Softball Hitting For Power Basics
By guest author: Brad Henks
Watching some of the best hitters in baseball and softball makes us want to hit just like them. There are great home run hitters like Babe Ruth, Albert Pujols, Crystl Bustos and some others. They all command attention when they step up to the plate because of their explosive hitting power.
Here are some tips to help you become a better, more powerful softball hitter. Implement these at your next softball practice.
1. To be a powerful softball hitter you will need to be powerful and in great shape physically. Work on this by do exercises that will build power such as squats, plyometric jumping drills, long jumps over boxes. Work on your triceps, and chest by doing medicine ball drills or dips for a few ideas. You can come up with more I'm sure.
2. Learn to hold the bat properly. A lot of young players naturally, but mistakenly grip the bat way too firmly. If you loosen your grip on the bat you will be able to swing the bat much faster and it will feel better. You need to have loose wrists and grips. There is even a line of batting gloves out there that help you keep a looser grip on the bat.
That should tell you how important this is for a powerful swing.
3. Do some one handed batting drills. Use a tee, swing the bat with the top hand only. Then repeat using only the bottom hand. Do about 10-15 wings each. This will strengthen your arms and hands. Also gets you into proper alignment with the bat and your body.
4. Using both hands, remember that your front hand pulls the bat while your back hand pushes the bat. Beginners may find this a little tough but stick with it and you will get the hang of it soon.
5. Step to the plate correctly. Align yourself about in the middle of the batters box to give yourself plenty of room to see the pitch and time to swing properly at it.
6. Get a good view of the pitcher. Make certain you are looking straight at the pitcher with both eyes. Hold your chin on your front shoulder to put your head in the proper alignment.
7. Watch the ball all the way to your bat. Don't close your eyes and don't be distracted by the infielders moving or the base runner starting to steal a base. Keep your eye on the ball as they say. This will help you track the ball for a more powerfull softball hit.
8. Let your weight shift forward as you make contact with the ball. Allow your back foot to slide forward a couple of inches. This will put all your power into the hit.
9. Focus on hitting the inside seam of the softball. This will make the ball go back up the middle for a hard hit line drive. These are really hard for infielders to get to.
10. When you hit the ball, run as hard as you can all the way through first base. Your coach will tell you if you need to keep going.
There you go, some basic softball power hitting tips. Practice these at home on a tee or with a friend. What are you waiting on, go out and learn to become a true power softball hitter.
Talk about Fastpitch Softball over at http://FastpitchSoftballTalk.blogspot.com/.
The author is a fastpitch softball enthusiast and has been involved in fastpitch softball and baseball for 20 years as a parent and coach. For more information 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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Showing posts with label softball drills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label softball drills. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Baseball or Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drill - Hands to the Ball
Baseball or Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drill - Hands to the Ball
By guest author: Jim Moyer
The dreaded Golf Swing is a common problem for Softball players. You know what I'm talking about, the player consistently misses below the ball by four or five inches. You have talked to them about taking their hands straight to the ball and about swinging level, yet time after time they are underneath the ball. You finally decide the girl is a complete moron and is unable to process the valuable information you are giving her or you determine that she must enjoy bringing you pain and misery.
Your Hitter is probably into the pain and misery he/she is causing you, but on the outside chance that's it's just a bad batting habit you should try this Hands to the Ball drill.
During your next batting practice, place your hitting tee directly behind home plate (touching the back corner of the plate) and pull the tee up to about mid-thigh. Now when the girl swings she must take her hands and bat over the tee without hitting the tee. Now break out the pitching machine and start throwing batting practice. If she drops her hands or the bat head she will hit the tee. Aaaahhhhh, success! Now she can process what you have been telling her for so long. It really won't take too many swings for her to correct the problem, however you may need to do this hitting drill at several batting practices.
This same procedure can be used in soft toss or in hitting from a tee. Just place a hitting tee behind the home plate so he/she can't drop her hands without hitting the back tee.
