Get Softball Back in the 2012 Olympics

Hey, just came across this during more research. I thought it was of interest to most folks viewing here.
It is a petition to Get Fastpitch Back Into the 2012 Olympics.
Your email and stuff remains private so if your interested give it a look and sign the petition.
At last look there were over 62,000 signatures. It would probably take a lot more for the IOC to even take a second look so go sign it.

Keep your dream alive, practice at home so you don't waste time at practice. Keep your grades up and join other academic clubs. Use your time wisely and you may end up on the next Olympic team.

A 10 Key Winning Season

There are lots of good game strategy tips out there. Most come from hard earned experience on the dirt. A lot can come from researching, reading, going to clinics and just watching the game every chance you get. So in my never ending search for more fastpitch knowledge I came across a really good article from Cindy Bristow that I want to share. Its called 10 Keys to a Winning Season, and here is an excerpt from it.
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Since this article is about winning I explored the 3 teams that won their respective divisions in the 2009 NCAA Softball National Championships; The University of Washington in Division I, Lock Haven University in Division II and Messiah College in Division III. I was particularly interested to find out how many 1 Run games they won over the course of last year’s championship season as that was initially my only point.

In addition to finding out how each of these three championship teams did in 1 run games I started seeing other really interesting patterns that I thought were important and they have resulted in the following 10 Keys to Having a Winning Season:

1. Win the Games You Should Win – While I can’t look through your schedule and know which games you should win, you sure can. I’m not talking about “should win” in the sense that all the stars have to line up and your team has to play perfect, that to me describes something closer to shouldn’t or might. I’m talking about those games where you are the better team, where you make and get more breaks, and where you “should” win. Winning those games will really make a difference in the overall success of your season, and yet, those games can be fairly easy to lose. Why’s that? Because we tend to overlook or underestimate them. We look beyond those games to the ones we think are “really big”, meanwhile losing the ones we should win. So what if we win the BIG games, how many of those do you have? And when was the last time you got rings for winning a really BIG game and finishing last in your conference? Focus on winning the games you should win and you’ll be amazed at how different your season turns out!

2. Win the 1 Run Games – A cousin to winning the games you should win is winning the 1 run games. This is where it gets real interesting and where my research really paid off. In looking at all three division NCAA Softball National Champions here’s what I found in regards to their records in 1 Run Games: ......>>>>>>>>>

You can read the rest of this really cool article Here.

Another part of having a winning season is having the proper gear. You need the right glove for your position and you can find those at BuyFastpitchGloves.com
There is a great selection of Fastpitch Softball Infielder Gloves here too.

So keep researching and remember to Practice at Home so you don't waste time at practice!

2010 Fastpitch ASA Rules Changes

Its about time to get going again. All the local coaches meetings are taking place. Tournaments are being announced and of course the rules changes have been announced. You may already be aware of these but here they are anyway.
These are just the major changes that most of us will be interested in and these are ASA rules. Other leagues have changes too and are similar.
For the 2010 season that started on January 1, 2010:
All age groups 16 and up will have pitching distance of 43 feet.
All age groups 16 and up allow the use metal cleats.
College players are no longer allowed to play at 18B or 18 Gold. 18A is allowed.

These are probably good changes. The pitching distance gives the kids a good start on college level play and all high schools are moving there this coming season also.
The use of metal cleats is kind of controversial because of safety reasons. Most players that I have talked to like metal cleats because of the added traction in the dirt. They also don't like the cuts that are much more likely. I always hated them as a player at second base when the runner came sliding in with those sharp things aimed at my leg.
The reason given for the college player exclusion at 18B and Gold was simply that there is no reason for those kids to be playing on high school age teams basically. This has been proposed for several years, mainly from the college coaches themselves. 18A was allowed because several teams already had girls on the teams and it would make it really tough to fill rosters at the late date. The rule will likely include 18A next year. They are trying to ramp up the 23U age group to give these players a venue. There is already a 23U but it is not as big just yet.
Anyway, those are the major changes for ASA. I'll try to post the changes for USSSA later.

It's Time to Get In Shape for Softball Season

Here is a link to an article about getting in shape for softball season.
HTML Code: Want To Play Fastpitch Softball And Need To Get In Shape

It's that time again. Check out the article and give it some feedback. For your equipment needs check out www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com
Keepin it real...

