Mysoftballcoach.com Blog

The mysoftballcoach Fastpitch Softball Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the Mysoftballcoach.com Web site. The Blog will also allow for common questions to be answered and quick updates and tips that don't necessarilly warrant a full web page. Stay on top of the Latest and Greatest by clicking on "that Orange button" to subscribe to the RSS feed.

May 7, 2008, Pre-Game Warm Up

While watching an 8U interleague tournament this weekend I took notice of the pre-game warm up routine of various teams. Most every team had their players loosen up their arms by playing catch and a few teams had their players take a few ground balls.

What was missing? How about a little batting practice. This obviously can't be a full on batting practice, but there are several tools or drills you can use to get your hitters warmed up.

If you have the space, you can toss wiffle (poly) balls to your hitters. Or how about setting up a hitting net and running a soft toss drill. Or how about letting them hit a hitting stick.

You should allow about 2 minutes per hitter to get in about a dozen swings each. The main purpose of the hitting warm up is to WAKE UP those muscles and spur the muscle memory that you have been developing. It's also a great time to invoke a little confidence in your hitter by telling them how great they are swinging.

Remember, the winner is the team that scores the most runs. Seems like the girls have a cheer for this...something like, We need a run to win, we need a hit to run, so come on baby lets hit.

Like Coach C said to me this weekend, "We are already here so we might as well win."

Play to Win!

Coach

May 6, 2008, Coach C's Team

I was fortunate enough to get to watch Coach C's team play this weekend. Her team is playing in the 8U division and as I recall only has three 8 year olds and the rest are just 7.

Now, if you have coached at all, you KNOW that just one year can make a big difference in how your team plays. It is difficult, though not impossible, to overcome a team that is bigger, faster, and stronger.

So with all of that said, Coach C's team came in 4th out of 10 teams in her interleague tournament. That is a fantastic showing.

Her team's hitting was very consistent from top to bottom. And her fielding was about where you would expect it to be. She was solid at pitcher and 1st base, and handy at 2nd base.

It's coming together Coach C. Hang in there!

Coach

May 5, 2008, Softball Practice - What We Did

This weekend we had two practices. The first was Friday evening when we had our regular batting practice. The main focus of the batting practice was staying back on the ball. We constantly fight the habit of girls getting forward and not driving into the ball. So the drills we used were hitting off of a tee and soft toss. These drills really highlight bad habits and enable the player to concentrate on proper mechanics.

Our next practice, we combined with another team to play a scrimmage game and then work on skills. For the scrimmage game we used the Louisville Slugger pitching machine to take pitching out of the equation. This also GREATLY speeds up the game. We played 7 innings in one hour. The purpose of the scrimmage was NOT to see who had the better team, but to put the players in real game situations and work on strategies during those situations.

At the end of the scrimmage, we divided all of the players into groups and ran them through different drills. The sliding mat was set up outside the field so a group could work on sliding. A group stayed in the infield to work on ground balls, And a group was sent to the outfield where we ran our coast to coast outfield drill and our 4 cones outfield drill.

The keys to having a successful practice are to make sure the players have fun and keep down time to an absolute minimum.

Go Get 'em.

Coach

May 2, 2008, Excitement is in the Air

For many of you, the 2008 Softball season is starting or is just about to start. I've had lots of emails and I can feel your excitement and a bit of the jitters.

I've updated Coach Ricks Report which I would encourage you to read. It's under the Coaches Report section from the Home page.

Also, I've heard through the grapevine that Coach C is off to a 3-0 start and the team is looking GREAT! She doesn't know it yet, but I'm going to watch her team play this weekend. SURPRISE!

Coach of 96 Texas Spirit has taken his team to the next level and has started playing "A" tournaments. And is looking VERY competitive.

Coach with confidence. Play to win!

Coach

P.S. I've heard that some are having a hard time finding the magnetic coaching boards and the ASA Hitting Video. Keep checking as I understand they are being re-stocked.

P.S.S. We are currently out of size Large iCoach t-shirts. Might be another week or so before we can get a new batch printed up.

P.S.S.S. I want pictures of your team or a nice play or even a goofy picture.

Apr 28, 2008, Curing Dinker Hits

The Cause and Cure for Dinker Hits.

