Reacting to Throws as a First Baseman – Leah O’Brien Amico “Olympian”

Objective: To react quickly to balls thrown to first base by infielders and becoming confident in fielding bad throws.

Set-Up: First baseman sets up in her ready position with a coach/teammate throwing the ball from different positions. The first baseman would drop step with her right foot (chest open to the field) and run back to get to the base, putting her foot on the middle of the inside of the base. The foot placed on the bag should be the left foot for … Continue Reading

Outfield Range And Communication – India Chiles

Objective: Teach communication and aggressive defense in the outfield.

Set-Up: Have 2 outfielders side by side in the outfield, preferably in left center and right center. Have a coach set up to hit balls … Continue Reading

India Chiles Answer 10 Questions

Here you go! Another in my set of blog posts called 10 questions. On these short posts I send 10 questions to great softball players, and coaches. Then I am post the questions with their answers.

This week former Tennessee Volunteer, and former pro player India Chiles answers my 10 questions. … Continue Reading

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Softball: Enhanced Edition (iTunes)

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Softball: Enhanced Edition

This enhanced eBook includes 3D animations of over 75 softball-specific stretches and exercises. With this enhanced eBook you will be able to see exactly how the exercises are performed.

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Softball is the most comprehensive and up-to-date softball-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of nearly 100 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year round softball-specific weight training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other softball book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training . This book will have players increasing arm strength, bat speed, and overall quickness and power on the diamond, leading to an increase in batting average, on-base percentage, steals, and overall performance. You will build the strength and power needed to hit the ball out of the park and you will build the stamina and endurance needed to go strong until the final pitch.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

This iBook is available on iTunes for your iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Click Here For More Info on The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Softball: Enhanced Edition on iTunes

Softball Game Intelligence (iTunes)

Softball Game Intelligence

Take away the rules and mechanics and what do you have left? You have Game Intelligence: The Difference-Maker in Officiating. This book reveals insights, secrets and tools that can help you go from good to great. These are the types of lessons umpires learn over their whole careers.

This iBook is available on iTunes for your iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Click Here For More Info on Softball Game Intelligence on iTunes

Softball Illegal Pitches (iTunes)

Softball Illegal Pitches

Identifying and calling an illegal pitch is on tof the most challenging judgments a fast-pitch softball umpire has to make. This book will give you both the how and the why, straight from high school and college umpiring experts.

This iBook is available on iTunes for your iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Click Here For More Info on Softball Illegal Pitcheds on iTunes

Softball Umpiring Mechanics Illustrated (iTunes)

Softball Umpiring Mechanics Illustrated

Softball Mechanics Illustrated is the only High School softball mechanics book with detailed images and lifelike illustrations. Referee’s exclusive MechaniGram™ graphics bring positions, signals and movement in to focus for every position on your crew. Breakdowns of play situations are paired with accurate diagrams to ensure you’re in the right place, at the right time to make every important call. Studying the rules is not enough because you can’t implement the rules if you’re out of position to see the play. Mechanics knowledge should be a part of every umpires training. Train with the best resource available with Mechanics Illustrated.

This iBook is available on iTunes for your iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Click Here For More Info on Softball Umpiring Mechanics Illustrated on iTunes

Coaching Girls Ponytail Softball (iTunes)

Coaching Girls Ponytail Softball

This book was written expressly for you who are coaching children in softball. We stress how to teach children this fun game and to have fun doing it. The book covers all facets of the game from “how to” throw a ball to strategies and tactics. When coaching children it should be a fun experience for everyone, for you, for the parents, and for the children. As a coach, we cover the teaching attitude and methods. We always keep in mind that the game is for the children and not for the adults. Winning isn’t everything, but learning to play well and wanting to win is.

We take the children from kindergarten through the eighth grades and break them into four categories. In each category we discuss the players needs and abilities, what they are capable of in both the physical and emotional sense, and their limitations. We have also defined the coach’s role, the parent’s role and the player’s role.

