Archive for July 2012
Softball and the Olympics
With the Summer Olympics currently underway in London, it’s hard not to think about how this should be, perhaps, the event that young softball players and softball fans of all ages look forward to the most. But for the first time since its inclusion in Atlanta in 1996, softball, as you probably know, isn’t part of the Olympic program.
Read MoreThe Fastest Way to Increase Running Speed
Who doesn’t want to get faster? In this blog, Joe explains what factors contribute to running speed, and demonstrates a lower body speed and strength training routine that requires minimal equipment and space.
Read MoreHow to Give Yourself a Killer Massage
Everyone likes to get a massage, and they don’t just feel good—they’re pretty good for you too. Massages increase blood flow to areas of tension and promote muscle health and healing, and can thus be particularly beneficial to athletes. Unfortunately, we can’t all get a personal masseuse to pamper us regularly. It is possible, however, to give yourself a pretty decent massage with a few simple tools, some of which you probably already have lying around your home.
Read MoreArticle Postponed
Due to a family emergency Phil’s article will not appear today. We hope to be back to a normal schedule next week. Thank you for your patience.
Read MoreMedicine Ball Exercises for Softball Pitching
In this video, I explain and demonstrate proper technique for throwing medicine balls to improve pitching performance. Simply twisting and throwing heavy medicine balls is not enough to improve pitching-specific capacity. These exercises should reinforce proper pitching mechanics, and improve pitching-specific mechanics that many young pitchers struggle to command.
Read MoreAsk a College Coach/Player!
This week I want to hear directly from you guys! If your goal is to play college softball, getting there can be a fun but overwhelming journey. Fastpitch Power wants to connect you readers to college coaches and players to get YOUR questions answered.
Read MoreExercises That Correct Drive Foot Turn Out
Does your pitcher seem to lack extension or power as she drives away from the rubber? In these videos, Joe explains how lack of strength and flexibility contribute to poor execution and acquisition of drive through mechanics, and demonstrates four exercises that every pitcher can benefit from.
Read MoreWhen is the Right Time to Learn Movement Pitches?
I’ve heard a number of parents who are trying to teach their kids windmill pitching ask when is the appropriate age for a kid to learn movement pitches. Similarly, parents of my own students have often asked me when we will move on to something new, and the students are likewise eager to tackle this challenge. Since Coach Phil’s last two videos (which can be viewed here and here) gave an overview of how to utilize the throw zone during movement pitches, I thought today would be a good time to introduce this topic.
Read MoreCorrecting Drive Foot Turn Out Part 1
Drive foot turn out can be a doorstop in a young softball pitcher’s development. The consequences are obvious, but the cause is much more difficult to derive. In this video, Joe explains how lack of physical strength and flexibility contribute to one of the most common technical mistakes in young pitchers.
Read MoreSpecial Interview with Alabama’s Cassie Reilly-Boccia
Fastpitch Power recently spent time with Cassie Reilly-Boccia, the all-star first baseman for the College World Series Champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide. If you follow college softball at all, you know that Alabama had an incredible year. Their College World Series win was the first ever national championship for the Alabama program and for an SEC (South Eastern Conference) school. ‘Bama ended the season with a 60-8 record and took top honors in all national polls including USA Today/NFCA and ESPN/USA Softball Collegiate. Cassie helped power ‘Bama to the top with a .331 batting average, 48 RBIs and 9 home runs. She hails from Yorktown Heights, NY and upon returning home from her last softball activity with Alabama (instructing at their softball camps) she spent time with us discussing how it all began, how she got to Alabama, how it feels to win the College World Series and what she’s learned from it all.
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