Apr 18, 2008, Hidden Advantage of Drills Based Practice

If you have read through this site, you KNOW I am a fan of the Drills Based Practice. Divide the field into stations, and have the players rotate through each station. There are just so many advantages, but here is one you may not have thought about.

PARENT SUPPORT. You see, to run an effective drills based practice, it's going to take involvement from several adults. Don't be shy about asking those parents to get involved.

If the parents are not involved, they are thinking one of two things. They are either admiring what a wonderful job you are doing herding around 12 girls, or more likely, they are thinking, "that's not the way I would do it".

So by getting the parents to participate, they now have a vested interest in seeing you succeed rather than being a critic on the sideline. Once they have stood on the field for hours trying to get the players to master a skill, they will begin to realize how challenging it can be. They will then also have a better understanding of why players don't always perform the way they have been taught.

But now, rather than being a critic, they will be a supporter because in their minds they KNOW how hard you are working and how hard THEY have worked.

And we KNOW, if you are following the coaching strategies outlined within mysoftballcoach.com, that the outcome of games will not be determined by poor strategy, but may rest with player development. And that is exactly what practice is all about, Player Development.

So get those parents involved. Lord knows, you can use all the help and support you can muster.

If you are looking for how to set up your stations, check out the "My Practice Field" page under the Defensive section of the site.

Go Get 'em Coach!

Coach

Apr 17, 2008, Runners on 2nd & 3rd, 1 Out

I was watching my youngest daughter's team play last night and this situation came up which spurred conversation in the bleachers.

The situation: Bottom of the last inning, Score is 8-5, You are on Defense, Runners on 2nd & 3rd, 1 out, WHERE is the play on an infield ground ball? As it turns out, the ball was hit to the 3rd baseman if that matters.

The play is to 1st base for the routine out which will leave you with a two run lead, a runner on 3rd and two outs.

The suggestion from the stands was to make the play at home and prevent the run. NO, NEVER, Not if you want to play winning softball.

In this situation it is NOT a force out, therefore there will be contact at the plate. The catcher is going to have to catch the ball under pressure and then apply the tag without dropping the ball. It is NOT an easy play.

I much prefer to throw the ball to first and just step on the base for the routine out. Keep it simple, make easy outs, WIN MORE GAMES.

By the way, they made the out at 1st and held on to win the game 8-7. Does the score matter? No. What matters is the W.

Play to win!Coach

Apr 14, 2008, Cool Fastpitch Softball Pictures

Cool Fastpitch Softball Pictures from around the country. Please submit your photographs to share with the Fastpitch Universe.

Apr 14, 2008, Coach Ken Sunbirds 12U

Coaches Report from Coach Ken Sunbirds

Apr 14, 2008, Coach Rick Vortex Team Report

Preseason Fastpitch Softball report from Coach Rick Vortex

Mar 27, 2008, Coach G Thunder Coaches Report

Coach G Thunder, Fastpitch Softball Preseason Coaches Report

Mar 21, 2008, Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitting

Just last night, a fellow coach told me he finally broke down and purchased the Hitting DVD. His reasoning was that all of his coaches needed to be consistent with what they were telling the players. And even if they were telling the girls the same information, he wanted all of the coaches to be consistent in HOW they communicate with the girls.

BINGO! Getting your players and coaching staff on the same page is critical. His next step will be to have the staff watch the video and then have his players watch the video. From this point forward they can all be consistent and the players will be able to visualize the correct hitting technique.

Yes, I am standing on my soapbox pounding my fist, driving this message home. Quit trying to re-invent the wheel. Just use the wheel that works.

Copy and paste this link into your browser and get it done.

http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/fastpitch-hitting-fundamentals.html

Good Luck and Happy Hitting!

Coach

Mar 20, 2008, Batting Practice at Home

If I could recommend just one thing for every softball player it would be Backyard Batting Practice.

Mar 19, 2008, 12U Batting Order

A Guide to Maximizing your 12U Batting Order for your fastpitch softball team.

Mar 18, 2008, Sliding Mat Price Increase Coming Very Soon

I just got a little inside scoop that at least one of the vendors is about to increase the price on the sliding mat by up to $70.00. Possibly as early as tonight. Just thought I would pass this info along in case anyone was thinking about getting a sliding mat. You might want to go ahead and pull the trigger today. Currently the lowest price is $229 but that's about to change. Go to my page on sliding at http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/softball-sliding-mat.html and you can check out the vendors and prices.

