Cat Osterman on Pitching: Softball Training Tips

Cat Osterman on Pitching: Softball Training Tips

Posted on Youtube by STACKVids |
Cat Osterman, NCAA all time leader for strikeouts per 7 innings in Women's softball, and 2004 Summer Olympics athlete, gives a how to on finger placement when pitching the ball. ""Its not necessarily where, the biggest thing is whatever pressure fingers you are using, I use my index finger a lot of pitchers like to use their middle finger. But whatever finger you are using, you want to put it on the seam somewhere. I get more kids that this is my rise-ball, or in the middle of the horse-shoe, and I'm like what seam are you driving on? Because driving on the seam, is going to get your seams spinning the way you want them to. Obviously, you want your seams spinning because the seams catch air, and then the ball moves.""

======================

=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds.


Hurricane Video

Michele Smith Riseball Tip from WCWS (Coach's Clinic)

Michele Smith Riseball Tip from WCWS (Coach's Clinic)

Michele Smith's Riseball Tip during the Coach's Clinic at the 2008 WCWS!

http://www.michelesmith.com
http://www.myspace.com/michelesmith

============================

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

Softball Pitching Video: Fastpitch Softball - Pitching Techniques

Fastpitch Softball - Pitching Techniques

Belhaven College softball coach demonstrates 3 softball pitching techniques

====================

Thanks to 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!

Youth Softball Pitching Tips

Youth Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips
By Guest Author Trevor A. Sumner

Eddie Feigner was a world famous softball pitcher who started his team, "King and his Court," in 1946. He was such a good pitcher that he needed only two fielders behind him when he pitched. His team barnstormed throughout the United States and all over the world for almost 55 years. Eddie pitched for that duration of time because the softball pitch is made with a natural motion of the arm. That's a stark contrast to baseball pitchers who can have arm complications because the overhand throw is not a natural arm motion.

It is suggested that youth softball pitchers throw as many as three hundred pitches per week so that the repetition will give them outstanding pitching technique. Youth softball pitching tips aid young softball pitchers mentally as much as physically. There are many devices that are on the market that return the ball to them upon impact that young pitchers can use to practice their craft and many are perfect for solo play.

Some youth softball pitching tips for youngsters who want to improve themselves as softball pitchers are:


Know the Game - Learn the rules of the game of softball, and learn all you can about the strike zone.
Master the Strike Zone - When you pitch, avoid the middle of the strike zone where a batter can get the best part of the bat on the ball and make the best contact.
Take a deep breath before releasing the pitch.
Visualize the pitch and the flight of the ball before releasing it.
Concentrate on the strike zone and your catcher's glove. Do not think about the batter.
Release the Ball with Confidence. Don't make the mistake of hoping the ball goes where you intend to throw it. Throw the softball with confidence.
Don't Overthrow. With runners on base, do not squeeze the ball too hard. One of the best youth softball pitching tips is to throw relaxed at all times, even with the game on the line.
Take Extra Time with a Runner on Base - Young softball pitchers must learn to control their emotions at all times when pitching.
After You Release the Pitch, Field Your Position. Follow through after you deliver the pitch directly toward the batter. That's why you're wearing a glove!
Have Fun - Remember to enjoy softball and pitching, because it is only a game.
These youth softball pitching tips are meant to help young softball pitchers to have more success on the pitching mound. Continuous practice using a variety of age-appropriate softball pitching drills will ultimately make the difference between a talented pitcher and a great one. And when you make these drills fun by tapping into the natural idolatry of softball pros like Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, or Monica Abbott, you may find it easier to motivate your team. It is up to mentors, coaches and parents to encourage and support our youth in all their endeavors.

By Trevor A. Sumner who works for Weplay.com, a youth softball community dedicated to providing parents coaches and athletes the tools and information to celebrate the love of the game. Weplay has one of the most comprehensive softball drill libraries in its active softball community.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_A._Sumner

=========================================================

Thanks to our sponsors:

BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Suggested Links:

RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com

Softball Pitching Drills - The One-Knee Drill

Softball Pitching Drills - The One-Knee Drill
http://www.softballperformance.com/ - Lauren Bay, star pitcher and Olympian demonstrates an excellent drill to increase your pitching speed and technique.