I have to admit, the first few swings are hysterical. The player thinks the coach is crazy for putting a tee behind her. In her mind you are NUTS thinking she is going to hit the tee. Then on that first pitch when she sends the tee tumbling forward the hitter will have a look of complete astonishment and disbelief. By the third or fourth swing a look of total disgust will have replaced the disbelief. By the sixth or seventh swing the player will finally own up to having poor hitting mechanics. Now, she is making real progress. Just like any 10 Step corrective plan, the first step is to admit there is a problem.
If you have a player with a great golf swing, it may take several sessions to re-train her muscles to swing correctly. Just stick with this drill. The player will absolutely hate hitting that tee and will be working very hard to correct the problem. In all of my years of coaching fastpitch softball and baseball, I have found this to be the single best drill for correcting the "golf swing" strikeouts.
Should she continue to hit the tee, she may very well just enjoy watching you pull your hair out. :-) Then again, you may be ruining the next Tiger Woods. But this isn't a golf team, it's Baseball or Fastpitch Softball and you need hitters, not golfers.
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. See http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/play-softball.html for more fastpitch softball tips, drills and essential coaching strategies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Moyer
=====================
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: Jim Moyer
The dreaded Golf Swing is a common problem for Softball players. You know what I'm talking about, the player consistently misses below the ball by four or five inches. You have talked to them about taking their hands straight to the ball and about swinging level, yet time after time they are underneath the ball. You finally decide the girl is a complete moron and is unable to process the valuable information you are giving her or you determine that she must enjoy bringing you pain and misery.
Your Hitter is probably into the pain and misery he/she is causing you, but on the outside chance that's it's just a bad batting habit you should try this Hands to the Ball drill.
During your next batting practice, place your hitting tee directly behind home plate (touching the back corner of the plate) and pull the tee up to about mid-thigh. Now when the girl swings she must take her hands and bat over the tee without hitting the tee. Now break out the pitching machine and start throwing batting practice. If she drops her hands or the bat head she will hit the tee. Aaaahhhhh, success! Now she can process what you have been telling her for so long. It really won't take too many swings for her to correct the problem, however you may need to do this hitting drill at several batting practices.
This same procedure can be used in soft toss or in hitting from a tee. Just place a hitting tee behind the home plate so he/she can't drop her hands without hitting the back tee.
I have to admit, the first few swings are hysterical. The player thinks the coach is crazy for putting a tee behind her. In her mind you are NUTS thinking she is going to hit the tee. Then on that first pitch when she sends the tee tumbling forward the hitter will have a look of complete astonishment and disbelief. By the third or fourth swing a look of total disgust will have replaced the disbelief. By the sixth or seventh swing the player will finally own up to having poor hitting mechanics. Now, she is making real progress. Just like any 10 Step corrective plan, the first step is to admit there is a problem.
If you have a player with a great golf swing, it may take several sessions to re-train her muscles to swing correctly. Just stick with this drill. The player will absolutely hate hitting that tee and will be working very hard to correct the problem. In all of my years of coaching fastpitch softball and baseball, I have found this to be the single best drill for correcting the "golf swing" strikeouts.
Should she continue to hit the tee, she may very well just enjoy watching you pull your hair out. :-) Then again, you may be ruining the next Tiger Woods. But this isn't a golf team, it's Baseball or Fastpitch Softball and you need hitters, not golfers.
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. See http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/play-softball.html for more fastpitch softball tips, drills and essential coaching strategies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Moyer
=====================
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!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Softball Drills - Bunting
Softball Drills - Bunting
By guest author: Marc Dagenais
Although it may not look as cool as a homerun, or as exciting a fastpitch, you should also work on developing your team's bunting skills.
As you probably know already, bunting is important in certain game situations wherein you have to keep the ball away from fielders while hitting it inside fair territory. This includes plays where in you have to sacrifice your batter to let a baserunner proceed to the next base or the home plate.
So here are some drills that will help improve your team's bunting skills.
