Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers: 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Softball Pitching - Steps to Becoming a Successful Pitcher

Softball Pitching - Steps to Becoming a Successful Pitcher
By Becky Wittenburg

Many girls have the potential to succeed as softball pitchers. However, developing the right skills is a slow and challenging process, and it is easy for players to become discouraged. In order for a beginning player to make it as a pitcher, she needs to have the patience to spend months and maybe years honing her skills.

The following plan breaks down the steps necessary to develop a beginning pitcher. Coaches should remember to take it slow and provide positive encouragement.

Step 1: Mechanics

A player should remember to:

Start with a relaxed upper body
Lean the body forward and push off the rubber for good speed
Open the body - toward third base if right-handed - as she begins the rotation
The arm circle should be fast, smooth, and consistent with the arm straight
Keep the stride straight toward home plate and land with her stride foot turned at a slight angle
Close the body as she nears the release point by turning toward the catcher, starting with the shoulder
Keep the wrist slightly bent as she nears the release point and snap it forward as she releases the ball
Have a loose and natural follow through after the release

Step 2: Speed

Softball pitching requires proper mechanics, but after that is mastered, a player should be able to increase speed over time without having to worry about maintaining control. Focus on keeping mechanics smooth and gradually work on throwing harder over time.

Step 3: Accuracy

After a few months of focusing on mechanics and speed, a pitcher should start working on controlling the location of the pitch. Over time, she should be able to pitch into any of the four corners (low-outside, low-inside, high-inside, and high-outside) so accurately she will not have to throw down the middle.

Step 4: Change-Up

With mechanics, speed, and accuracy under control, a pitcher can now develop pitches other than her fastball. Her change-up should be around 30% slower than her fastball. Her approach can utilize any number of techniques, including:

adjusting the wrist snap
flipping the ball out
following through low and toward the catcher
moving the ball back in the palm

One important thing to keep in mind is that the hitter should have no indication of a change-up.

Once a pitcher has mastered these steps, she can move on to developing additional pitches, like the drop ball, screw ball, and rise ball.

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

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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Fastpitch Softball Pitching Drills #401 Destroy The Batter's Timing

Friday, December 10, 2010

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd
No matter what level of pitcher you are, injury is a real possibility. Use these tips to help you avoid injuries throughout your career:

1. Keep your elbows tight to your side. There should not be much gap between your elbow and the side of your body during the windmill. In fact, your elbow will brush or almost brush the side of your body at release. If you can see daylight between your body and your elbow, you are at risk of injuring your arm and shoulder.

2. Finish the pitch. Do not stop your pitching motion as soon as the pitch leaves your hand. Finish your follow-through and allow your arm to decelerate naturally. A jarring stop right at release puts unnecessary pressure on your shoulder.

3. Stand tall. This is one you'll hear over and over again throughout your career as a pitcher, and for good reason. Not only is it difficult to consistently throw accurate pitches when leaning forward, you put yourself at added risk of injury. Leaning forward during your pitch puts strain on your back at an unnatural angle and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Take breaks and don't overdo it. It is common for a traveling softball pitcher to be asked to pitch 2 or three games in a single weekend. Couple this with poor mechanics and you put yourself at risk of a repetitive motion or strain injury. If you feel pain during your pitching motion in a game, let your coach know immediately. The same thing goes for practice...While practice makes perfect, too much practice can burn out your arm and cause you to lose speed and accuracy. Take the day before a game off or only throw a light session of practice.

5. Warm-up. Most pitchers don't like warm-up and tend to rush through it or skip it altogether. These pitchers put themselves at added risk of injury. A good warm-up prepares the muscles for the explosive motion of pitching. A good warm-up routine will include stretching, throwing and running until the muscles are warm. I've seen pitchers throw a couple pitches from halfway and say that's all they need to warm up. This is worrisome because they then move into full speed pitching from the mound without any further preparation.

Take your game to the next level at Softball Pitching Drills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Todd

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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!