====================

Thanks to our sponsors;

BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

BattingCagesDirect.com
XtenderbattingCages.com
HurricaneMachine.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com

Check Out These Sites:

BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com
RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos,.com

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

http://www.mavenvideo.com - Softball pitching drills and tips on how to create essential techniques for destroying the batter's timing and the drills and tips by coach Bob Todd. This video is a preview from his full DVD from mavenvideo The Change Up to be release in 2010.



Thanks to 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!

Increase Your Pitching Speed - Softball Pitching Drills

Increase Your Fastpitch Softball Pitching Speed - Softball Pitching Drills
By Guest Author Geoff James

Believe it or not, increasing your pitching speed is not directly related to how fast your windmill is. The form of the circle and moment of release are more important than one rush of brute strength. Try these drills to increase speed and precision while pitching:

The Bend & Snap!

Trade your standard softball for a weight ball. Bend down on one knee facing your catcher about halfway between the mound and home plate. Flick the ball directly to the catcher using only your wrist. Do this 10-15 times. Back up 5 feet and repeat the drill until you get to the mound, when you will swap to the windmill using a regulation softball. Having practiced precision with the weight ball, your windmill pitch will gain some added oomf when coming off the mound.

Circle the Square.

Stand in your stride position, feet slightly wider that shoulder width. Check that your toes are on the power line, then wind up for your windmill. Make three circles as fast as you can before you release the ball. Taking those extra rotations can help you to increase arm speed before releasing the ball. Do this 10 times, then do 10 more pitches but with only two rotations. By the time you work down to the next 10, done with only one rotation, you should notice that your windmill is just a bit faster than it was before!

Warning: Windmills, especially if your shoulders are not loose or relaxed enough, can be painful. Make sure to take time between pitches as needed to recover. If it hurts, take a break to stretch your shoulder out.

We sell softball trophies for pitchers and the whole team....with huge variety, a low-price guarantee and free shipping for orders over $95, you'll be hard-pressed to find better softball trophies anywhere else!

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

=======================================================

Thanks to our sponsors:

BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Suggested Links:

RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com

A Fast Pitch Pitching Drill

A Simple but Effective Fast Pitch Pitching Drill
By Guest Author J Cox

An Important Pitching Drill: One Knee Pitching

The pitcher on the softball field is the most important player. No other player has the power to influence the game the way the pitcher does. In order for the pitcher to be effective, there are many little things she must do well. To help her perfect all these little things, there are many different pitching drills she should perform regularly. One of the most important pitching drills is the "One Knee Pitching" drill.

One knee pitching is performed exactly how you would think it would be done, with the pitcher on one knee. The pitcher will actually kneel on the knee that is on the same side as her pitching arm. She will be about 15 to 20 feet away from the catcher. There should be a line on the ground that extends from the pitcher toward the catcher. The pitchers other foot (on the glove side) should be placed on that line. That leg should be slightly bent. By being on one knee the pitcher will have a steady lower part of the body and will be able to focus on her upper body and the mechanics for pitching.

To begin the softball pitching drill, the pitcher should have her glove and pitching hand (holding the ball) down beside the leg she is kneeling on (her pitching leg). Both of the pitchers hands should stay together as she completes the first quarter of her arm circle. Then she should continue with her motion making sure to come through and stay with the straight line. That's the point of the drill; staying within the line. Throwing balls and strikes isn't important.

During this pitching drill the pitcher must be sure to keep her balance at all times. She can't allow her back to arch backward or her shoulders to fall forward. Also, she can't let her arm go behind her head as she is pitching. Finally, she has to make sure her arm finishes in line with the line that's extending toward the catcher. This point can't be stressed enough.

There are many great pitching drills that softball pitchers should do on a regular basis. One of the most important drills is "One Knee Pitching". This drill should be performed regularly in order to help the pitchers balance and to allow her to focus on her upper body. To be more specific, this pitching drill will help the pitcher with her arm circle, spacing, sequencing, release posture, and the follow through.