Practicing Different Bunting Types
If you want your players to practice basic bunting or several types of bunting all at once, here's a drill that would do it:
There should be two players in this drill, a hitter and a tosser. The tosser should position herself 25 ft. from the batter. The tosser throws ten balls at the hitter, one at a time. Each ball could be hit with a specific type of bunt or hit with different types, depending on the goal of the practice.
The tosser and hitter would then trade places after ten balls are thrown. You can also choose to group your players in several groups so all of them can practice bunting at once.
Practicing Bunting Accuracy
You should also develop your team's bunting accuracy to a specific area in the field. That way, they would be trained to bunt the ball towards a safe zone, out of the foul line and out of reach of the fielders.
In this drill, a rope is placed 15 ft. from the home plate and in a semicircle stretching from one sideline to the other. A pitcher and a catcher should be in their defensive positions. With the pitcher should be a full bucket of balls while the catcher with an empty one.
The hitters are positioned at the home plate where they get two chances at bunting the ball inside the rope. A successful bunt means the hitter will go to the 1st base. But missing two bunts means she will have to run to all bases and return to the home plate.
Runner on Second Base
This is the most common game situation wherein bunting is used. A hitter bunts the ball to give the runner on the 2nd base enough time to run to the 3rd
In this drill, this situation is simulated with a hitter, a baserunner on the 2nd and basemen on all bases. You should then position yourself on the mound behind the L-shaped screen to throw the ball or feed the pitching machine. The hitter would then bunt the ball to the right side of the field to allow the baserunner to advance to the 3rd base.
Want more softball drills to practice your team's bunting? Well, why don't you check out my website at www.Softballperformance.com/? I've got tons of drills on bunting, hitting, throwing, plus coaching tips for you. See you there!
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
=====================
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: Marc Dagenais
Although it may not look as cool as a homerun, or as exciting a fastpitch, you should also work on developing your team's bunting skills.
As you probably know already, bunting is important in certain game situations wherein you have to keep the ball away from fielders while hitting it inside fair territory. This includes plays where in you have to sacrifice your batter to let a baserunner proceed to the next base or the home plate.
So here are some drills that will help improve your team's bunting skills.
Practicing Different Bunting Types
If you want your players to practice basic bunting or several types of bunting all at once, here's a drill that would do it:
There should be two players in this drill, a hitter and a tosser. The tosser should position herself 25 ft. from the batter. The tosser throws ten balls at the hitter, one at a time. Each ball could be hit with a specific type of bunt or hit with different types, depending on the goal of the practice.
The tosser and hitter would then trade places after ten balls are thrown. You can also choose to group your players in several groups so all of them can practice bunting at once.
Practicing Bunting Accuracy
You should also develop your team's bunting accuracy to a specific area in the field. That way, they would be trained to bunt the ball towards a safe zone, out of the foul line and out of reach of the fielders.
In this drill, a rope is placed 15 ft. from the home plate and in a semicircle stretching from one sideline to the other. A pitcher and a catcher should be in their defensive positions. With the pitcher should be a full bucket of balls while the catcher with an empty one.
The hitters are positioned at the home plate where they get two chances at bunting the ball inside the rope. A successful bunt means the hitter will go to the 1st base. But missing two bunts means she will have to run to all bases and return to the home plate.
Runner on Second Base
This is the most common game situation wherein bunting is used. A hitter bunts the ball to give the runner on the 2nd base enough time to run to the 3rd
In this drill, this situation is simulated with a hitter, a baserunner on the 2nd and basemen on all bases. You should then position yourself on the mound behind the L-shaped screen to throw the ball or feed the pitching machine. The hitter would then bunt the ball to the right side of the field to allow the baserunner to advance to the 3rd base.
Want more softball drills to practice your team's bunting? Well, why don't you check out my website at www.Softballperformance.com/? I've got tons of drills on bunting, hitting, throwing, plus coaching tips for you. See you there!
