Tag: coaching

3 things that can make a great pitcher look, well… not so great

From my experience as a head softball coach, a pitch caller, and from giving instruction to catchers over the years, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on a few things in the game of fastpitch softball that I’ve noticed can make a great pitcher—one that has worked hard over many years to become great—look not so great, even just plain bad at times. And on the other hand, when these 3 ‘planets’ align with the great pitcher, championships are coming!

Continue reading “3 things that can make a great pitcher look, well… not so great”

Softball coaches clinic coming to Manheim, PA in December

I just wanted to send a quick post out in case any softball coaches could benefit. This event looks like an excellent opportunity to keep fastpitch coaching skills sharp during the off-season! And it’s in Lancaster County, PA.

https://www.spookynooksports.com/edt/719-Elite-Softball-Coaches-Convention-Coaches

Post a comment if you’re coming and I can show you around the facility, or if you have questions. I’ll be there! Please forward or retweet the link to any coaches or athletes that you think might benefit. I’d really like this event to become an annual success that draws the county’s best and brightest coaches and athletes to demonstrate and share their knowledge and experiences.

They also offer athlete rates too for players.

  • classroom and on-field demos on a bunch of skills and topics from leading coaches
  • featuring Natasha Watley (USA Olympic Gold Medalist)
  • includes a welcome bag
  • access to the show floor and presentations
  • Friday evening through Sunday 12/16 early afternoon
  • each coach gets catered lunch on Saturday, continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday
  • social Saturday evening (one free drink ticket per coach)

The umpire’s strike zone, the only zone that matters

softball fastpitch strike zone k
Notice where the blue softballs are in relation to the white strike zone? That’s where pitchers need to have the command to be able to throw to, and that’s also ideally where all umpires need to be consistent and call strikes at to be fair.

What’s the official strike zone for Fastpitch softball?

Forget the pitch-caller’s strike zone, the hitter’s strike zone, and even the pitcher’s strike zone. There’s only one strike zone that really matters, and you should recognize and learn it very early. Which zone is it? Continue reading “The umpire’s strike zone, the only zone that matters”