This iBook is available on iTunes for you iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.
 
Click Here For More Info On Survival Guide for Coaching Girls Ponytail Softball on iTunes

Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball (iTunes)

Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball

Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball offers new coaches the tools they need to survive the softball season with 40 simple drills, practice plans, and in-game coaching tips. Shedding the complex approach of most manuals, this book offers inexperienced coaches the most relevant tools for teaching, coaching, and developing softball players.

This iBook is available on iTunes for you iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

 
Click Here For More Info On Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball on iTunes

The G+ Softball Community

Fastpitch Softball is a great sport, and there are so many great thing to talk about that I decided to make a great place for fans of the game to talk, and share information. So if you love fastpitch softball … Continue Reading

G+ Fastpitch TV Community

The website http://Fastpitch.TV has a large database of softball, videos, blogs, and softball tools. This Google+ community is an attempt to create an easy to follow system for the ever-growing Fastpitch … Continue Reading

G+ Fastpitch Softball Drill Community

Fastpitch Softball is a great sport, and there are so many great drills to help players get to the top level of their game. I decided to make a great place for players, and coaches to share … Continue Reading

G+ College Softball Exposure Community

Every year thousands of players create videos to show their skills. Some hope to get a scholarship, and other just hope to get a spot on a college team’s roster. I thought this would be a great resource for young players. This channel is for player recruiting only … Continue Reading

G+ Fastpitch Softball Photo Community

I am always looking for great photos for the Fastpitch Softball Magazine. My search for photos gave me the idea to create a community for everyone to share their favorite photos. If you love fastpitch softball join … Continue Reading

G+ Softball Bat Review Community

The 1st Softball Bat Review Community on Google+ We are adding 2013 bats now, and will continue adding as new bats come out. If you have used any of these bats please let us know what you think … Continue Reading

Cat Osterman Answers 10 Questions

Another in my set of blog posts called 10 questions. On these short posts I send 10 questions to great softball players, and coaches. Then I am post the questions with their answers.

This week former Olympian, and pro player Cat Osterman answers my 10 questions. … Continue Reading

Natasha Watley Answers 10 Questions

Yes another in my set of blog posts called 10 questions. On these short posts I send 10 questions to great softball players, and coaches. Then I am post the questions with their answers.

This week former Olympia, and pro player Natasha Watley answers our 10 questions. … Continue Reading

Megan Jo Willis Answers 10 Questions

If you are a regular reader you know I started a new set of blog posts called 10 questions. On these blog posts I send 10 questions to great softball players, and coaches. Then I am posting the questions with their answers.

This week Professional Player Megan Jo Willis answers our 10 questions. … Continue Reading

Photos From The Wounded Warriors vs FCA Softball Game in Orlando, Florida 12/1/12

I attended a great softball game between the Wounded Warriors and FCA Softball while I was in Orlando … Continue Reading

Photos From The NFCA Convention in Orlando, Florida – 2012

The 2012 NFCA Convention was in Orlando, Florida. It was a great event, and I would recommend everyone consider getting involved with this … Continue Reading

Total Control Ball (Review)

Total Control Ball

The Total Control Ball is a MUST HAVE for the serious Fastpitch or Baseball hitter and their teams. Designed to develop maximum strength and drive through the hitting zone.

The Total Control Ball is 3.2 inches in diameter and weighs 425 grams. The TCB ball can be used for both Fastpitch Softball or Baseball. The Total Control Ball is used for both front and side toss. The optimum use is when the front toss method is used. The TCB ball is easy to travel with, unlike basketballs.  These will give you the weight of a basketball in a more compact size. … Continue Reading

Photos From The Texas USSSA 14U State – 11/3/12

On November the 3rd 2012 Fastpitch TV hosted its first fastpitch softball State tournament in Cedar Hill. SoftballJunk.com was the tournament Sponsor. It was a great 14 and under tournament, and the 14U Tanel 360 Team was the winner. … Continue Reading

Photos From Our First USSSA Tournament 10/20/12

On October the 20th 2012 Fastpitch TV hosted its first USSSA fastpitch softball tournament in Cedar Hill. SoftballJunk.com was the tournament Sponsor. It was a great 14 and under tournament, and the 14U Firecrackers were the winners. … Continue Reading

6.5 Inch Softball (Review)

6.5 Inch Softball

The 6.5 inch softball is one of the greatest hitting tools that has been invented.  The size alone makes it hard to hit at points because it is so small.  If your hitters can hit these mini softballs then they can hit a softball with no problems.