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
=====================
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, June 2, 2011
Three Important Fastpitch Hitting Drills
Three Important Fastpitch Hitting Drills
By guest author: J Cox
Three Important Hitting Drills
Hitting a softball is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. It takes very good eye to hand coordination. It takes great timing, talent, and a bit of luck (sometimes) too. For a player to maximize her chances of being the best hitter she can possibly be, she should regularly go through some hitting drills. Three important hitting drills every player should do are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".
Many players, unless they're under the age of 12 or so, view hitting off a tee as being too childish, but it isn't. In fact, players of all ages and all capabilities should always hit off a tee. This helps hitters to work on their form as they take their stance, swing, hit the ball, and then follow through. With the help of the coach, problems can quickly be identified and corrected during this hitting drill.
Another important hitting drill is the Self Toss and Hit drill. This drill simply involves the hitter tossing up a ball and then hitting it. The hitters should toss the ball close to their body, farther away from their body, and everywhere in between. Also, the batter should hit the ball when it's high in the strike zone, low in the strike zone, and everywhere in between. This way the hitter can get used to swinging at the ball in all these different positions. The point of this hitting drill is for the batter to once again work on the mechanics with her swing and the drill will also help develop better eye to hand coordination.
The third important hitting drill is the Side Soft Toss. This drill requires a pair of players. One player will hit while the other player will toss the ball. The player hitting will assume her stance and get ready to hit. The other player will stand off to the side a few feet (close but not so close that the bat can reach her) with a softball or a bucket of softballs. The player with the ball will lightly toss the ball into the strike zone of the hitter. The hitter will then put a good swing on the ball and hit it forward. Once again this is a great hitting drill for developing eye to hand coordination and for helping a hitter develop good mechanics.
Hitting is probably the single hardest thing to do during a softball game. It takes a player with good eye to hand coordination, good timing, and good mechanics to be able to hit the ball consistently. Three important hitting drills that will help players become better hitters are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".
J Cox runs http://www.fastpitchsoftballbat.net . The site tries to find bargains for the fastpitch fan. The new improved site can be found at http://www.accessories.fastpitchsoftballbat.net/home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Cox
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2055753
=========================
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: J Cox
Three Important Hitting Drills
Hitting a softball is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. It takes very good eye to hand coordination. It takes great timing, talent, and a bit of luck (sometimes) too. For a player to maximize her chances of being the best hitter she can possibly be, she should regularly go through some hitting drills. Three important hitting drills every player should do are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".
Many players, unless they're under the age of 12 or so, view hitting off a tee as being too childish, but it isn't. In fact, players of all ages and all capabilities should always hit off a tee. This helps hitters to work on their form as they take their stance, swing, hit the ball, and then follow through. With the help of the coach, problems can quickly be identified and corrected during this hitting drill.
Another important hitting drill is the Self Toss and Hit drill. This drill simply involves the hitter tossing up a ball and then hitting it. The hitters should toss the ball close to their body, farther away from their body, and everywhere in between. Also, the batter should hit the ball when it's high in the strike zone, low in the strike zone, and everywhere in between. This way the hitter can get used to swinging at the ball in all these different positions. The point of this hitting drill is for the batter to once again work on the mechanics with her swing and the drill will also help develop better eye to hand coordination.
The third important hitting drill is the Side Soft Toss. This drill requires a pair of players. One player will hit while the other player will toss the ball. The player hitting will assume her stance and get ready to hit. The other player will stand off to the side a few feet (close but not so close that the bat can reach her) with a softball or a bucket of softballs. The player with the ball will lightly toss the ball into the strike zone of the hitter. The hitter will then put a good swing on the ball and hit it forward. Once again this is a great hitting drill for developing eye to hand coordination and for helping a hitter develop good mechanics.
Hitting is probably the single hardest thing to do during a softball game. It takes a player with good eye to hand coordination, good timing, and good mechanics to be able to hit the ball consistently. Three important hitting drills that will help players become better hitters are "Hitting off a Tee", "Self Toss and Hit", and "Side Soft Toss".
