The Mental Game of Hitting

Hitting is adjusting–adjusting to the pitch, the type of pitcher, the count, the umpire, and the situation. The mental game of hitting begins in practice. In a game, it begins on the bench, continues in the on-deck circle and on the approach to…

Sep 25, 2013

Toss Drills

These drills are useful because they do not require a lot of space or expensive equipment. Players can use rubber softballs, old softballs (tape the balls if the seams are coming apart), and Wiffle balls and can hit into a fence, carpet, curtain…

Sep 25, 2013

You don’t have to be fast to be a good base runner…

As I look at the identity of my program, I always look at ways in which we can get better. The place I always come back to is base running. Base running, in my opinion, right next to over hand throwing is one of our games’ weakest skills.

Sep 25, 2013

Base Running – Light vs. Sound Approach

Our philosophy of base running is based on two concepts Light vs. Sound plus ownership of the skill. Generally speaking, one of the skills lacking of players when they come to college is the understanding of base running. Base running is not to be…

Sep 25, 2013

Stealing a Base

Stealing bases is a useful component of fast-pitch softball because the speed of play is dramatic with the bases just 60 feet apart. A successful steal can build offensive momentum and increase the pressure on the pitcher and defense by moving…

Sep 25, 2013

Speed Training for Softball Base Running

In softball, getting on base is purely about speed. A quick jump toward first base after a batter makes contact with the ball is often the difference between reaching safely or being called out.

Sep 9, 2013