Fastpitch Softball Talk: Softball Hitting Drill Tip - Hit The Seam

Fastpitch Softball Talk: Softball Hitting Drill Tip - Hit The Seam

Softball Hitting Drill Tip - Hit The Seam

Hitting a softball is probably the hardest thing to do in sports. I think that has actually been proven by the guys over at Sports Science TV show. Jennie Finch went head to head with some MLB guys and she actually broke the machine, it was cool to watch.
Here is a quick tip to use when you are doing T-drills during hitting practice.

Set the ball on the tee with the two seams facing the rear. When you swing, imagine hitting or crushing that inside seam. Doing this will cause you to hit the middle of the ball and send it right back at the pitcher or second base.

The pitcher may not like you much , but hey that's her problem. She shouldn't be throwin' down the middle to you anyway.

This tip works for inside, middle or outside pitches so during your next hitting practice have your partner set that ball with the seams to the back and crush that inside seam.

Have You Seen the Price of Gas?

The cold weather is jacking up the price of gasoline - 53% since this time last year and as usual heating oil and natural gas somehow always seem to go up this time of year.
Summer travel tournaments will be here soon, better start saving up for them. It's hard to do with almost 20 million people out of work and no income. We just have to be smart about spending. Players need to help your parents by being good time managers and make wise choices about when to go workout and to school and other outings. Help your parents find good deals on new softball equipment. Take care of your glove and other fastpitch gear. If you need new equipment, find quality gear and take care of it.
Travel costs are going to be even higher this year so get started now on making a savings plan and look into fund raisers.

I think she broke my finger Again!

Man that hurts. We just got back from pitching workout, not only am I out of shape but I think she broke my stinkin finger again. I thought it was all healed up but guess not. Oh well, that is part of it. She will just keep throwing harder and my fingers will just keep hurting, until she gets back into working out with her own catcher. Can't wait for that.
The new catchers mitt really helps though. At least I can snag those movement balls a lot easier and they stay in the pocket of this mitt. It's actually made for a girls hand so it is kind of small for me but a lot better than the one I was using. I like the pop when she hits that pocket. I usually don't feel a thing, I just happened to grab one off angle and it got my stinkin finger.
Grabbing those low drop balls is much easier now and those rise balls that somehow she just makes float right in there.
We worked on that new change up. I like that thing but it is hard to throw. She just about has it down. I really feel the age working on the running and especially that minute drill, that one gets me. Like they say, if it don't hurt it don't do you no good.
The new season is starting to take off with players working out at the high schools, indoor places and if your lucky to live where there is no snow - outside on the dirt.
Keep up the good work. Until next time!

The new year has started - already. Can you believe it is 2010. That almost sounds like something out of a scifi movie. January brought us lots of snow and really cold weather so there is definitely no outside work for a while. There are several indoor facilities that we can use to get back into shape or continue our workouts. Batting cages, indoor fields, high school gyms, and privately owned buildings that are open to kids. So there really is no excuse for not getting in at least some work.
You can also do a lot of this at home. You can work on your conditioning in a 6 x6 area in your living room. Move the couch back and get started on stretching, core work, pushups, squats etc.
Move to the garage, hand a blanket and start throwing that ball. It may be a little cold but you will warm up quickly.
Get started now because the spring and Fastpitch season is right around the corner.

In case you are interested here is the link to the video.

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-pitching/1888-abbotts-pitching-while-kneeling-exercise-ball-drill.html

I just saw a video of Monica Abbott throwing while on an exercise ball. Now that is dedication to your craft. I don't think it will do a lot to increase her speed or anything but it should help to keep her at the top of the heap as far as elite pitchers go.
The core is probably the most important part of an athletes body and that exercise will certainly get her softball specific core into top shape. I don't think I could even stay on the ball kneeling like that. You have to respect those top athletes, any sport for coming up with new and innovative drills to keep them in top shape.
As an athlete you probably understand how it gets a little boring doing the same thing over and over. Take a tip from Monica and try some little tweaks on your everyday drills.
Make it a competition with yourself or a friend, but mostly with yourself. Stand on one foot and try to swing the bat into a bag or at the cage. Stand on one foot to throw pitches. Stand flat footed and play catch using only your core and your arm. See how far apart you can get - no moving to catch bad throws either. If she makes a bad throw back to you she chases - same for you.
Just try to keep it exciting and new.