J Cox runs http://www.fastpitchsoftballbat.net . The site tries to find bargains for the fastpitch fan. The new improved site can be found at http://www.accessories.fastpitchsoftballbat.net/home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Cox
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2055753
=========================
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!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Explore These Fast Pitch Softball Hitting Mechanics
Explore These Fast Pitch Softball Hitting Mechanics
By guest author: Marc Dagenais
Differences in style when doing the softball swings have been the major dilemma of many softball enthusiasts these days. Why not? If you really hear and see a myriad of softball hitting techniques virtually available everywhere, you don't know what to do first. Well, yes, you have to try all of them and choose which is most effective on your softball hitting strategy. But, why waste time when you will now be provided with the powerful and sure ball tips in softball hitting?
Kidding aside, this post will provide you with everything you need to know about softball hitting. We will provide you with the right kind of questions to be able to get hold of the right kind of answers, too.
Let's get started:
· How do I do the softball hitting? Pick up the pace and accelerate the bat through the ball. You drop bat speed when the bat makes contact with the ball. The answer is to speed up as you are hitting the ball explode the bat through it. Preserve a loose grip on the bat. Don't keep your weight on your back foot. Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot so that you'll generate more hitting power.
· What are the fundamental considerations when hitting a softball? The head must be as at a standstill as probable. The eyes must judge the ball perfectly. The feet must accomplish a perfect weight shift. The hands must be in the right position throughout the whole process. The hips and shoulders must remain closed until exactly the right moment. It is a far more difficult thing to teach than almost any other skill. So let's break it down.
· What is the best exercise program in order to increase my hitting power? Squats are one of the best exercises to increase hitting power. Your entire body will benefit from this powerful movement. If you can't do squats, try leg presses or weighted dips. They are great for developing power in triceps, chest, and deltoids-important muscles for hitting. Try to condition the correct muscles and the specific fast twitch muscle fibers that are critical to faster muscles. This means you have to do more hits, longer drives, and fewer strikeouts.
· How do I increase my hitting power? It is essential for you to hit with superior power and get just about on more quick balls. Always remember to hit with your power zone. This means you must be comfortable with the hitting position so that an uninterrupted hitting power will be increased. The great hitters are the ones who practice and develop drills daily in order to boost their stamina. And most importantly, get your head in the game. You can get angry if you want so that you can focus all your energy on nailing that ball over the barrier.
If you read these carefully and take by heart every bit of information, you'll be surprised what you are capable of, especially in softball hitting. If you apply the mentioned proven techniques and you will practice hard, you'll soon dominate the softball arena and become the big difference in your team!
Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. Visit us and sign-up to get tons of great FREE Softball Pitching tips to boost your game!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2405428
===================
Thanks to our sponsors:
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.
The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
By guest author: Marc Dagenais
Differences in style when doing the softball swings have been the major dilemma of many softball enthusiasts these days. Why not? If you really hear and see a myriad of softball hitting techniques virtually available everywhere, you don't know what to do first. Well, yes, you have to try all of them and choose which is most effective on your softball hitting strategy. But, why waste time when you will now be provided with the powerful and sure ball tips in softball hitting?
Kidding aside, this post will provide you with everything you need to know about softball hitting. We will provide you with the right kind of questions to be able to get hold of the right kind of answers, too.
Let's get started:
· How do I do the softball hitting? Pick up the pace and accelerate the bat through the ball. You drop bat speed when the bat makes contact with the ball. The answer is to speed up as you are hitting the ball explode the bat through it. Preserve a loose grip on the bat. Don't keep your weight on your back foot. Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot so that you'll generate more hitting power.
· What are the fundamental considerations when hitting a softball? The head must be as at a standstill as probable. The eyes must judge the ball perfectly. The feet must accomplish a perfect weight shift. The hands must be in the right position throughout the whole process. The hips and shoulders must remain closed until exactly the right moment. It is a far more difficult thing to teach than almost any other skill. So let's break it down.
