How fast do you really need to throw?
It’s a misconception that most college softball pitchers throw in the mid-upper 60s.
Read MoreArchive for April 2014
Is There a Relationship Between Core Stability and Shoulder Function?
In this week’s video, I review a new research study whose authors examined the relationship between performance in core stability exercises and shoulder dysfunction in collegiate overhead athletes. In this video, I summarize and clarify the important take-away messages from the results of this study and hope to show trainers how to read research a little more carefully in order not to jump to one way conclusions.
Read MoreCollege Softball 2014: Who to Watch
In case you haven’t already been paying attention to the games on TV, ESPN’s networks are airing more college softball games than ever this year! You can check out an overview of the schedule here or in your TV listings. Following are two 2014 pitchers whose mechanics I especially like as examples for young pitchers who are learning. Of course there are so many wonderful pitchers out there, but many of the best pitchers have quirks in their mechanics that work for them, but may not work for everyone. The following two pitchers have very smooth, clean, universal mechanics, so be sure to check them out!
Read MoreTransitioning from Lesson to Game
In today’s video I talk about taking what you learn in your lessons onto the field.
Read MoreExercises for Athletes with Back Pain
A real issue many athletes face during the season is playing through pain or with minor injuries. In this video, I demonstrate an exercise routine for athletes (and parents) with back pain. At best, it addresses specific issues that could be contributing to your pain. At least, it is a total body workout you can do at home or at the gym to stay active and fit in case you need to take time off from softball.
Read MorePost-Game Recovery
I was wondering if you have any exercises that you use after a game to help pitchers recover?
This question comes from McKay!
Read MoreHand Position at the Back of the Arm Circle
In today’s video, I demonstrate the position your hand should be in entering the throw zone and explain why.
Read MoreNutrition for Softball Players and Parents
Everyone wants to eat healthier, but following a diet is rarely fun or practical. Healthy diet decisions become more difficult during the softball season when teams have to travel and make pit-stops at “quick and easy” restaurants. In this week’s video, I show you different ways to upgrade your diet, from THE EASIEST way to monitor what and how much you are eating to THE SIMPLEST action steps that you can start using today.
Read MoreHow do you fix your mechanics when you’ve got games to pitch?
I was working with a student yesterday for the first time since last year as she spent the entire off-season recovering from an injury. We spend the whole time doing specific drills and she put in a really outstanding effort to smooth out the illegal hop in her drive through. After the lesson she asked me, what am I supposed to do in games?
Read MoreThe Consequences of Early Sport Specialization
When I moved to Westchester, New York in 2009, I thought youth “sport specialization” was an issue exclusive to affluent communities where parents could afford the travel and private “tutoring” of athletes. Either I was wrong, or this problem has incomprehensibly metastasized across the country since. This week, I’m forwarding you to a must-read article on this subject and its hard, cold consequences for adolescents.
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