There are quite a few drills that can be done to challenge your hitters to react quicker and more efficient to a normal sized softball.  They can be bounced in; depending on the surface on which you bounce them they create interesting spins.  The bounce also could create a change up effect. Throwing the 6.5 inch softballs during front toss, challenges a hitter to focus on a particular spot.  This will hopefully feed into their hitting on an everyday basis.   … Continue Reading

Schutt Weighted Ball (Review)

Schutt Weighted Ball

The Schutt weighted ball is a 13.5 oz ball that is 10 7/8″ in circumference. This can be used at any level of play. It is designed to help build arm strength, and flexibility.

This is a great alternative to the ball with the black electrical tape on it.  I know that the ball gets sticky, the tape falls off and becomes a pain at points.  The Schutt weighted ball is a great alternative.  It gives you the ability to have a training tool with the weight … Continue Reading

Schutt No Zone Pitching Tool (Review)

Schutt No Zone Pitching Tool

The Schutt No Zone training aid is designed to give the player, coach and parent immediate feedback on pitch accuracy. It gives a visible and adjustable target area.

The Schutt No Zone training aid great for pitchers that are struggling with hitting their spots.  This clearly shows them where to throw the ball and where not to throw the ball.  I have just buckets with pitcher to get their drop ball to drop into it but this clearly can show them how to get under the bar.  This can help the same pitcher learn to cut her screw ball or curve ball.   … Continue Reading

Weighted Softball Set (Review)

Weighted Softball Set

Weighted softballs can be one of the easiest ways to strengthen your arm. It is perfect for pitching or just throwing. As you train, gradually increase the weight of the ball. As you increase to the heavier balls you will increase the strength in your throwing arm.

There are a lot of great options to get the most out of the equipment.  You can buy single balls 11 or 12 inch weighing 4 oz., 5 oz., 6 oz., 7 oz., 8 oz., 9 oz., 10 oz., 11 oz. and 12 oz. you can buy weighted sets in 11 in or 12 in as well.   … Continue Reading

Schutt Pitcher’s Lane (Review)

Schutt Pitcher’s Lane

The Schutt Pitcher’s lane is a great training tool for pitchers that have hard time staying in their 8 foot lane.  occasionally there is a pitcher that falls to one side of the other and is not properly landing in their lane.  The Schutt Pitcher’s lane allows for instant feedback on a variety of mechanics.

The pitching lane will allow coaches, trainers, and pitchers to clearly see where the pitcher is dragging,  if she is falling, if she is not in the lane that is provided, or is having stride issues. … Continue Reading

Photos From The Wounded Warriors Softball Team vs FCA Softball 2012

On September the 29th 2012 the wounded Warriors Softball team came to Ft. Worth Texas and played the FCA All Stars. It poured rain most of the day, but they still played the game. Afterwards there was a great banquet which all the players attended. … Continue Reading

High-Scoring Softball (Amazon and iTunes)

High-Scoring Softball

Plain and simple, championship teams score runs. Their offenses are consistent, aggressive, opportunistic, and disciplined. They may manufacture runs or rely on the long ball, but they score early and often. And they win.

Inside you’ll find detailed instruction, advice, and coaching tips on mastering offensive fundamentals, such as baserunning, bunting, slap hitting, and hitting for power and average. You’ll learn how to evaluate your team’s talents, tendencies, and strengths and create a potent, offensive attack. And a detailed analysis of common game situations provides you with strategies and advice for capitalizing on every opportunity.