Exercises to Help You Throw Harder

I get asked a lot about how to throw faster and some other exercises for softball. I have answered several Yahoo Answers that pertain to this so here is one of them.
One of the best things to do for arm strength in softball is simply to play catch. If you don't have anyone to play catch with, you can hang a blanket or a tarp or an old piece of carpet in a tree or on the fence or even in your garage. Then throw into the blanket. The blanket will stop the ball and you can throw as hard as you like. Remember to work on your technique and proper mechanics. If you are a pitcher, you can pitch into the blanket too.
Fastpitch softball is a very dynamic sport. It requires a lot of explosive movement to hit the ball, catch the ball, run the bases and especially to pitch the ball. There are a lot of really good excercises you can do. Exercises that strengthen your core are the best. Your core is your midsection, abs and upper body mostly. A strong core is essential to an elite fastpitch player.
Here is a good one, not an easy one though. Get on your stomach, then raise up on your elbows and hold your body off the floor. Try to hold that pose for 30 seconds, then rest and do it again. You will feel it in your abs, your arms, and your legs. Leg lifts and crunches are good as well. Squats to strengthen your legs are helpful. Check out a site called softballperformance.com , that guy has a lot of free videos and dvd's if you want to buy them. He knows what he is talking about. Just thought of another good site to look at: softballexcellence.com she has lots of go info too.
Check out www.BuyFastpitchGloves.com for other great softball stuff.

It's Christmas Eve

Today is a fun day for me. We will be finishing up the gift wrapping, listening to Christmas music, watching some TV, my kids will all be home at least for a while. We will be enjoying some good food, good company and time with my family.

I hope you are having as good a day. Tomorrow will be a travel day for us. We have family out of town so we will be going to see them. Hope the weather holds out for us. Supposed to be snowing heavily.

Tomorrow, for those of us who celebrate Christmas ; is a time for giving and receiving presents. It's also the perfect time to reflect on and be thankful for some of the gifts we may have taken for granted, the things that really matter in life.

So find some time to be alone and think about those things. Recognize how lucky you are to have them and how quickly they can be taken from you.

Take the day off from softball and enjoy your time with friends and family. You can pick up the ball and glove in a couple days and start the routine again for the new year. Remember to thank your parents and coaches for giving you this wonderful gift of softball.

OK, I think the cinnamon rolls are about done, I can smell them. A Christmas Story - with little Ralphy and his BB gun - is starting and there are still some little things to finish so have a great day.

High School at 43 feet!

There's been a lot of talk about moving the pitching distance back to 43 feet this next year. Currently most states are at 40 feet for high school age teams. Most of your tournaments were at 40 feet all summer as well. USSSA moved to 43 feet this fall for age groups 15 and over. So the 16A that we play fell in there. Our pitchers are pretty good so they had no problems making the adjustment. I noticed several teams in the tournament that were having issues.
I think it is a good move. These girls are mostly looking to play at the college level in a few years and making the adjustment now will help them a lot. It will also make the recruiting easier too. College coaches will be able to see what these kids can do now instead of hoping they can make the adjustment once they get to college. There are so many adjustments to make during your freshman year of college outside of softball, one less adjustment on the field is going to be a big help.
I know there are a lot of kids that don't really have any desire to play after high school, and that is cool. Most of the kids playing won't play college ball, either because they won't qualify or they just don't want to. Most of them still want to be able to say they can do it. So playing at the 43 feet gives them the opportunity.

So Lets Talk some Fastpitch

In my neck of the woods it is cold so there isn't much softball going on. The only fastpitch I know of is some indoor pitching and hitting clinics or practices. This is a great time to take a break from softball. Most of the kids have been hitting it pretty hard. With school, and now finals and a lot of kids are playing basketball now it doesn't leave much time for softball. So, take a break and come back hard after the holidays.
Keep up with your conditioning though. That is one thing that kind of needs to go year round, for anyone and especially athletes. If you stop working out and just sit around the house texting or surfing the web you will be hurting come January when its time to hit it hard again.
Just do some stretching, some running, some jumping and things like that. Pitchers need to keep those weighted ball flips going.
Enjoy the time off. Clear your minds of softball, enjoy the holidays with family and friends and concentrate on those finals.