How to Build Softball Interest in Kids?

A youth softball team provides your child with regular physical activity while building softball skills and teamwork. While some children are content playing softball year after year, others decide to quit due to lack of interest or an unpleasant experience on the team. Instead of trying to force your child to rejoin the team, work with her to find a way to reignite her interest.
Identifying Causes
Before you are able to get your child interested in softball again, you need to know what caused her to originally quit the team. Some children simply stop enjoying the sport or find different interests they prefer. Other times the child doesn't like the competition, doesn't feel like she is talented enough, dislikes the coach or doesn't feel like a part of the team. Talk to your child openly about softball and why she decided to leave the sport.
Come Up With Solutions
Based on the conversation about the reasons she quit softball, work with your child to find solutions to make the sport more appealing again. For example, if your child felt her former team was too competitive, suggest finding a non-competitive league where she may focus more on enjoyment. If she wants to play other sports, look for various leagues in both sports for different seasons so she can play both at different times of the year.
Get Involved
Parent involvement in the softball program may sometimes encourage a child to participate. Consider volunteering as a coach or umpire for the softball team if your child would feel more comfortable with you around. Take an interest in her softball practices and games to show support. Some leagues look for parent volunteers to organize fundraisers, concession stands and other events. All of these activities get you involved to make softball a family activity.
Ease Up
Despite your attempts at reigniting an interest in softball, your child may still resist. Forcing your child to rejoin a team is likely to backfire and cause her to dislike the sport even more. Give her time to potentially rediscover softball on her own to avoid more conflict. If she truly doesn't want to play softball, encourage her to explore other sports or physical activities. For example, if the pressure of playing a team sport is too much, encourage your child to try running in local fun runs. She still gets necessary exercise without the stress or displeasure she feels when playing softball.

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Posted in: Softball

Fastpitch & Slowpitch in Softball

Fastpitch and slowpitch softball share similar traits. Both sports share a general game structure similar to baseball. However, the two sports differ in their rule structure, and can also differ in the equipment used. For example, a fastpitch softball player might select a slightly wider bat than a slowpitch softball player. In some cases, fastpitch and slowpitch softball also require different types of cleats.
Beginning Levels
At most less-advanced levels of softball, no difference exists between fastpitch and slowpitch cleats. In both cases, the cleats are made of soft-molded plastic or rubber. All softball cleats have protrusions on the shoe sole, designed to help increase traction to provide stability and increase the athlete's agility. The cleats often fasten using laces, and some softball cleats have an enlarged shoe tongue to protect the shoelace knot, and help prevent the cleats from untying mid-play. The uppers of most softball cleats are made from synthetic materials, though some might be made from leather.
College Level
The cleats worn during fastpitch and slowpitch softball only differ at the college level, according to Women's Sports Information. While college-level slowpitch softball players use the molded-plastic cleats worn at other levels of softball, college-level fastpitch players wear cleats with metal spikes or protrusions. Metal spikes can dig more effectively into the ground on a fastpitch softball field, providing the traction required to move quickly, such as to steal a base -- a move allowed only in fastpitch softball.
Plastic vs. Metal Cleats
The plastic and metal cleats used in college-level slowpitch and fastpitch softball require different levels of upkeep from their wearer. Plastic slowpitch softball cleats typically have a sole that is permanently attached to the shoe, according to iSport. Metal fastpitch cleats typically have detachable spikes that screw into the bottom of the shoe. Molded cleats can prove easier to clean and longer-lasting than their detachable metal counterparts, which contain small crevices that require more effort to keep clean.
Considerations
While the National Softball Association in the United States bans the use of metal cleats in junior-level games, the regional softball league in your area might have different regulations regarding cleats. Some facilities might discourage the use of metal cleats, even for advanced-level fastpitch softball because the cleats can damage the playing field and increase the cost of field upkeep. To determine which cleats you should buy for fastpitch or slowpitch softball, contact your local softball league.