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

Monday, December 6, 2010

Learning the Pitching Machine -- JoAnn Ferrieri, Rhino Softball

Posted on YouTube by rhinosoftball

Five sets of drills to get your fastpitch softball pitcher started on the right track. Order at http://www.rhinosoftball.com
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

ThrowMAX

Fastpitch Softball Training Aid
Posted on YouTube by jpblankenship1

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Softball Pitching Tips and Drills - Increase Speed Video

http://www.softballperformance.com/ - Softball pitching drills and tips on how to increase pitching speed.

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Zone-In Pitching Target

Zone-In Pitching Target
Posted on YouTube by jpblankenship1

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Fastpitch Softball Drills - Develop Speed and Accuracy With These Pitching Drills

Fastpitch Softball Drills - Develop Speed and Accuracy With These Pitching Drills
by Guest Author Becky Wittenburg

Once softball pitchers have developed their technique, they often reach a plateau where they no longer improve. However, there is always potential to be a better pitcher. These innovative fastpitch softball drills were designed to help pitchers develop their speed and accuracy on the mound.

Snap Drill

This fastpitch softball drill was developed to practice the snap of the wrist at the end of the pitch. Using the wrist muscles to snap the ball as it is released will increase the velocity of the pitch.

For this drill, two pitchers will stand about ten feet apart. The first pitcher will start with the pitching hand down at the side, holding the ball. She then takes her wrist back slightly before flipping the ball forward to her teammate, focusing on using as much power as possible. The partner will catch the pitch and use the same technique to snap the ball back. Each pitcher should snap the ball twenty-five times, working to increase strength in the wrist and velocity in the snap. This also serves as a great pitching warm-up.

Two for One

This drill for fastpitch softball helps the pitcher develop fielding skills while practicing pitches. The pitcher needs to always be prepared for a ball hit back to the mound.

Set up this drill with the pitcher at the mound and the catcher at the plate, each with one ball. As the pitcher delivers her pitch, the catcher will toss a ground ball to the mound. The pitcher should field the ball and use it for her next pitch, while the catcher will receive the pitch and use it for her next toss. Complete the routine twenty times, focusing on proper technique and increasing reaction time.

Distance Pitching

This pitching drill develops arm strength while emphasizing accuracy of pitches.

Start with the pitcher twenty feet from home plate, pitching to the catcher at home. The pitcher throws as many pitches as it takes to get five strikes, according to the catcher's judgment. Next, the pitcher should move back ten feet and pitch five strikes from that position, and so on until she is sixty feet from home plate.

Pitching from a long distance stretches the arm and increases strength, resulting in more powerful pitches. Using the catcher to determine strikes will keep the focus on accuracy, as well.

Isolation Drill

This softball drill for pitching focuses on the last portion of the pitch. By isolating the final stage of the pitching motion, players can develop the specific moves required to deliver an accurate pitch.

Have the pitcher stand thirty feet away from a teammate. The pitcher will start by raising the pitching arm and curling the wrist to form a letter "c" above the head. She should then complete the pitch from this position, concentrating on swinging the arm down, firing the hips, snapping the wrist, and releasing the pitch.

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

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Aggie Academy - Rise Ball

Aggie Academy - Rise Ball
Posted on YouTube by AggieVision

We open the Aggie Academy with our first lesson as NM State senior pitcher Kim Watson demonstrates how to throw strike out the competition with her signature rise ball.

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

5 Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury

5 Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips to Help Avoid Injury
by Guest Author Michael J. Todd

No matter what level of pitcher you are, injury is a real possibility. Use these tips to help you avoid injuries throughout your career:

1. Keep your elbows tight to your side. There should not be much gap between your elbow and the side of your body during the windmill. In fact, your elbow will brush or almost brush the side of your body at release. If you can see daylight between your body and your elbow, you are at risk of injuring your arm and shoulder.

2. Finish the pitch. Do not stop your pitching motion as soon as the pitch leaves your hand. Finish your follow-through and allow your arm to decelerate naturally. A jarring stop right at release puts unnecessary pressure on your shoulder.

3. Stand tall. This is one you'll hear over and over again throughout your career as a pitcher, and for good reason. Not only is it difficult to consistently throw accurate pitches when leaning forward, you put yourself at added risk of injury. Leaning forward during your pitch puts strain on your back at an unnatural angle and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Take breaks and don't overdo it. It is common for a traveling softball pitcher to be asked to pitch 2 or three games in a single weekend. Couple this with poor mechanics and you put yourself at risk of a repetitive motion or strain injury. If you feel pain during your pitching motion in a game, let your coach know immediately. The same thing goes for practice...While practice makes perfect, too much practice can burn out your arm and cause you to lose speed and accuracy. Take the day before a game off or only throw a light session of practice.