I don't know if this is just one store that is raising their price, or if this is something coming from the manufacturer and could affect multiple or all stores.

Good Luck!

Coach

Mar 17, 2008, Tournament Results 3-16-2008

This was our first tournament of year. We have really gotten off to a late start due to weather and the coach's work schedules. Our expectations were pretty low as we've only had two fielding practices this season. Our girls were so excited to finally get back on the field. One even told me she was so excited she couldn't sleep the night before. (Little softball freak. LOL)

The lack of fielding practice showed up throughout the tournament as we had several bobbled ground balls and on occasion we had a player out of position. But overall, it was an outstanding tournament.

The Results: Pool Games - Lost 4-1,

Won 5-2.

Bracket Games in order -

Won 8-0,

Lost 5-2,

Won 11-7,

Won 7-0,

Won 6-1 (avenged pool game loss),

Won 7-4 (avenged bracket game loss),

Won 8-4,

Lost 1-0 in the Championship game. Stranded a runner twice at 3B in the final game, including the last inning. Ouch!

This was an interesting tournament. The rules were that you could bat 9, 10, or 11 batters. We chose to bat all 11 for the entire tournament. Many teams chose to only bat their top 9. If your goal is to win games, it makes sense to only bat your top 9. Our goal is to play winning softball with an emphasis on player development (all of the players). The only way to teach all of them to be winners is to play them all. Every player played in every game and was in the batting order for every game.

I hope you are off to a good start with your team.

Good Luck!

Coach

Mar 14, 2008, Odds and Ends & Results From Survey

First, I just wanted to tell everyone how shocked I am at the number of people that visit this site. February there were almost 8,000 visitors and March will exceed 11,000.

Second, I love getting the ideas from the surveys and emails. You have given me much to work on. A constant has been for more pictures. I'm working on that, in the meantime, please send your pictures to me. They can be an action photo, team photo, goofy photo, it doesn't really matter. You can find my email address on the Links Contact page.

Third, if you want to make your team famous, I would love to get pictures of your team in their Grip It & Rip It t-shirts. See the t-shirt page. Remember, when you order a team set they are only $7.00 per shirt and no freight.

Please tell your fellow coaches about this site. Okay, you don't have to tell the coaches in your age group, but at least tell the ones in the age groups below your age group.

Have a GREAT Weekend of Softball!

Coach

Mar 14, 2008, 8U Reader Question - Position Rotation

Coach,

I read your “Winning Defensive Strategy” for 8U. I think you are spot on!

The league that we participate in has a rule that each player must alternate between infield & outfield every other inning. There are 5 infield positions (1st, 2nd, SS, 3rd, P) and 5 outfield positions (RF, RCF, LCF, LF, Catcher). So, 1st inning my 1st baseman plays 1st. The 2nd inning she has to move to an outfield position. The 3rd inning she can go back to 1st & etc.

Another league rule is 6 runs max. per inning except for the last inning at bat which is unlimited runs. You never know for sure what inning the last at bat may fall. In most games the time limit determines the last at bat which is usually the 4th or 5th inning. So you can’t plan on always having you best defense on the field for the final inning if I follow your “Winning Defensive Strategy”!

My problem is how do I split my talent from best player to worst player and have the best possible defense on the field at all times? Secondly, does each player learn one infield position & one outfield position and they stay in those positions all season or do you move them around? Past experience tells me the majority of the players do not understand the game well enough to move from position to position and make the plays. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Wannabe Coach Scott

Answered:Coach Scott-Those are some messy little rules. I think I like the rule about alternating infield/outfield positions, but don't care for the unlimited runs in the last inning.

Identify your players in pairs. The two best ball catchers alternate between 1B and RF, your next two best players alternate at P and RCF, the next two at 2B and LFC.

It's going to be even more critical that your team can make the easier outs. And the easier outs are on the right side of the field where the throw is shorter. RF & RCF may have the opportunity to make outs at first as well as the infielders.

Always start your best group in the infield in the 1st inning. You can only control the known. The known in this instance is that your "A" squad will get at least half of the innings in the infield.

I would try to have the players learn 2 positions well. I'm sure throughout the season you will need to make adjustments, but I have never seen the rotating of positions be successful. That's way too much information for most 8U players to comprehend.

As to the unlimited runs in the last inning, take lots of batting practice so you are the team that is scoring relentlessly. Seriously, get yourself a hitting tee or two and as many wiffle balls as you can find and bat, bat, bat.