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Posted in: Softball

4 Things to Know About Game Stats in Softball

Statistics are an important tool for measuring the performance of a softball team as a whole, as well as the individuals on the team. Statistics help you measure a batter's performance at the plate, a pitcher's performance on the mound and a team's defensive performance. Statistics also tell the story of a particular game, as each at bat is recorded and the statistical entries represent how runs were scored and who made the key plays that decided the outcome of the game.
Step 1
Write down the batting order for your team and the opponent's. A softball score book contains two pages for every game played. The visiting team's information goes on the top page and the home team's information goes on the bottom page. There is a slot to write each player's name, uniform number and position on each page. Once you have this information for both teams, you are prepared to keep the stats of the game.
Step 2
Learn the numbers associated with each position. This will help you keep track of each play as it occurs. The position numbers in softball are as follows: 1-pitcher; 2-catcher; 3-first base; 4-second base; 5-third base; 6-shortstop; 7-left field; 8-center field; 9-right field.
Step 3
Write down the results of each play as it occurs. If the lead-off batter in the first inning hits a ground ball to shortstop and is thrown out, you would write down "6-3" in the slot next to the batter's name for the first inning. The "6" represents that the ball was hit to shortstop and the "3" represents that the first baseman caught the throw to retire the runner. If the second batter hits a double, you would draw two small horizontal lines in the slot next to that batter's name. You will notice that in each slot there is a small softball diamond and four square-shaped areas next to the diamond. The two horizontal lines go in the first square next to the diamond and you will draw a line from home to first and first to second in the diamond. As the runner advances on the bases, you continue to draw lines on the diamond in the slot next to her name.
Step 4
Write down the number of runs and hits each team gets in each inning. These numbers are written down in the bottom row of each inning. Verify these numbers with the person keeping the stats for your team's opponent.

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Posted in: Softball

Softball Better Pitching Techniques

It's all about the mechanics. When pitching in softball, it's easy to develop bad habits when competing against top-level players. It's also possible to get arm fatigue from overuse. By using the proper mechanics and getting the proper rest, pitchers can avoid or overcome injuries that tend to come with the job.
Overuse
Overuse is one of the top causes of pitcher arm injury, according to pitching coach Gerald Warner. On many teams at the high school and youth level, teams rarely have more than one top-level pitcher. In an effort to be competitive, many of these pitchers continue to pitch daily even after fatigue sets in. Some pitchers might throw the same pitch with too much frequency. The rollover drop, for example, can cause strain on the pitching arm and lead to injury.
Stretching and Warming Up
Pitchers who warm up properly and stretch before they get in the pitcher's circle are less likely to get hurt while pitching. Running sprints in the outfield is a good way to start getting ready for pitching. Stretching out the hamstrings muscles is also essential for maintaining a pitcher's health. Pitchers also need to throw overhand for 10 to 15 minutes before moving to the pitching rubber and warming up for at least 10 more minutes. Throwing properly before competing in a game will get your shoulder, elbow and wrist prepared for the task.
Bending at the Waist
Pitchers need to take a position on the pitching rubber standing tall. Many pitchers bend over at the waist during the delivery because they think this will give them more velocity. However, bending over at the waist creates strain on the lower back, the shoulder and the arm. This added strain can lead to injuries that can force a pitcher out of action and lead to medical attention.
Chicken Winging
You will notice that when a pitcher is delivering the ball consistently, throwing strikes and building an array of pitches, her arms come from a straight-underneath position. However, pitchers can lose their form and allow their elbow to fly out away from the body just before release. This is called "chicken winging" the ball. The pitcher needs to keep her pitching elbow tight to her body to avoid straining her elbow ligaments. Not keeping the elbow in tight can produce a painful condition that forces a pitcher to the sideline for weeks.

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Posted in: Softball

Softball Pitching Tips and Tricks

It's all about the mechanics. When pitching in softball, it's easy to develop bad habits when competing against top-level players. It's also possible to get arm fatigue from overuse. By using the proper mechanics and getting the proper rest, pitchers can avoid or overcome injuries that tend to come with the job.
Overuse
Overuse is one of the top causes of pitcher arm injury, according to pitching coach Gerald Warner. On many teams at the high school and youth level, teams rarely have more than one top-level pitcher. In an effort to be competitive, many of these pitchers continue to pitch daily even after fatigue sets in. Some pitchers might throw the same pitch with too much frequency. The rollover drop, for example, can cause strain on the pitching arm and lead to injury.
Stretching and Warming Up
Pitchers who warm up properly and stretch before they get in the pitcher's circle are less likely to get hurt while pitching. Running sprints in the outfield is a good way to start getting ready for pitching. Stretching out the hamstrings muscles is also essential for maintaining a pitcher's health. Pitchers also need to throw overhand for 10 to 15 minutes before moving to the pitching rubber and warming up for at least 10 more minutes. Throwing properly before competing in a game will get your shoulder, elbow and wrist prepared for the task.
Bending at the Waist
Pitchers need to take a position on the pitching rubber standing tall. Many pitchers bend over at the waist during the delivery because they think this will give them more velocity. However, bending over at the waist creates strain on the lower back, the shoulder and the arm. This added strain can lead to injuries that can force a pitcher out of action and lead to medical attention.
Chicken Winging
You will notice that when a pitcher is delivering the ball consistently, throwing strikes and building an array of pitches, her arms come from a straight-underneath position. However, pitchers can lose their form and allow their elbow to fly out away from the body just before release. This is called "chicken winging" the ball. The pitcher needs to keep her pitching elbow tight to her body to avoid straining her elbow ligaments. Not keeping the elbow in tight can produce a painful condition that forces a pitcher to the sideline for weeks.