5. Warm-up. Most pitchers don't like warm-up and tend to rush through it or skip it altogether. These pitchers put themselves at added risk of injury. A good warm-up prepares the muscles for the explosive motion of pitching. A good warm-up routine will include stretching, throwing and running until the muscles are warm. I've seen pitchers throw a couple pitches from halfway and say that's all they need to warm up. This is worrisome because they then move into full speed pitching from the mound without any further preparation.

Take your game to the next level at Softball Pitching Drills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Todd

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Michele Smith Change-Up Tip from WCWS (Coach's Clinic)

Michele Smith Change-Up Tip from WCWS (Coach's Clinic)
Posted on YouTube by MicheleSmithInc

Michele Smith's Change-Up Tip during the Coach's Clinic at the 2008 WCWS!

http://www.michelesmith.com http://www.myspace.com/michelesmith
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Monday, November 1, 2010

Fastpitch Softball Quick Tip # 326

Fastpitch Softball Quick Tip # 326
Posted on YouTube by mavenvideo

This is a short clip to show you the Three Step Drill. It is featured on, The Pitching Drills DVD.

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Saturday, October 30, 2010

7 Tips to Improve Your Pitch

7 Tips to Improve Your Pitch
By Amber Cottrell

Working to excel at a sport takes a lot of time and committment. Certain aspects such as technique, form, and timing play important roles at improving your individual skills. Here are 7 easy ways to improve your softball pitch.

1. Foot Placement
The first step to a good softball pitch is your foot placement on the rubber. Both of your feet must be placed on the rubber, and at a comfortable stance. It is important for your feet to not be too wide, because you need to be able to push-off of your plant/dominant foot to generate your power.

2. Wind Up
Many people think that your windup needs to be complicated, or fast to generate power, but it is smart to conserve your power during your wind up. This is simply used to get your arm circle into motion. A nice simple wind up not only saves you energy, but it also allows you to concentrate on the rest of your body.

3. Arm Circle
It is important, that when you start your arm circle, that it stays tight to your body. Your arm should also come straight back, because if your arm strays, then your follow through will probably do the same, making it harder for you to throw where you want to.

4. Arm Speed
Another aspect that goes along with your arm circle is your arm speed. Arm speed is crucial because the tighter and faster your arm speed is the more momentum you will gain, which will generate into a faster pitch.

5. Jump Off the Rubber
When your arm is coming around and you're ready to throw your pitch, you need to know how you will jump off the rubber. The more pressure you put on your plant foot (dominant foot) the harder you can push-off the rubber, which will give you more power behind the ball. This hard push-off the rubber will help you gain more speed behind your pitch.

6. Wrist Snap
Probably the most important part of your pitching technique is your wrist snap. Without snapping your wrist, your pitch will lack speed and power. The wrist snap also helps you be able to throw different pitches. It is important for pitchers to have strong wrists to gain more power, throw different pitches, and also guide the ball where they want it to go.

7. Follow Through
Your follow through will also vary with what type of pitch you want to throw. For a straight fast ball, it's important that your arm follow through straight up towards your face, as if you were trying to punch yourself in your chin. If your follow through doesn't stay straight, then the ball will not either. With other pitches such as your curve ball, you will want your follow through to curve across your body. If you are trying to throw a rise you will want to finish up high, and if you want to throw a drop you will want to finish down towards the ground. In general, your ball will end up wherever you follow through does.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Cottrell

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Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine Demo Video

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15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
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Message to Parents From Coach Nick
Examples of Hurricane Hitting Drills
The Highly Acclaimed 20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
Hurricane Batting Machine Video Clips
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Softball Pitching - Steps to Becoming a Successful Pitcher

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Shelby Softball Pitching Practice warmup fast drop change

Shelby Softball Pitching Practice warmup fast drop change
Posted on YouTube by thesportshouse

Shelby's Pitching Practice wrist snaps, tee drill, arm circle, one leg, hops, fast, change, drop

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Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Fast-Pitch in Softball

How to Fast-Pitch in Softball
Posted on YouTube by livestrong

It's helpful to use your whole body when pitching in softball. Learn some tips towards throwing faster strikes in this softball video.