Keep me informed on how the team does.

Good Luck!

Coach Jim

Mar 13, 2008, Situational Shortstop Positioning

Situational Shortstop Positioning in Fastpitch Softball, where to be and when to get there.

Mar 12, 2008, Another Pitcher Takes a Line Drive

Just last night I was watching a High School softball game and in the 2nd inning there was a line shot back at the pitcher chest high. Because of the way the pitcher was standing after the pitch she was able to deflect the ball with her throwing hand, although it still hit her in the stomach. I honestly believe if that ball was hit a foot higher she would NOT have been able to defend herself and would have been headed to the emergency room.

This happens ALL the time. Just look at my blog history and you can see where it happened this last October, although that pitcher wasn't as fortunate. She was wearing a mask and still had to go to the emergency room.

I'm going to keep writing about this until the day I see every pitcher and 3rd baseman REQUIRED to wear a safety mask. To read more about this, go to http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/game-face.html . I have about 3 different links where you can purchase a youth safety mask. STOP making excuses about this and DO IT.

Coach

Mar 11, 2008, Hold the Runner or Get the Out?

The game situation is: Top of the 2nd, You are home team and lead 1-0, 1 out, runner on 3rd base, and the batter bunts. Where is the play?

This, or similar situations, are going to arise frequently so you and YOUR TEAM need to know where to make the play.

The answer is: Take the out at first and give up the run. No Discussion, this is the correct answer all the way through High School.

This was an actual situation that I watched unfold last weekend. The actual results were, the defense held the ball to keep the runner at third. The next batter struck out on a dropped 3rd strike but made it to 1st safely because the catcher held the ball so the runner on 3rd wouldn't score. The situation now is BASES Loaded and still just one out. The end result of the inning was to give up 5 BIG runs and be down 5-1.

Had the defense taken the easy outs, the girl that bunted would have been out #2 and the dropped 3rd strike would have also been an easy out to end the inning. At worst, the defense would have given up 1 run.

Final score in the game, 10-7 the visitors won. Take 4 runs off the board and the final would have been 6-7 with the Home team winning.

I have addressed this situation more thoroughly at http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/softball-defense.html .

Please take a moment and fill out our little survey. It's very painless but is a big help to me. Just go to the home page and look to the left for the brown "Reader Survey" Button.

Also, for those that have ordered T-shirts, a fresh batch are going in the mail today. Thanks for putting my daughters to work and helping to get their hands out of my wallet. LOL, Teenagers (sigh, gasp, shake head)!

Play Smart, Play conservative, Win More Games!

Coach.

Mar 5, 2008, Bunt Placement

Bunt Placement is key to executing a softball offense that is high powered.

Feb 22, 2008, Grip It & Rip IT Team Orders

It's just been a week, and I've had several requests from coaches that want to order the the Grip It & Rip It t-shirt for their entire team as a practice and motivational shirt. So here is what I am going to do. If you order 12 or more of that shirt, I will discount it by $3.00 per shirt making the cost just $7.00 per shirt and FREE Freight. (copy and paste this link http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/softball-tshirt.html )

Please print out that form to use as your order form so you can list all of the sizes and quantities. Also, in Texas you still get to pay 8.25 sales tax.

Thanks to all that have already ordered. My girls are staying busy folding shirts and packing boxes. You should have your shirts soon.

Good Luck to ALL!Coach

Feb 20, 2008, My Third Baseman

Here is an excerpt of an email I received this morning. This is why we coach...for winning moments like this one.

A brief background: Three of our current players are trying out for their High School Teams as Freshmen. The player referenced below has been our starting 3B the past couple of years and on our team for 5 years. Her H.S. coach had penciled her in at 2B because they had a returning Varsity 3B.

"Gentlemen, I have to brag on my daughter. She is now playing 3rd base and had an AWESOME game last night. Nothing got by her and every throw from 3rd was straight & accurate. Thanks to you two!!! She hit a line drive to short right field, but a “shoe string” catch was made to rob her of a base hit. The other times she struck out, but swinging!!!

Hope to see you this weekend @ XXXX for the XXX Tournament.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME & WORK WITH HER!!!"

Evidently, she just beat out the returning Varsity 3B. I don't know who is more excited, the player, the mom, or me.