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Posted in: Softball,Sports

3 Tips to Achieve Pitching Proficiency

Achieving pitching proficiency requires you to perform constant repetition of key pitching movements. Malcolm Gladwell, in his book "Outliers: The Story of Success," posits the existence of what he calls the "10,000-Hour Rule," which suggests that the key to your success in any activity requires that you practice a specific task for at least 10,000 hours. While Gladwell may not necessarily have had pitching in mind when he wrote his book, to master the art of pitching, perform focused, pitching-specific drills on an almost daily basis.
Throwing Strikes From Various Distances
According to the Complete Pitcher website, throwing strikes from various distances is an exercise routinely performed by Japanese baseball pitchers, and is intended to help you develop pinpoint control of your pitches. With your catcher---who will serve as your umpire---sitting behind home plate, throw from a distance that's about half your usual pitching distance. Place a distance marker at this point, then place an additional six markers between this point and a point that's twice your usual pitching distance. Markers should be about 10 feet apart and in line with the plate. You are required to throw 3 strikes at each distance before you're allowed to move to the next farthest distance. Attempting to throw strikes from farther-than-usual distances help to develop sound mechanics and a strong arm.
Pitching In Reverse
Tom House, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, pitching coach and author of several books about pitching, suggests that another Japanese pitching drill, pitching in reverse, refines your pitching mechanics. Perform this exercise by assuming your finished pitching stance, then take your entire pitching motion and perform it in reverse, taking care to mimic as closely as possible the proper sequence of the delivery, only in reverse. Picturing yourself and your pitching motion being rewound on a video is often helpful with this drill. Perform this exercise 20 times per day.
Video Analysis
According to Dick Mills, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, most pitching drills---especially the drills that disrupt or break up your movement flow---are counterproductive for mastering your mechanics of pitching. Mills states that most drills "interfere with the feeling of correctly executed segments, performed in a fluent total movement." Mills suggests that, instead of practicing conventional pitching drills, learn proper pitching mechanics from a qualified professional and frequently use stop-frame video analysis to help make subtle adjustments to your delivery. Video analysis of your mechanics and delivery provides you and your pitching coach with powerful visual feedback, and provides you a visual record with which to track your progress.

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Posted in: Baseball,Softball,Sports

3 Tips for Beginners Pitchers

The pitching sequence generates extreme forces through the body. A major league pitcher uses his legs, hips, trunk, shoulder, elbow and wrist to generate 1,000 pounds of force to the baseball. The shoulder is a key part of the sequence, not only to help generate that force but also to safely slow the arm down once the basball is released. Repetitive pitching can cause overuse injuries to both the bony structures and soft tissues. Symptoms include pain at the shoulder and loss of velocity and accuracy with pitching.
Little Leaguer's Shoulder
The growth plate, or epiphysis, is an area of growing tissue in the ends of long bones in growing children and adolescents. It is also weaker than bone and the site of injury in little leaguer's shoulder. With this condition, you get pain at the epiphysis of the shoulder, and you can even get widening of that epiphysis seen on an X-ray. You can prevent this by adhering to pitch count limitations set by baseball governing bodies and using good pitching technique. Treatment includes rest from throwing and physical therapy.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that serve to stabilize the shoulder. They originate on the shoulder blade and insert at the head of the humerus. Injury to the rotator cuff is really a spectrum of disorders, with tendinitis on one end of the septrum to a complete tear of the cuff on the other. You can also have partial tears. Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections and surgery.
Labral Injuries
The labrum is a rim of cartilage on the glenoid (the socket part of the shoulder joint). The labrum serves to deepen that socket and provide a site for attachment of ligaments and the biceps tendon. With repetitive throwing, the labrum can tear or even peel back off the glenoid. If a tear of the labrum exists, physical therapy is first line treatment, but surgery is usually required to return to a high level of pitching.

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Posted in: Baseball,Softball,Sports