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Friday, October 1, 2010

Softball Pitching - Steps to Becoming a Successful Pitcher

Softball Pitching - Steps to Becoming a Successful Pitcher
by Guest Author Becky Wittenburg

Many girls have the potential to succeed as softball pitchers. However, developing the right skills is a slow and challenging process, and it is easy for players to become discouraged. In order for a beginning player to make it as a pitcher, she needs to have the patience to spend months and maybe years honing her skills.

The following plan breaks down the steps necessary to develop a beginning pitcher. Coaches should remember to take it slow and provide positive encouragement.

Step 1: Mechanics

A player should remember to:

Start with a relaxed upper body
Lean the body forward and push off the rubber for good speed
Open the body - toward third base if right-handed - as she begins the rotation
The arm circle should be fast, smooth, and consistent with the arm straight
Keep the stride straight toward home plate and land with her stride foot turned at a slight angle
Close the body as she nears the release point by turning toward the catcher, starting with the shoulder
Keep the wrist slightly bent as she nears the release point and snap it forward as she releases the ball
Have a loose and natural follow through after the release

Step 2: Speed

Softball pitching requires proper mechanics, but after that is mastered, a player should be able to increase speed over time without having to worry about maintaining control. Focus on keeping mechanics smooth and gradually work on throwing harder over time.

Step 3: Accuracy

After a few months of focusing on mechanics and speed, a pitcher should start working on controlling the location of the pitch. Over time, she should be able to pitch into any of the four corners (low-outside, low-inside, high-inside, and high-outside) so accurately she will not have to throw down the middle.

Step 4: Change-Up

With mechanics, speed, and accuracy under control, a pitcher can now develop pitches other than her fastball. Her change-up should be around 30% slower than her fastball. Her approach can utilize any number of techniques, including:

adjusting the wrist snap
flipping the ball out
following through low and toward the catcher
moving the ball back in the palm

One important thing to keep in mind is that the hitter should have no indication of a change-up.

Once a pitcher has mastered these steps, she can move on to developing additional pitches, like the drop ball, screw ball, and rise ball.

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

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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!

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

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

4 - Pitching/Wrist snap drill

Fastptich Softball: 4 - Pitching/Wrist snap drill
Posted on YouTube by KevinHuntVideo

Farmington (MN) HS assistant softball coach Melissa Langer demonstrates a wrist snap drill for pitchers. Produced by Kevin Hunt Video at www.kevinhuntvideo.com and www.kevinhuntblog.blogspot.com.

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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Drop Ball - Fastpitch Softball Pitching Techniques

Drop Ball - Fastpitch Softball Pitching Techniques
Posted on Youtube by stemcellsrock

Review of grip and mechanics for a peeling drop ball.

Throw like a Girl - with Coach Heather

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Softball Pitching Factory: The Deadly Drop Ball!

The Softball Pitching Factory: The Deadly Drop Ball!
Posted on YouTube by dynamicnetwork

http://www.sportsnationvideo.com/sd-0...
If you want to become a dominant softball pitcher, you need to have three pitches you feel confident throwing in any situation. An effective drop ball is a "must have" pitch for your arsenal and with the insight and instruction provided, you will learn how to master the "deadly" drop ball pitch! Coach Evans provides teaching and demonstrations of the techniques, drills, and skills for throwing this tremendous pitch. In addition, she highlights a number of game-time situations where this pitch is most effective. Every step of the way she provides easy to understand instruction on techniques such as grip variations, mechanics, footwork, and release. She also provides a five-step drill progression to give you instant feedback on how you are progressing with the pitch. Having trouble learning the drop ball? Want to give your drop ball some extra pop? Coach Evans troubleshoots your drop ball by revealing common errors and how to correct them. The Deadly Drop Ball provides all the tools you will need to have your drop ball falling off the table! 38 minutes. 2005.