I hope that my sharing these moments with you, the up and coming coach, will inspire you to take your team to the next level. That it will give you ambition and motivation to really work with your players. It will pay dividends for literally YEARS to come.

Coach

Feb 15, 2008, Motivating 8U Softball Players

Motivating 8U Softball players through proper coaching and attitude is key in developing a winning team.

Feb 13, 2008, Softball Tshirt

Softball Tshirt designs my daughters created. Help these teens make their own cash and stay out of Daddy's wallet.

Feb 13, 2008, Tennis Ball Shooter for Softball Practice

We use our Lobster tennis ball shooter for batting practice, infield practice, and fly ball practice.

Feb 12, 2008, Practice Sliding

If you don't practice sliding, how can you expect your players to know what and how to perform this essential softball skill?

Feb 12, 2008, Reader Comments, 1st & 2nd Place

I love getting feedback from my readers. Here are a couple of notes I received this week. BTW, If you haven't already taken the survey please do so and be sure to sign up for the RSS feed so you get an alert when new information is posted.

1) I am looking to read up on 12 U batting strategy. I have been a player for many years but read all the advice on the 10 U strategies and it tweaked my theories of play. We won second in the championships and my girls gained a lot of confidence. Thanks for the tips and I look forward to reading about the 12 U.

2) State/Prov: RIParent, Coach, or Player: CoachAge Division 8U, 10U, etc.: 14 ULeague Team, Tournament Team, or Both: League TeamYears you have coached girls softball: 5What would you like to see more of on this site?: YES. I FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SITE FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST SEASON AND WAS HUGELY SUCCESSFUL.22-2 RECORD. 12 U LEAGUE CHAMPS/PLAYOFF CHAMPS.I CREDIT YOUR SITE GREATLY.THE IDEAS ON WHERE TO PLAY CERTAIN TYPE PLAYERS WAS NEW TO ME BUT IN ALMOST EVERY CASE PROVED OUT CORRECT. PRACTICE DRILLS WERE VERY HELPUL.MOVING UP TO 14 U AND WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO CONTINUE TO GET IDEAS FROM THE SITE.Have you signed up for our RSS feed?: NO

Thanks for the positive and encouraging responses. And Good Luck to all in the upcoming season!

Coach

Feb 7, 2008, Chain Throw Drill

The Chain Throw drill focuses on speed, accuracy and technique.

Feb 6, 2008, Mysoftballcoach Reader Survey

A simple reader survey to tell us about our audience.

Feb 5, 2008, Fastpitch Outfield Drill - Shoot The Gap

This Fastpitch Outfield Drill, Shoot the Gap, focuses on moving to the ball, backing up the play, and making a timely throw to the cut off player.

Feb 4, 2008, Another Great Use for the L.S. Pitching Machine

Here is another great drill application for the Louisville Slugger pitching machine that was sent in by Coach Scott.

Just wanted to follow up on one of your blogs with other uses for the Louisville slugger pitching machine. In addition to using it to pitch batting practice there are a couple of other drills I use it for.

First off, I use it to get my catcher's practice blocking balls. It is very handy for some of the reasons you mentioned about batting practice - you can focus on the catcher's ability to block the ball instead of throwing a ball that he/she needs to block.

It can also be adjusted to simulate pop-ups behind the plate for your catchers to practice with. If you have two catchers - one operates the machine while the other practices finding the pop-up. Then they rotate.

I've also used it for ground ball and fly ball drills.

It is perhaps the best tool for the money that you can get to help work on hitting and fielding skills.

Best of luck.

Coach Scott

Feb 4, 2008, Fastpitch Equipment - Louisville Slugger Pitching Machine

Turn your batters into HITTERS with the Louisville Slugger Pitching Machine which does NOT require electricity.

Jan 28, 2008, Coach Craig - Superstars - Preseason Report

Coach Craig of the Superstars gives his outlook for the coming Fastpitch Softball season.

Jan 23, 2008, Effective Fundraiser Ideas

With the cost of everything going up, it's vital that your fastpitch softball league have an effective fundraiser to defray the high cost of umpires, equipment and insurance.

Jan 21, 2008, Team Wheeled Equipment Bag Survey

It only took 100 years for someone to invent the team wheeled equipment bag. This survey of the Schutt, Reebok, Louisville Slugger, MacGregor & Mizuno show the best value based on size and price.