J Cox runs http://www.fastpitchsoftballbat.net The site tries to find bargains for the fastpitch fan. The site also has several other Fastpitch Softball Articles, an example is located at http://www.fastpitchsoftballbat.net/fastpitchbaserunning

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

=====================================================

Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Suggested Links:

RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com

Pitching Grip - How to Throw a Curveball

Fastpitch Pitching Grip - How to Throw a Curveball Effectively
By Guest Author Dan Gazaway

When is the best time to throw the curve? When you are ahead of the count with one or two strikes on the batter or surprise the batter by throwing it your first pitch. I only recommend throwing the Curveball the first pitch if you have excellent command and can throw it for a strike. You always want to start the count in your favor.

You can throw the Curveball one of two ways as far as the location of the pitch is concerned. One, you can start the Curveball out in the strike zone and throw it into the dirt hoping the batter will fish for it. Or two, you can start it out as a ball and have it drop into the strike zone. If the batter doesn't swing, it is a strike, and if he does he misses it or grounds out. I prefer the ground out personally so I can throw fewer pitches per inning. When a starting pitcher performs, he should plan on throwing the whole game if he is on a five day rotation; first pitch ground outs are ideal for me.

Before we cover how to grip the Curveball, it is important to note that a pitcher should always pull the curve from his glove. This is important because it ensures that the wrist and forearm are aligned on each pitch for consistency. For example, while throwing a fastball a pitcher should bring his thumbs down, out of the glove so the ball ends up facing second base at the equal and opposite position. The Curveball should be pulled from the glove with the palm of your hand facing toward your body.

Curveball Grip

To grip the Curveball, place your index and ring finger on the seams opposite of the thumb. The thumb and middle finger should split the baseball in half. Apply some pressure on your thumb and middle fingers. Your index finger should simply rest on the ball next to the middle finger. I teach pitchers that are just learning this grip to slightly raise their index finger off the ball to ensure they don't apply pressure with it.

When throwing this pitch, make sure you maintain solid fastball mechanics. One, you don't want to tip the batter so he will know you are throwing something other than a fastball by changing mechanics. You also want to keep the same arm speed and arm angle with the curve. The only thing that changes is wrist and forearm angle. At release, avoid snapping your wrist. The ball rolls off your index finger while spinning the ball with your thumb and middle finger.

A fact about the Curveball: Hitters can hit a "good" Curveball, but they struggle hitting a "great" Curveball. A great Curveball deceives the batter and drops aggressively in the end. Keep practicing so that you will be one of the great Curveball pitchers.

Curveball tip #1: Ensure that your fastball mechanics are in order before learning a curve. Also, to make sure that the ball doesn't squirt on you, finish the pitch with your glove in front of you, not on the side of your body. Refer to your Pitching Mechanics DVD if you are not sure what we mean by that.

Curveball tip#2: Coaches and parents need to monitor how many Curveballs a young athlete throws, especially when the pitch really begins to work for him. Pitcher's who throw the curveball well and experience great success with it, tend to overuse the pitch. The ratio of pitches thrown should be 15-20% Curveballs regardless of how effective your curve is.

Dan Gazaway is owner and founder of The Pitching Academy in Utah. He has instructed over 1,000 students in the area of pitching mechanics and the mental aspect of competitive pitching. Coach Gazaway received his coaching certification through The National Pitching Association in San Diego. Dans latest projects include creating a Pitching Mechanics DVD and e-book and placing them on his Pitching Academy website. Coach Gazaway also instructs thousands of pitchers about proper pitching workouts which include pre-season training as well as pitching workouts relating to off-season conditioning.

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

=======================================================

Thanks to our sponsors:
BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Suggested links:
RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos,.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com

Tools to Use to Improve Your Softball Pitching Prowess

Tools to Use to Improve Your Fastpitch Softball Pitchers
By Guest Author Marc Dagenais

Among all the roles in the softball team, one of the important, crucial ones is softball pitching where it doesn't only involve simple case of ball throwing. It involves agility, endurance and strength as to how to pitch the ball properly so, that the opposing hitter's bat won't be able to collide with the ball.