· What is the best exercise program in order to increase my hitting power? Squats are one of the best exercises to increase hitting power. Your entire body will benefit from this powerful movement. If you can't do squats, try leg presses or weighted dips. They are great for developing power in triceps, chest, and deltoids-important muscles for hitting. Try to condition the correct muscles and the specific fast twitch muscle fibers that are critical to faster muscles. This means you have to do more hits, longer drives, and fewer strikeouts.
· How do I increase my hitting power? It is essential for you to hit with superior power and get just about on more quick balls. Always remember to hit with your power zone. This means you must be comfortable with the hitting position so that an uninterrupted hitting power will be increased. The great hitters are the ones who practice and develop drills daily in order to boost their stamina. And most importantly, get your head in the game. You can get angry if you want so that you can focus all your energy on nailing that ball over the barrier.
If you read these carefully and take by heart every bit of information, you'll be surprised what you are capable of, especially in softball hitting. If you apply the mentioned proven techniques and you will practice hard, you'll soon dominate the softball arena and become the big difference in your team!
Marc Dagenais, MHK, CSCS, is a softball peak performance coach that helps players and teams hit with more power, run faster, throw harder, become mentally tougher, and be more dominant on the softball field. Visit us and sign-up to get tons of great FREE Softball Pitching tips to boost your game!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Dagenais
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2405428
===================
Thanks to our sponsors:
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.
The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Performing Softball Hitting is Not All About the Bats
By Marc Dagenais
Everybody who is engaged in the softball hitting is endeavored on making the best of his abilities to perform the skill well. As much as possible he commits more than a hundred percent of his efforts so that there will be a great base run at the end.
Hitters should have a quick, short and compact swing so that they can deliver the best hit that they can. It is also indispensable that each hitter gets the bat to the ball as fast as possible during the hitting. Every player is required with the certain degrees of shoulder rotation. One of the common mistakes why a batter is not successful in hitting the ball is that he performs a wrong movement when swinging. That is why this very simple skill should be carefully though of so that any single mistake will be minimized.
Starting as early as possible is very well needed so that you can have the best of improvement more rapidly. So, before you go to the worse side of the softball game, you should always become one of the people who are willing to take more of the softball hitting drills in order for them to get hold of the better performance record.
The batter should not pull out the shoulder in advance as this may cause several damages in your softball hitting. Therefore, this means that every single move is important in the accomplishment of a great softball hitting presentation. Early pulling out of the front side should not be maintained as it produces radical short of bat speed.
Coaches should also become more aware and quickly have a spot of the flaws often committed by the softball hitters so that they can correct them as soon as possible. So every hitter should cure their flaws with the help of course of their coach. The coach should have an individual assessment of the performances of his players. In this way, he can immediately respond to the needs of the players.
It is also recommended that the coach should build up a practice plan that will have a holistic improvement of the players. There should however a different practice plan for the different skills such as pitching and hitting as these skills require more than just quick run and fast speed.
You visualize what you want in your team so as to produce the results that you want to happen. Build up also the confidence of your players so that the softball hitting and softball pitching will run smoothly. You try ever y possible chance that you and your players can develop a team building activities that all of you will enjoy.
Try also to become more attached with their personal lives. As a coach, you must know how your players are affected with the personal stories that they have in life. But always make sure that you do not go also beyond your limitations. You must develop also their sense of independence most especially in the way that they discipline themselves.
In general, softball hitting can best be done if there is cooperation that exist between the coach, the players as well as the parents so that effective and stronger game match will be witnessed in the softball diamond.
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!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Indoor Softball Drills
By Becky Wittenburg
In many of the northern states softball practice has to begin before the weather outside is nice enough for practice. So, the first few practices have to be held indoors in a gymnasium. That’s okay because there are plenty of indoor softball drills that players can practice in order to get ready for the softball season.