Tips for New Softball Pitchers

Softball pitchers face some of the same potential injuries as baseball players, especially if they use the fast pitch method. This requires rotation of the arm to throw the ball. Poor technique can lead to tearing connective tissue in the shoulder, and this will be painful. If you feel discomfort in your shoulder during or after games, have a doctor evaluate the damage and provide treatment options.
The Shoulder Joint
The complex structure of the shoulder joint can make it vulnerable to injury, especially for those who must throw during a game. Included in the shoulder anatomy are three distinctive joints and one articulation. An articulation is a joint that is moveable, not fixed. One key component of the shoulder-prone to injury is the rotator cuff. This is a collection of four muscles that provide stability to the bony structures that make up the shoulder. Damage to any of these elements can lead to pain for a softball pitcher.
Windmill Pitching Technique
In some forms of softball, the pitcher uses a windmill technique to propel the ball. This requires that the arm rotate 360 degrees and can lead to cumulative tissue damage known as an overuse injury. That might include tearing of the bicep or rotator cuff muscles. Once an injury occurs, the arm will require treatment to help the connective tissue heal. Continuing to throw with an overuse injury, especially with the windmill technique, can cause further damage that may require surgery to repair.
Treatment
Providing immediate first aid to the shoulder at the onset of pain can help reduce inflammation and stiffness. Apply ice as soon as the pain begins. Keep the ice bag in place for at least 20 minutes. Reapply ice three to four times a day for the next three days. It may be necessary to immobilize the arm with a sling to stabilize the shoulder. You also might need an over-the-counter pain medication until the discomfort subsides. If the shoulder feels or looks out of place, see a doctor immediately. Above all, avoid playing softball until your doctor or trainer tells you that it is OK to start pitching again.
Prevention
Improper technique can lead to overuse injuries. If you feel pain in your shoulder after pitching, talk to your coach about your method. You may require additional training to help improve your technique and avoid injury. The trainer may want you to perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your shoulder. If you have pain during a game, stop pitching. Pain is a warning from your body about a problem. Ignoring that warning may lead to further damage.

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Posted in: Softball,Sports

4 Exercises for Pitching Arms

Arm exercises are important for a baseball pitcher. Not only do they help strengthen the arm and shoulder for the rigors of a long season in which the throwing motion will be repeated thousands of times, they also help protect the joint from injury, as the overhand throwing motion is quite dangerous for the shoulder. The primary muscles involved in the throwing motion of a baseball pitcher are the rotator cuff, deltoids, triceps and forearms.
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is comprised of four different muscles--supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and the subscapularis (SITS is the acronym used to remember the muscles). This group, as the name signifies, is responsible for the rotation of the arm through the shoulder joint. Exercises to strengthen them are all rotational. They can be done using dumbbells, cables or resistant tubing. The most commonly performed rotator cuff exercises are internal/external rotation. Both sides should be exercised to keep a strength balance in the shoulder joint, which helps to prevent injuries.
Deltoids
The best deltoid exercise is the shoulder scaption. Shoulder scaptions are similar to a lateral raise, except instead of directly out to your sides, your arms are roughly 30 degrees in front, and your thumbs are pointed up. This places the shoulder joint in a better position, helping to prevent injuries as well.
Triceps
To replicate the motion of a pitch, the most sport specific lift for the triceps is the single arm, overhead extension. The exercise can even be done in the throwing manner to match the exact motion as much as possible. If performed in this manner, a heavy weight should not be used as this can lead to injury. Instead, focus on mimicking the throwing motion.
Forearms
To strengthen the forearms, perform wrist curls. This can be done using dumbbells, barbells or resistant tubing. Wrist curls are important because they can enhance a pitchers grip, which is important for velocity, location and movement of the pitch. Remember to do wrist extensions to keep a balance in the strength of the musculature.

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Posted in: Baseball,Softball,Sports

Shoulder Pain and Softball

It's all about the mechanics. When pitching in softball, it's easy to develop bad habits when competing against top-level players. It's also possible to get arm fatigue from overuse. By using the proper mechanics and getting the proper rest, pitchers can avoid or overcome injuries that tend to come with the job.
Overuse
Overuse is one of the top causes of pitcher arm injury, according to pitching coach Gerald Warner. On many teams at the high school and youth level, teams rarely have more than one top-level pitcher. In an effort to be competitive, many of these pitchers continue to pitch daily even after fatigue sets in. Some pitchers might throw the same pitch with too much frequency. The rollover drop, for example, can cause strain on the pitching arm and lead to injury.
Stretching and Warming Up
Pitchers who warm up properly and stretch before they get in the pitcher's circle are less likely to get hurt while pitching. Running sprints in the outfield is a good way to start getting ready for pitching. Stretching out the hamstrings muscles is also essential for maintaining a pitcher's health. Pitchers also need to throw overhand for 10 to 15 minutes before moving to the pitching rubber and warming up for at least 10 more minutes. Throwing properly before competing in a game will get your shoulder, elbow and wrist prepared for the task.
Bending at the Waist
Pitchers need to take a position on the pitching rubber standing tall. Many pitchers bend over at the waist during the delivery because they think this will give them more velocity. However, bending over at the waist creates strain on the lower back, the shoulder and the arm. This added strain can lead to injuries that can force a pitcher out of action and lead to medical attention.
Chicken Winging
You will notice that when a pitcher is delivering the ball consistently, throwing strikes and building an array of pitches, her arms come from a straight-underneath position. However, pitchers can lose their form and allow their elbow to fly out away from the body just before release. This is called "chicken winging" the ball. The pitcher needs to keep her pitching elbow tight to her body to avoid straining her elbow ligaments. Not keeping the elbow in tight can produce a painful condition that forces a pitcher to the sideline for weeks.

Read more »

Posted in: Softball