Last week when I answered reader CC’s question I promised I’d talk more about training young athletes and the Long Term Athlete Development Model. Following is an article I recently had published in the Performance Conditioning newsletter for baseball and softball. The information is indispensable for any parent of a young athlete!
Read MoreRead MoreHey Carly! I’ve got twins at the 10u level that both pitch, but in games both of them tend to not reach their optimum speeds/groove until the second inning, and this is after I have given them a complete warm up. As a result I have had them pitch a tad more than most (30 pitches) after warm-up and before the first pitch. We usually throw 100+ pitches in practice sessions so I feel like I have built or I am building their stamina.
We typically practice a couple times a week mixed in with a lesson, so they pitch 3 times a week(If everything falls into place). Does sound right to you? Any tips on how to keep them better prepared without pitching so much before games?
—CC
Coach Jill showed me this cool video today. There are a lot of fun facts in there you can share with the next person who tells you softball is easier than baseball… but the most important thing I see is EVERY PITCHER IS USING FOREARM FIRE!
Read MoreLast week I accepted a university assistant coach position! The entire coaching staff has been changed over the last few weeks, so I had the opportunity to review a lot of prospective players’ videos. I definitely noticed a trend…
Read MoreLast week I talked about front side resistance and why it’s important. This week, I’m going to tell you how to make yours better.
Read MoreWe’ve spent a lot of articles talking about the drive through, but the landing leg is really just as important.
Read MoreRecently we passed 250 posts, 350 twitter followers, and 600 newsletter subscribers! As thanks to all our readers, I have some fun free goodies for you this week!
Read MoreHappy New Year everyone!
Yesterday Joe shared an article on Facebook that I think is so important I just had to make it my post this week. I’m seeing a disturbing trend in very young softball players, pitchers especially, playing softball way too much…
Read MoreIn the past I’ve put together some general guidelines for how much you should practice pitching, but there are so many factors involved in creating an optimal and well-rounded training routine. For example in the winter, which is often the one true offseason for many pitchers who participate in games during the spring, summer, and fall, you don’t want to practice the same way you do during the rest of the year.
Read MoreI see a lot of extreme examples of changed body posture among windmill pitchers throwing drops and riseballs. It’s commonly taught to lean forward while throwing a drop and lean back while throwing a rise, but many of the pitchers who I see struggling with those pitches are leaning too much or in the wrong direction.
Read More