Coaches sometimes joke that there are only two times when they feel stressed-day and night. Although that story represents the extreme case, certainly…
3 Steps to Overcoming Failure
Today’s generation wants to avoid failure or eliminate it all together, but since failure is part of sports that’s not a very realistic approach. Instead…
Hitting – Punching Bag – Jessica Jones – Southern Illinois Univ.-Edwardsville
Watch as Coach Jessica Jones explains and a hitter demonstrates this hitting for power this punching bag drill.
How to Change ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I Will’ and ‘I Did’
The sky was dark and the storm clouds started to roll in. I wondered if I would be caught in a nasty attack from the skies before I could make it…
Skaters: Power and Explosiveness Drill with Kris Massaro
Watch as Coach Kris Massaro explains and a player demonstrates this power and explosiveness drill for pitchers and hitters.
Infield – Rolled Ball Drills with Mike Candrea – (Retired) Univ. of Arizona
Watch as Coach Mike Candrea explains and infielders demonstrate these rolled ball drills.
Is Your Team Working Hard or Getting Better?
Is your team working hard or are they getting better? This might seem like a strange question. We all know that hard work is a key ingredient to getting…
Hitting – Key Points to the Stance – Challenge U. Softball
Watch as Challenge U. Softball’s Coach Lisa Rizzo explains and demonstrates key points to the stance.
Pitching: Rise Ball Rope Drill with Chanda Bell
Watch as Coach Chanda Bell explains and a pitcher demonstrates the Rise Ball Rope Drill.
Encourage Athletes
Another major role of the coach during competitions is to recognize and praise athletes. According to world-renowned soccer coach Sir Alex…
Infield Fundamentals – Glove Work with Megan Smith Lyon – Marshall Univ.
Watch as Coach Megan Smith explains and shows video clips of infield funnel work.
Hitting – Approach Concepts – Jessica Jones – Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville
Watch as Coach Jessica Jones explains the mental aspects of hitting for average.
6 Lessons to Turn Your Underclass into Leaders
With the graduation of your Seniors, the underclass players will have to step up next season into leadership roles. Teach them how to do just that in…
Pitching: Rise Ball Drills with Kim Borders – Campbellsville Univ.
Watch as Coach Kim Borders explains and shows video clips of rise ball drills in a 2016 NFCA clinic presentation.
Infield – First Drive Drill – Shonda Stanton – Marshall University
Watch as Coach Shonda Stanton explains and infielders demonstrate this first drive drill – working on footwork and glove work.
A Contagious Attitude is Worth Catching
Attitude is a choice. Attitude determines your altitude. Great slogans, but are they true? Do you play better when you are confident, enthusiastic, and aggressive? Do you play…
3 Reasons to Post Your Lineup After Each Practice
It’s game-time and you’re reading out today’s starting lineup…you dread it & your players hate it. Discover a better way that will improve your practices AND eliminate any shock and surprise!
Slapping – Two Tees Drill – Shonda Stanton – Marshall University
Watch as Coach Shonda Stanton explains and slappers demonstrate this Two Tees Drill.
Organize Effective, Time-Efficient Softball Fielding Drills
Skill Practice: Divide the gym in half and use half for bunting and slapping practice and the other half for fielding practice. Side A-Outfielders and Pitchers Practice Bunting…
Assess Your Players’ Beliefs and Mental Skills
Testing facilitates learning. This brief questionnaire is written for players. It is designed to increase their awareness and motivate them to take action based…
What are your Coaching Resolutions?
Everyone loves a fresh start. There is something about Jan. 1 and a new year that brings a “clean slate” feeling. Truthfully, this is my youngest sister’s favorite…
Hitting – Two Tee Drill – Ehren Earleywine – Univ. of Missouri
Watch as Coach Ehren Earleywine explains and a hitter demonstrates this Two Tee Drill.
There’s No Substitute For Accuracy With Subs
Making substitutions and changing the lineup during a game are frequent occurrences. They may involve a straightforward change, such as a pinch…
Pitching – Rollover Drop with Randy Simkins – Utah Tech Univ.
Watch as Coach Randy Simkins explains and a pitcher demonstrates the proper grip and mechanics of the rollover drop.
Soft Slap – Bottom Hand Freeze Drill – Yvette Healy – Univ. of WI
Watch as Coach Yvette Healy explains and players demonstrate this Soft Slap – Bottom Hand Freeze Drill.
Baserunning – Three Step Lead – Rick Fremin – Southeastern Louisiana Univ.
Watch as Coach Rick Fremin explains and base runners demonstrate a three step lead.
Windmill Pitching: Drive Phase with Chanda Bell
Watch as Coach Chanda Bell explains and a pitcher demonstrates this drive phase drill using a foot box.
Coach Communication Guidelines Self-Assessment
1. Messages should be direct. Coaches who are weak on this quality avoid straightforward, direct communication. Their athletes may not know where they stand. These coaches…
Defense – Infield Triangle Flip Drill – Christina Sutcliffe – Northern IL Univ.
Watch as Coach Christina Sutcliffe explains and players demonstrate this Triangle Flip Drill.
One Arm, One Knee Tee Hitting Drill with Randy Simkins – Utah Tech Univ.
Watch as Coach Randy Simkins explains and a hitter demonstrates this One Arm, One Knee Tee Isolation Drill.