Defense may win games, but only if you score. With High-Scoring Softball you will score and you will win. It will change the way you play the game.

Click Here For More Info On High-Scoring Softball from Amazon

Click Here For More Info On High-Scoring Softball from iTunes

The Fastarm (Review)

The FastArm

The FastArm is a great pitching tool and throwing tool for all baseball and softball players.  This throwing tool allows your arm to naturally rotate into the most efficient motion possible.  This will build your arm strength and muscle memory to prevent injury by putting too much strain on particular muscles.

The FastArm is the perfect warmup tool.  If you are needing to get a pitcher warm or an athlete shows up late to a warm up this will help them get loose before they can gain a partner to throw with. … Continue Reading

Photos Of Team TFS Playing In McKinney, Texas 2012

I finally bought a new camera, and thought I would try and get use to it. I went out to McKinney, Texas and took photos of Team TFS playing in a tournament. It gave me a chance to test out the new camera. … Continue Reading

Pocket Radar (Review)

Pocket Radar

Ever wanted to secretly clock an athlete whether it was pitching, hitting, serving, or shooting a buck?  The Pocket Radar is the right tool for you.

It weighs less than your Iphone at .4oz. It actually does fit in your pocket.  It is durable; the Pocket Radar can be dropped and still be calibrated correctly.  It is extremely accurate with being plus or minus one mile an hour.  It comes with a hard shell carrying case, two AAA batteries, wrist strap and quick start guide. … Continue Reading

Photos From The World Cup Pink Out Game 2012 In Oklahoma City

Photos from the 2012 World Cup Of Softball Pink Out Game in Oklahoma City. The game was USA vs Netherlands. … Continue Reading

Photos From The WCWS Championship Series in Oklahoma City 2012

Photos from the 2012 WCWS Championship Series in Oklahoma City. The final game was Oklahoma vs Alabama. … Continue Reading

Photos From Oklahoma vs Arizona In The WCWS Super Regionals 2012

Photos from the WCWS Super Regionals in Oklahoma City. It was Oklahoma versus Arizona. … Continue Reading

Photos From Softball Con In Kentucky 2012

These are photos from the 2nd Softball Con in Louisville, Ky during 2012. … Continue Reading

Photos From The NPF Championships In Louisiana 2011

The NPF Championships were held in Louisiana in 2011. … Continue Reading

Photos From The USSSA Pride vs Diamonds in Grand Prairie, Texas 2011

The USSSA Pride came to Grand Prairie, Texas to play the Diamonds. The NPF teams played in Grand Prairie in 2011. … Continue Reading

Photos From The World Cup Softball 2011

These are photos from the 2011 World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City during the 2011 Season. … Continue Reading

Photos From The WCWS Softball 2011

These are photos from the 2011 WCWS in Oklahoma City during the 2011 Season. … Continue Reading

Strike Zone Mat – Roll Up (Review)

Strike Zone Mat

Pitchers have a habit of throwing pitches that are not as accurate as a coach would like.  On the Strike Zone Mat you will see four different colors.  The white is a regulation size plate.  The red is down the middle, yellow just outside of the red and the green almost off the plate and about two inches outside of the plate.

Each one of these colors represents a pitch location.  The red is where a pitcher does not want to throw it unless they want a hard shot back at them or watch it go over the fence.  The yellow is a pitch with “caution zone.”   … Continue Reading

The Windmill Trainer aka The Perfect Circle (Review)

Windmill Trainer

The Windmill Trainer aka The Perfect Circle is a training system designed to teach the proper placement of the hand in the release zone.  This pitching aid can be used with advanced pitchers that have formed bad habits or new pitchers that are learning the correct motion.

The Windmill Trainer comes with a strap that goes around your push off leg and a video to help make sure that you know what the purpose is for the trainer. … Continue Reading

Photos From The WCWS Regionals at Texas A&M 2011

Last year I drove down to College Station to watch the WCWS Regionals at Texas A & M … Continue Reading