Hitting
It’s impossible to get players any real batting practice against a live pitcher during indoor softball drills. However, players can begin to get themselves back into the hitting mode by hitting off a tee and taking batting practice off a pitching machine.
Hitting from a Tee
Many older players think it’s a waste of time to hit a softball off a tee. All the players can think about is when they were 6 years old and playing tee ball. Once the role of this drill is explained to the players, they see the usefulness of it and are willing do it.
While hitting off a tee a player should be concentrating on her stance and the position of her hands and arms. Then the player needs to make sure she steps forward with her front foot, keeps her back foot planted, and swings the bat well all the way through the ball. She also needs to be sure to keep her head down on the ball.
A coach can actually help a player be a better hitter by watching her swing while hitting off a tee and then correcting any areas that need correcting.
Hitting off a Machine
Pitching machines are a great tool for indoor softball drills. The speed can be set precisely so a player can get into a rhythm hitting the ball. During these hitting drills a player should try to hit the ball right back at the pitching machine.
Also, hitting off a pitching machine is a perfect opportunity for players to practice bunting. This is a lost art with most of today’s players. However, if they start practicing bunting indoors then they should be able to do it well enough in the games.
Fielding and Throwing
There is almost an unlimited amount of indoor softball drills players can do that involve fielding and throwing. These drills will help the players get into shape to play softball and the drills will also help a coach evaluate his players.
Fielding without Gloves
This drill requires players to field the ball in their bare hands without a glove. Players line-up in two lines facing each other. Then the first player in one of the lines rolls the ball to the first player in the other line. The player who rolled the ball runs to the back of the opposite line. Then the other player fields the ball and rolls it to the next player.
During this drill players should concentrate at getting square with the ball, bending with their knees, and cradling the ball into their bodies. It’s important that players not roll the ball too slowly or too fast. So a coach needs to monitor the drill to make sure the rolling is acceptable. A coach should also watch the drill to make adjustments to players’ fielding techniques.
Four Corners
This indoor drill requires players to stand at each corner of the gym. One player begins the drill by throwing the ball to the player at the diagonal corner of the gym. That player catches the ball and then throws to the player on the same side of the gym. Then the next throw goes diagonally again so that all four players have caught and thrown the ball.
Players should work on their “crow hop” while throwing the ball. They should also catch the ball with two hands and get the ball out of their glove quickly. This drill should be very crisp when it is practiced well.
The Benefits of Indoor Softball Drills
Indoor softball drills can pretty much simulate anything that a real game will throw a player’s way. In fact, many coaches like to begin the season practicing inside because it allows for more structure and it also helps the players to get closer because they are in a confined space. There are many great indoor softball drills that players can practice.
Coach Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball-spot.com indoor softball drills You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website:
SoftballSpot.com
For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Wittenburg
In many of the northern states softball practice has to begin before the weather outside is nice enough for practice. So, the first few practices have to be held indoors in a gymnasium. That’s okay because there are plenty of indoor softball drills that players can practice in order to get ready for the softball season.
Hitting
It’s impossible to get players any real batting practice against a live pitcher during indoor softball drills. However, players can begin to get themselves back into the hitting mode by hitting off a tee and taking batting practice off a pitching machine.
Hitting from a Tee
Many older players think it’s a waste of time to hit a softball off a tee. All the players can think about is when they were 6 years old and playing tee ball. Once the role of this drill is explained to the players, they see the usefulness of it and are willing do it.
While hitting off a tee a player should be concentrating on her stance and the position of her hands and arms. Then the player needs to make sure she steps forward with her front foot, keeps her back foot planted, and swings the bat well all the way through the ball. She also needs to be sure to keep her head down on the ball.
A coach can actually help a player be a better hitter by watching her swing while hitting off a tee and then correcting any areas that need correcting.
Hitting off a Machine
Pitching machines are a great tool for indoor softball drills. The speed can be set precisely so a player can get into a rhythm hitting the ball. During these hitting drills a player should try to hit the ball right back at the pitching machine.