Jan 18, 2008, Jugs Pitching Machine Review

Jugs pitching machine review and Jugs Jr. Batting practice, Outfield practice, are your ready to go to the next level?

Jan 14, 2008, Kickoff Softball Team Meeting

The Pre-Season Kickoff Softball Team Meeting is the opportunity for the Softball team manager to set the goals, expectations and tone for the season to come.

Jan 11, 2008, Fastpitch Softball Player Contract SAMPLE

A sample Fastpitch Softball Player Contract to use as a guideline for your Fastpitch Softball Tournament Team.

Jan 10, 2008, Softball League Medical Treatment Authorization Form

A sample Fastpitch Softball League Medical Treatment Authorization Release form.

Jan 9, 2008, Fastpitch Softball League Player Contract

This is a sample Fastpitch Softball League Player Contract that you can utilize for your league or modify for your softball tournament team.

Dec 31, 2007, 2007 End of Year Review

You probably haven't been thinking much about your softball team this month with everything else that goes on in December. But now that Christmas is behind us, life seems to really slow down which makes this a great time to look back at our softball team and assess our weaknesses.

Do we need to develop a second catcher?

Are flyballs routine outs or perilous adventures?

Can we bunt?

Can we hit?

Do we have adequate backups for all infield positions?

Do your players understand game situations AND what result you want from that situation?

How is their ground ball technique?

How is their throwing?

Do they perform under pressure?

We try to pick just 2 or 3 skills each year that we need to focus on. Sure, we are going to practice every softball skill, but we will emphasize just a few that were weak and then work to increase our skill level in those areas. We will then find or develop drills that will focus on those objectives.

By the way, when is the last time you attended a softball coaching clinic? We try to attend one or two each year. I always come away with a couple of new drills to use or am reminded of some drills that I may have forgotten. Depending on the speakers, I may come away with a new strategy, or an understanding of my opponents strategy, or even just a deeper belief in my own strategy.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, a Great 2007, and I wish all of you the very best in 2008.

Coachhttp://www.mysoftballcoach.com

Dec 15, 2007, Softball League Tournament Rule

A softball league tournament rule that prohibits league teams from playing in tournaments is counter-productive.

Dec 11, 2007, Credit Card - Extreme Caution Required

Did you know your credit card company can raise your interest rate even if you have never missed a payment or gone exceeded your credit limit?

Dec 6, 2007, Coaching Softball and Teaching Life Lessons

We put the wraps on the season this past weekend by playing in a charity "Santa" tournament. All of the players brought toys for the Toys for Tots, and all of the parents brought canned food for the local food bank. Both worthy causes, especially at this time of year.

As the coach, and like it or not, you set an example for your players with the way you act, the things you say, and the values you demonstrate. I believe this is our 4th year running to play in this charity tournament.

We let our players know the importance of giving. Hopefully they see a little of that in the coach's giving of their time to coach softball. It's important for them to realize how blessed they are to have the things they have, have the abilities they have, and have the resources they have. It's also important for them to know that other people haven't been as fortunate.

All of our girls will have lots of presents under their Christmas Tree. All of our players will have big Christmas dinners to fill their belly. All of our players will feel loved and special on Christmas morning.

For the cost of a toy and a can of food, maybe some other child will feel the same way on Christmas day. As the coach of your team, you have an opportunity to take action and demonstrate your values to your players.

Will it make a difference? It will certainly make a difference on December 25th, but it also may make a difference in your player's life for the rest of her life. If she sees that giving is important to you, it just may become important to her.

Make a difference.

Coach

Nov 26, 2007, The Holidays

I trust everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Our family did and I hope your family had a great time as well.

Now the holiday shopping starts. We will still have to make several trips to the malls, but we've already done more shopping online this year than in years past. Some out of convenience and some out of necessity. Seems there are some items that can only be found online.

I have placed a link on http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/shopping.html to the discount dugout. It's a great place to start your shopping for your little softball player. Several bats are deeply discounted, and they have nice prices on batting gloves, catcher's gear, and tons and tons of cleats on sale.

Be sure to let your spouse know about the coach's gear that you want this year as well. Like the Schutt wheeled equipment bag (http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/team-wheeled-equipment-bag.html) or Candrea's Hitting DVD at (http://www.mysoftballcoach.com/fastpitch-hitting-fundamentals.html). Hey, the kids shouldn't be the only ones to get cool stuff.