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Kaci Clark Fast Pitch Red Flags - Arm Action

Kaci Clark Fast Pitch Red Flags - Arm Action
Posted on YouTube by FrozenRopesSports

Kaci Clark demonstrates Fast Pitch Red Flags in arm action.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Xelerator

Fastpitch Softball Pitching: The Xelerator
Posted on YouTube by jpblankenship1

www.ritalynn.com

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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Softball Pitcher's Face Mask Should Be Mandatory

Fastpitch Softball Pitcher's Face Mask Should Be Mandatory
By Guest Author Jim Moyer

The time has come for the Sanctioning bodies of adult softball and youth fastpitch softball to require all softball pitchers and 3rd basemen to wear a protective softball face mask. While the actual risk of being hit in the face with a line drive is slight, the severity of the injury can be blindness or even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1991 reported that more than 100,000 cases of facial trauma occurred in children younger than 14 years while they participated in sports activities with a surprisingly high incidence of female pitchers that are hit with a batted ball.

A couple of real life examples that I have witnessed first hand. A few years back when my daughters softball team was just a 10 year old team, we had the opportunity to play a High School Junior Varsity team. During that game, one of our 10 year old girls hit a line shot back at the pitcher. The pitcher was just able to move her head enough that the ball glanced off the side of her head just above her ear. She immediately fell to the ground and everyone rushed the field to see about her. Fortunately the ball had glanced off of her rather than a straight on blunt impact. She only suffered from a rather severe abrasion on her head, a swollen ear, and a pretty good size knot on her head. Understand that I'm talking about a fairly athletic 14 year old girl only had the chance to react and turn her head about 45 degrees to avoid a ball hit by a 10 year old girl.

Just this season I was watching a fastpitch softball game of 12 year old girls. I was sitting by the father of the 3rd baseman and we were discussing how scary it is that coach's have the 3rd baseman play so close to home plate. Many 3rd baseman now play about 20 feet inside 3rd base and even closer when the coach thinks the other team is going to bunt. Later that same inning, a batter ripped a line drive about 18 inches directly over his daughter's head. She didn't even have time to flinch. Honestly, it was so sudden she didn't have time to duck or move her hands for protection. The dad, relieved that his daughter was okay, said, "That's it. I'm online tonight and will buy a protective face mask. She won't play 3rd base again without one."

One might think a protective face mask is only applicable to girls softball, but that would be naive. Just two years ago, I met a man that played recreational slow pitch softball. He proceeded to tell me that he still plays softball but he can no longer pitch. He had been struck in his right eye socket with a batted ball and could not risk being struck again. Are you ready for this, it took three surgeries and 189 stitches to repair the damage to his eye socket, nose, and cheek. I don't know his exact age, but I suspect he was in his late 20's or early 30's when the injury occurred.

The game of softball is the most participated sport in the U.S. Given this level of participation and the possible severity of facial injuries, it just makes sense that players in high risk positions should be required to wear a softball protective face mask. The unfortunate reality is that most people will not wear safety gear until they are required to do so. A couple of years ago, face masks on batting helmets became mandatory. In the year prior to that rule, my daughter's softball team was the only team in our fastpitch softball league that voluntarily put face masks on batting helmets. That's just one team out of approximately 50 teams.

I'm not sure why more players don't wear the protective face mask. I suspect some parents are not aware that it exists and many other parents don't want to spend the $40.00 because the odds are so slim. Imagine what the cost might be for a trip to the emergency room, a week in the hospital, and two or three re-constructive surgeries. That's just the actual financial cost. Also consider the potential of losing sight in one eye, or the mental damage associated with having scars from 189 stitches. Those costs can't be measured.

Now that you have been made aware of the safety issue, the severity of the injury, the knowledge that there are softball protective face masks on the market, what will your position be? Will you be proactive with your local league? If you coach, will you be proactive with your team? Finally, will you be proactive with your daughter, or with yourself if you play softball?

Slow pitch softball and fastpitch softball are great games. I hope you will take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and those you are responsible for. For more information regarding softball game face protective masks, please see http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/game-face.html.

Jim Moyer is the author of http://www.mysoftballcoach.com Having coached over 500 youth fastpitch softball games, Jim decided to put the information online to allow parent/coaches to draw on his unique experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Moyer

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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!

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

Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.

--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk

--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs

--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4

--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI

--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k

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