitchers. Again, these give good gains on running and stopping which is important in fastpitch softball.
Plyometrics drills are great too. Basically this is standing and jumping as high as you can. This is a great explosiveness drill. Fastpitch requires a great amount of explosive movements in every position and play. Stand near a wall and try to jump and touch the ceiling or a mark on the wall. Try to go higher with each jump.
If you have some strong boxes or cardio steps you can use them too. Stand flat footed in front of the step, jump up onto the step or box, then off the other side. Turn and jump back on the box and off the other side. Try to find taller boxes or steps as your strength increases. Try variations of this drill by standing sideways and jumping with one leg. Alternate legs and repeat.
Now let's work your throwing arm. The best way is to just play catch with a team mate. Grab your softball glove and let's get started.Start out with easy tosses close. Moving back as your arms get warmed up and loose. Gradually work up to full speed throws and as far distance apart as you can. Do this for 10-15 minutes then gradually cool down by working back closer together and easier tosses.
If you don't have a teammate to play catch with, you can use a batting cage, or pitching net to throw into. Another great thing is to hang an old blanket or tarp or old piece of carpet over a branch of a tree and throw into it. Start out slow, get warmed up and then move back and really let it all out. You can hang this in your garage on those rainy days or when the weather is bad.
Running short sprints is always good for softball conditioning. You will get really good at these the more you get into softball! Usually about 20 yard sprints is long enough. Remember, the bases are 60 feet apart so not much use sprinting a lot farther than that. Running ladder sprints is a good idea too. Run these until you don't think you can go anymore. Then run one more.
There are a lot of variations of these exercises and many many more drills and exercises that you can do. It is actually good to mix it up and do different ones every so often. That keeps the routine from getting boring and also works on different muscles and in different ways.
Now that we are done with our workout, let's stretch. You will get much better results from stretching now than at the beginning of your workout. Stretch your arms, shoulders, back, legs and your mind. Keep learning more about the game and exercises you can do.
Ok, so we worked on our Core, our Legs, our Throwing Arm, and our Sprints. That's a pretty good workout. Try to break these up and do a couple each day. Maybe do the core and legs, then the arms, core and sprints another day. Try to workout 3-4 days a week. You want to give your body time to rest and recover between workouts so give it a day off between workouts. If you follow this routine for the next 3 months you will be in good shape for fastpitch softball season.
Brad is a local softball enthusiast and has been involved in fastpitch softball and baseball for 20 years as a parent and coach. For more information on this subject and others please visit http://www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com for some of the best fastpitch softball gloves and related accessories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Henks
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SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Must Have Equipments For Softball Hitting
By Marc Dagenais
Softball is considered as one of the most popular games in the world. This is played by people of all ages all over the world. Even if it is a game that is hard to play, a lot of people are still enjoying playing softball because it brings tons of challenges.
We are all aware that there are many skills that you need to master first before you can learn to play the game well. They are quite hard and difficult to learn but if you are determined no matter how hard these skills can be, you can surely master them.
As we all know, softball hitting is considered as the hardest skill in softball. Well, it is not easy to hit that ball especially if you are faced with a great pitcher. But you must not forget that a great pitcher will be useless if you are an excellent hitter.
If you are planning to develop your skills in softball hitting, there are lots of things that you have to consider first. One among these things is your health. It is important that you are healthy enough before you decide to go on with this because you will need your physical strength. Aside from this, you must also ask yourself if your equipments are already complete. Softball hitting equipments are needed so that you can perform well. Here are the softball hitting equipments that every hitter like you must have:
Softball bat.
If a soldier needs a gun, you as a hitter need a bat. This will be your partner for every game. You can say that it can also be your key to win. There are many types of bat. There are bats that are made of wood, aluminum, composite materials like glass, and graphite. They are also of different sizes. Big bats will surely have a great impact but then it can affect your speed which is also important. In finding a bat, you must not just go on its brand name. go for the one that will suit you, a bat that can match you. You must see to it that you will not have any difficulty in using it and you are comfortable.
Gloves.
Hitters also need gloves in order to perform well. This can avoid you from having blisters which can greatly affect how you hit. This will make your task of holding the bat easier and you are sure that your grip will be tight with the gloves around. This will help in making you feel comfortable. Choose a glove that will match the size of your hands.
Protective gears.