Good Luck with all of your Holiday shopping.

Coach

Nov 20, 2007, Softball Tournament Results, 11-18

The weekend started off very promising as we won our two pool games. Then the hitting became erratic as we stranded 9 baserunners in the first bracket game and lost 4-1. Oh how I hate leaving that many runners on base. Every inning, we were just a hit away from exploding.

After that first game, we talked to the girls about how hard they had worked all year and about how good of team they have become, and encouraged them to focus on the positive aspects of their game. The power of positive thinking and the mental aspect of softball is HUGE in girls fastpitch softball.

The girls responded well by then winning their next 6 games in a row. Included in those 6 wins, was a 2 inning ITB game (7-4), avenging their earlier loss by a score of 13-4, and a run ruling two other opponents (10-0 and 12-0).

In the semi-final game the girl's began to run out of energy as we narrowly escaped with a 7-5 win. By the championship game we were just spent. That happens when you have to play five games back to back against increasingly stiffer competition. Incidentally, the team that won the tournament, we had beaten handily in a pool game, so I'm confident it had to do more with our energy level than with our skill or ability.

All in all, I was very proud of the way the girls played and, in particular, how they responded after losing the first bracket game. It's just soooo easy for a team to get down after they lose.

As the coach, you can take one of two approaches after a loss. You can beat them down and point out every error, strike out, and mental breakdown, or you can take a positive approach and point out the good things that happened and the good things they are capable of doing in the next game.

Just to be clear, I'm not a rah rah coach. And it is important to address areas of concern. However, I do believe when addressing problem areas it can be done in a learning fashion rather than a berating fashion.

Second place in tournament ball is always a great accomplishment. I was pleased and proud.

Nov 6, 2007, Late Innings - Take Pitches

Generally I'm not a big proponent of taking pitches. I much prefer to see my Hitters grip it and rip it. However, in a close game and late in a game, what you need most are baserunners. So taking pitches until the first strike may be the best strategy. This obviously has to be a measured decision on how your hitting has been and how well the opposing pitcher has been throwing.

If the pitching has not been dominating and iff your hitters are having an "average" game, it makes sense to take pitches. This puts more pressure on the pitcher to throw strikes and eliminates your batters chasing a bad pitch early in the count. Late in the game, hitters can get a little anxious at the plate and will tend to chase a bad pitch. This will either result in a strike or a weak grounder.

Let the count ride a little. If you can work the count to 2-1 the pressure is on the pitcher and she may just groove a nice one for your hitter. Or she may start to fold under the pressure and give you a walk. Free bases, late in a game, I'll take all she will give me.

Good Luck Coach!

Nov 2, 2007, Fastpitch Softball - Double Hit Rule

Oh how I hate it when "Blue" blows a call. The doulbe hit rule came into play recently in my youngest daughters game and the umpire BLEW the call. In this particular situation, the batter squared around to bunt, it was a low pitch, the ball hit the bat, then the ground then straight back up and hit the bat again. The umpire called it a double hit and ruled the batter out. WRONG call Blue.

The rule, can be found on page 104 of the 2007 ASA Rule book. It is under the section for Batting, Section 6-K and it states:

The Batter is out when:When the batter hits a fair ballwith the bat a second timein Fair Territory.

EXCEPTION:1. If the batter is in the batter's box and contact is made while the bat is in the batter's hands. EFFECT: Foul Ball, even if the ball is hit a second time over Fair Territory.

2. If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball. EFFECT: The ball is Live.

3. If contact is made on the follow through, after missing the pitch on the initial swing. EFFECT: It is a dead ball Strike.

The rule is further clarified in the Rule Supplement Section on Page 143, #24. It states""24. HITTING THE BALL A SECOND TIMEWhen considering the act of a batter hitting the pitched ball a second time, umpires should place the act into one of three categories.

A. If the bat is in the hands of the batter when the call comes in contact with bat, and the batter is in the batter's box, it is a foul ball. If, when the bat contacts the ball a batte's entire foot is completely outside the batter's box, the batter is out. When in doubt, don't guess the batter out. Call a foul ball."

There is further clarification on the player dropping the bat, etc. But, in general, if the player is still in the batter's box, it should be ruled a foul ball.

Good Luck. Know the rules and you won't need as much luck. :-)

Coach