Also, hitting off a pitching machine is a perfect opportunity for players to practice bunting. This is a lost art with most of today’s players. However, if they start practicing bunting indoors then they should be able to do it well enough in the games.
Fielding and Throwing
There is almost an unlimited amount of indoor softball drills players can do that involve fielding and throwing. These drills will help the players get into shape to play softball and the drills will also help a coach evaluate his players.
Fielding without Gloves
This drill requires players to field the ball in their bare hands without a glove. Players line-up in two lines facing each other. Then the first player in one of the lines rolls the ball to the first player in the other line. The player who rolled the ball runs to the back of the opposite line. Then the other player fields the ball and rolls it to the next player.
During this drill players should concentrate at getting square with the ball, bending with their knees, and cradling the ball into their bodies. It’s important that players not roll the ball too slowly or too fast. So a coach needs to monitor the drill to make sure the rolling is acceptable. A coach should also watch the drill to make adjustments to players’ fielding techniques.
Four Corners
This indoor drill requires players to stand at each corner of the gym. One player begins the drill by throwing the ball to the player at the diagonal corner of the gym. That player catches the ball and then throws to the player on the same side of the gym. Then the next throw goes diagonally again so that all four players have caught and thrown the ball.
Players should work on their “crow hop” while throwing the ball. They should also catch the ball with two hands and get the ball out of their glove quickly. This drill should be very crisp when it is practiced well.
The Benefits of Indoor Softball Drills
Indoor softball drills can pretty much simulate anything that a real game will throw a player’s way. In fact, many coaches like to begin the season practicing inside because it allows for more structure and it also helps the players to get closer because they are in a confined space. There are many great indoor softball drills that players can practice.
Coach Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball-spot.com indoor softball drills You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website:
SoftballSpot.com
For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Wittenburg
Monday, November 2, 2009
Softball Hitting - Learning the Right Confidence Before You Hit the Hit
www.SoftballrUs.com
By Marc Dagenais
In any sport, it is important to be able to master a certain skill in order to become an expert in it. Softball, as part of the leading sports in the world, has been part of the sports that has gained numerous positive feedbacks from the viewers. It is because most of the time, the softball fanatics have been carried away with their numerous fantasies about playing softball.
There is a need therefore of a great avenue wherein you will have to observe a great softball game performance. If you are a softball hitter, then you might want to know more about softball hitting so that you can hone more your skills on your existing skills. Yes, it is amazing to note that from your existing skill, you can still actually gain another skill from it.
Hereunder is some of the softball hitting tips that are considered to be great tools in the achievement of a great play.
First, you must spend as much time on your hitting powers as you do in your resistance. It is important that you learn to be ready with the tough hitting drills so that you can move to a more challenging softball hitting technique later as you move on with the next steps. Practice refining your softball hitting skills and then master them. It is not an easy task to master each skill but it will help if you constantly master the skill that you know or the skill that is taught to you. Mastering a particular softball hitting skill doesn't require a highly-skilled hitter. It just needs a hitter who has the patience to learn things.
Second, you must select the heaviest bat wherein you could feel like you can swing it without losing your bat velocity. It is important that you still give your full power the moment you will hit the softball.
Third, you must hold the bat with your fingers. You should have to consider that your power should rely on your fingers and not on your palms.
Fourth, you can regulate the location of your position in the box as long as you are still in accordance with the direction of the pitcher. You must remember that a single move can make a big impact, so be careful with your every single move.
Fifth, never alter your swing the moment before or during the game. If you want to learn a new swing or if you are just learning a new swing, you must not use it right away in the current season of your softball performance. Remember that there is so much to learn about a new move and incorporating it right away to the next game performance will do you no good because you lack enough practice for the certain skill.
Sixth, you should always remain loose at the plate. Relax. Tensed muscles can make you move slowly. Remember, you should move quickly.
Seventh, you shall make each of your swing count. And never zoom on your batting average. Instead you must focus on your on-base proportion.
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!
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