You can find these protective gears at any sports equipment stores. They are used to protect players like you. We know that softball is a game that needs a lot of action. Because of this, you are close from having injuries. To avoid any untoward incident, you must use protective gears so that you will stay safe and protected even if you are out in there creating some action.
Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!
Article Source:
Softball is considered as one of the most popular games in the world. This is played by people of all ages all over the world. Even if it is a game that is hard to play, a lot of people are still enjoying playing softball because it brings tons of challenges.
We are all aware that there are many skills that you need to master first before you can learn to play the game well. They are quite hard and difficult to learn but if you are determined no matter how hard these skills can be, you can surely master them.
As we all know, softball hitting is considered as the hardest skill in softball. Well, it is not easy to hit that ball especially if you are faced with a great pitcher. But you must not forget that a great pitcher will be useless if you are an excellent hitter.
If you are planning to develop your skills in softball hitting, there are lots of things that you have to consider first. One among these things is your health. It is important that you are healthy enough before you decide to go on with this because you will need your physical strength. Aside from this, you must also ask yourself if your equipments are already complete. Softball hitting equipments are needed so that you can perform well. Here are the softball hitting equipments that every hitter like you must have:
Softball bat.
If a soldier needs a gun, you as a hitter need a bat. This will be your partner for every game. You can say that it can also be your key to win. There are many types of bat. There are bats that are made of wood, aluminum, composite materials like glass, and graphite. They are also of different sizes. Big bats will surely have a great impact but then it can affect your speed which is also important. In finding a bat, you must not just go on its brand name. go for the one that will suit you, a bat that can match you. You must see to it that you will not have any difficulty in using it and you are comfortable.
Gloves.
Hitters also need gloves in order to perform well. This can avoid you from having blisters which can greatly affect how you hit. This will make your task of holding the bat easier and you are sure that your grip will be tight with the gloves around. This will help in making you feel comfortable. Choose a glove that will match the size of your hands.
Protective gears.
You can find these protective gears at any sports equipment stores. They are used to protect players like you. We know that softball is a game that needs a lot of action. Because of this, you are close from having injuries. To avoid any untoward incident, you must use protective gears so that you will stay safe and protected even if you are out in there creating some action.
Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
Monday, November 2, 2009
Softball Hitting - The Importance of Wearing Gloves
By Marc Dagenais
Softball hitting is one of the most fundamental skills in softball. A hitter must be good and excellent because most of the time, the victory of the whole team lies on his hands. The skill in softball hitting is not easy to learn. Before you see a softball hitter making a perfect swing out there in the field, he had already spent hundreds days and even nights just to do that. If you look at it from afar, it seems that softball hitting is very simple. You just need to swing, hit the ball and that's it. But it is more than that. It is more than what you perceive it to be.
If it is your first time to play softball and you choose to be a hitter, it will be a miracle if you happen to hit the ball that the pitcher throws on the first try. For sure you will miss it. What I am trying to say here is that softball hitting cannot be learned that fast. It will not just take hours. Sometimes it may even take hours or even years before one can perfect the art of softball hitting. Even professional players, no matter how famous or good they are do not stop practicing. There are lots of techniques that a player can do so that he will be able to improve his hitting prowess.
But before we go to those hitting techniques, this article will first focus on the equipments that are needed in softball hitting. Aside from the bat, the most important material that a softball hitter must have is the gloves.
Gloves have been introduced quite a few decades ago. They are proven to be helpful especially in the field of softball. Gloves are invented because players are tired of having hands that are full of blisters which are caused by the bat that they are holding. The blisters affect their performance during the game. This is the reason why gloves that can be used in sports are invented. They serve as the protection of the hands in the sport of softball.
It is really impossible to avoid blister, with so many swings that a hitter needs to do in every game. From then on, wearing of gloves for softball trainings and games became just an ordinary scenario. Some players are having second thoughts of using the gloves because sometimes they feel that they don't feel the bat correctly but as years pass by, several improvements on the glove happened. These improvements make wearing gloves a lot more comfortable for the players.
Today, players are always wearing them for each game. They said that because of the gloves, they now feel that their grip is better than before. Aside from that, even if they are doing a lot of practices, their hands are not experiencing any damages.
Gloves are really essential for every softball player particularly the hitter. Since this prevents them from having blisters, they are able to practice more. And because they can now practice more, they can now have more time to improve their skills in softball hitting.
Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Learn How to Pitch Faster and Smarter With These Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips
By Marc Dagenais
So you want to pitch faster? You can choose to focus only on strengthening your muscles, or you can take a smarter option and take a complete approach to your pitching.
But before I get misunderstood, I'm not discounting the importance of strengthening your muscles to be able to pitch faster. What I'm saying is that it's not all there is to pitching. And becoming a smart pitcher means you can pitch more effectively with lesser effort.
Want to be a smart and efficient pitcher? Here are some tips I have for you:
1. Focus on the mechanics first. Many players focus too much on strength training to make them pitch faster. But nailing the mechanics before anything else should be your priority as a pitcher.
The proper pitching mechanics teaches you to throw the ball correctly. Throwing the ball correctly solves two problems: it teaches you how to throw the ball without exerting much effort, which at the same time minimizes your chance of injuries due to incorrect mechanics.
2. Do your warm-ups and stretches. How fun would it be to be able to pitch fast right out of the dugout? However, it doesn't work that way. If you want to pitch fast, you must do your warm-ups and stretches first.
Why? Because doing these helps loosen your muscles which helps you pitch better and prevent injuries due to pulled muscles.
3. Keep yourself relaxed. While stretches and warm-ups help loosen your muscles, tension can cause a reverse effect. So try to keep yourself relaxed before every game. Try to breathe regularly, loosen muscles on your upper back, neck and shoulders. If listening to music helps, you can do that too.
4. Improve the strength muscles involved in pitching. As I mentioned earlier, I'm not at all discounting the importance of strength training to improve your pitching speed. So work out your schedule to include training your muscles involved in pitching such as in your forearms, wrists and shoulders.
5. Don't forget accuracy. Although this isn't exactly an advice on how you can pitch faster, I just thought I'd remind you to take the time to focus on your pitches' accuracy as well. After all, pitching isn't just about speed, but also on how well you can pitch inside or outside the strike zone.
6. Vary your throws. An arsenal of different pitches is the bane of any batter out there. It keeps them guessing what you'll be throwing them next, especially in tight games. So work on having different pitching techniques and don't just focus on speed alone.
It takes more than just these short and quick tips on softball pitching to help you throw faster. It also takes a huge amount of time training and practicing incessantly until you refine your technique. So work on them and at the same time take into consideration the tips I have for you here. And I'm pretty sure how they will positively affect your game will be evident soon enough.
Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. Visit his site and sign-up to get his FREE softball hitting tips!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
Our Sponsor:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fastpitch Camps - A Great Way to Improve Your Game and Get Recruited
By Gary V Hawkins
Each year there are some great fastpitch camps that take place around the country. At these camps, some of the best softball players around the region or even the country come together to get better and hopefully get some exposure to college coaches.
Most colleges and universities, from the very largest to small junior colleges (including community colleges), run their own fastpitch camps over the summer. These camps help players develop in all areas of their game and may even be able to help you get noticed by the college coaches.
These camps are usually ran by the school's head coach and are staffed by other college and high school coaches, as well as current college players. Fastpitch camps stress both team play and individual skill development.
One of the best things you can get out of a camp like this is an evaluation at the end of the week. These detailed skill evaluations are great for you to take back home and use as a guide for improvement, and to send out to college coaches if your skills were rated very high. These types of evaluations are even more valuable when they come from a fastpitch camp run by a third party not affiliated with any college or university. These type of camps are springing up all around the country.
Once you have a good evaluation in your hand, I strongly recommend that you start marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches. You can market and promote yourself simply by making contact with them and letting them know about you and more importantly, what you can do to help their softball program succeed.
Fastpitch camps are a great way to improve your game and a good evaluation is very valuable in the recruiting process. I recommend taking advantage of all the camps you can possibly attend.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled: "Five Secrets You Must Know To Get Recruited For Athletic Scholarships"
Head over to http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/freereport.html to get your FREE copy now!
Gary Hawkins is passionate about helping high school student-athletes reach their dream of playing the sport they love at the college level. In his How To Get Recruited For Scholarships System, Gary teaches anyone how they can finally get the attention of college coaches and start being recruited for athletic scholarships, no matter what sport they play. Athletic success is within your reach - just visit http://www.recruitedforscholarships.com/ and pick up your copy today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_V_Hawkins
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