There are different ways to pitch a ball. You can do a fastpitch drop, which involves taking a short stride to increase the level of your release point and leaning a bit forward upon release of the ball so, that your head and shoulders are over your front foot. You can also do fastpitch rise where the ball would be able to spin upon release if you spread your fingers more on the ball and squeezing it out of your fingers. In addition, you can do a fastpitch curve where the movement of your wrist and shoulders make the ball spin more.

Other than taking in these softball pitching tips and putting them into practice, here are some softball pitching equipment that you can use to improve your game.

Throw Max

The throw max is a tool that assists players on how to throw the ball in a correct manner by letting them experience this themselves. This way, they would be able to develop a stronger muscle memory in an easier and more consistent way without risking injury.

Power Throw-Ball Softball

This excellent tool helps players enhance strength, especially the shoulders, and endurance so that, they would be more used to the throwing motion.

Rev Fire

Rev Fire is a wonderful tool that you can use to monitor your speed in throwing a ball. This includes three softballs as well as a monitor provides you quick feedback on how quick you pitch a ball.

Glove Radar

Glove radar is an electronic gadget that accurately measures the throwing speed of not just pitchers but also of infielders, outfielders as well as catchers. It's easy to use as you just have to attach it to any glove that you use when practicing the sport.

Weighted Softball Training Ball

The weighted softball training ball can be used either for enhancing shoulder strength or for shoulder rehabilitation. The set is composed of four balls that weigh about nine to 12 ounces so, you can different balls once your arm strength improves.

Xelerator

The Xelerator is a lighter, softer and shorter tool that you can use when practicing throwing motions as it aids you in learning overhand and snap motions without stressing out your shoulders at the same time.

Tightspin Trainer

The Tightspin Trainer allows players to improve their ball throwing capabilities as it increases your speed as well as the rate of the spin.

Finch Windmill

The Finch Windmill aids you in improving your throwing prowess, making it harder and faster as it enhances muscle strength, endurance and balance of the whole body. You would see a difference in you when you use this regularly.

What are you waiting for? Improve your game with these softball pitching tools.

Marc Dagneais is 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 access our directory of FREE softball drills!

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

Thanks to our sponsors:
BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Suggested links:
RottenSports.com
RottenCoaches.com
Blog4Coaches.com
WildSportsVideos,.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
LittleLeagueDigest.com
SoftballBloopers.com
FunnyBaseballVideo.com
BaseballBloopersandBlunders.com

FAST PITCH 101 - Basics Softball Pitching Mechanics Video

FAST PITCH 101
Originally Posted on Youtube by meganelise1190



Thanks to our sponsors;

BattingCagesDirect.com
SoftballVideosOnline.com
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
SoftballrUs.com

Fastpitch Softball Pitching - 5 Pitching Tips to Make You Successful

Fastpitch Softball Pitching - 5 Pitching Tips to Make You Successful
By Guest Author Marc Dagenais

As a softball pitcher you should know that your position on the team is probably the most important. When team fill out their roster, the first thing they look for is great pitching. Pitchers then should know that they need to be good students of the game and be aware of what is needed from them in the different situations that can take place during a game. Pitchers usually are the difference maker in a game and so if they don't have their A game, then chances are their team won't be victorious. The following softball pitching tips are good pointers for the position and give pitchers a good heads up on how they should approach their craft.

Tip 1 - Throwing a fastball. Use two points to keep your arm properly aligned. Your biceps brush your ear at the top of the backswing, and your pitching hand brushes your hip at release.

Tip 2 - Throwing a curve-ball. Pitchers should know that in order to maximize the curve, you should visualize a series of dots from the mound to the outside corner of the plate. Pitch along those dots.

Tip 3 - Throwing a fastpitch rise. It's possible that your wrist snap may be sideways. Play with different grips or finger pressures and try to relax them.

Tip 4 - Throwing a change-up. Don't always throw the change-up in a given situation. Make sure to change your pitch selection.

Tip 5 - Throwing a drop-ball. Keep your pitching arm close to your body to avoid injury.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also 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. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

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


========================
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/

FAST PITCH Softball Pitching 101 - How to Throw a Fatpitch