Aim For The Fences When Picking A Softball Bat!

Aim For The Fences When Picking A Softball Bat! by: Ben Hultstrand
Last season your team went to the playoffs, and didn’t do as well as you wanted to. This season you want to go all the way! It takes more than just your basic fielding skills and base running to get to the final dance, you need to keep up with the other teams hitting! If they have the newest bat on the market, broken in and ready to go, your aluminum bat just doesn’t cut it. You need to step your game up and buy a new bat!
When it comes to choosing the best softball bat for the next big season, there are a few things that you might want to consider. The new softball bats have so much technology pumped into them that they are more powerful after every swing. Technology is the biggest factor when trying to choose a new bat because it will give you the competitive edge that you need. Another factor to consider is the longevity of the bat. If you have a bat that is well broken in, you don’t want it to break on you once you have it just the way you want it.
Some of the new Demarini bats offer the half and half technology that fuses carbon composite and high performance aluminum together. This creates amazing pop when the carbon composite flexes like a shaft on a golf club and the high performance aluminum takes over by delivering the power. The new Easton softball bats have a similar technology with the Stealth series. Both of these brands are great, but Demarini seems to set the standard with softball bats.
Another technology that is seen everywhere is the pure carbon composite bats. Every softball bat company seems to have their own variation of this but it is all essentially the same. The reason why this technology is preferred over others is because it does not dent, and produces bigger hits as it gets broken in. If you are looking to buy a new softball bat, I suggest a carbon composite bat. It will last longer and give you the performance that you need to hit it over the fences!
Within the new carbon composite softball bat technology is Easton’s CNT. This stands for Carbon Nanotube Technology. The nanotube technology has a smaller bead which makes it stronger and more flexible. This is a huge advantage when using a bat that has been well broken in and has no signs of breaking! A bat that lasts a while is more likely to produce more powerful hits.
So if your team wants to not only make it to the championship, but dominate the other team, purchase a new softball bat with the latest technology to have that extra advantage!
For more information regarding these softball bats, visit http://www.buysoftballbats.com.
About The Author
Ben Hultstrand
I am a college student that loves softball!

The Greatest Sport On The Planet - Fastpitch Softball!

The Greatest Sport On The Planet - Fastpitch Softball! by: George Phillips
Welcome to the greatest sport on the planet - fastpitch softball.
Fastpitch softball now ranks near the top of team participation sports played in the U.S.. There is special appeal in fastpitch softball that has allowed it to steadily grow in popularity through the years. Once a person chooses to become involved in fastpitch softball, the sport seems to dominate their lives. I know it did mine, I pitched this game for 35 years, over half of my life was devoted to this sport! I pitched this game for 35 years, over half of my life was devoted to this sport! Starting from never having picked up a softball, to Regional most valuable pitcher, to our team finishing 7th in the nation.
I would rather watch a good exciting fastpitch softball game anyday, than a world series baseball game. Fastpitch softball games move faster, have more action, and you'll soon see how hard it is to hit that big old ball. The windmill motion of a fastpitch softball pitcher can send the ball to the batter at speeds equal to major league baseball pitchers. Now its pretty clear why it is hard to hit a fastball or a fastpitch softball: the batter doesnt have much time to decide!
Fastpitch softball is often characterized by a minimal numbers of runs, desperation drag bunts and delayed steals, just to score that winning run!
Due to the fact that fastpitch pitchers were so hard to find, another form of softball quickly emerged, slow pitch. Slowpitch softball, which does not require the dedication, or travel, or skill of fastpitch, became hugely popular and remains so even today. Most of the differences between fastpitch softball and slowpitch softball are designed to give the batters more dominance, and make fielding more important.
There is a vast difference between when I first started playing fast pitch softball, and todays players. When I started, back in 1958, we didn't have training videos, dvd's and cd's to show exactly how to pitch. We had to learn by trial and error, and hope we could talk someone into slipping us a few secrets of how they threw their rise ball or drop ball, or whichever pitch we wanted to learn. This is another reason for the shortage of decent fastpitch pitchers over the years, which led to slow pitch leagues being formed.
Today there is a video or dvd available that will teach you every phase of pitching, batting, coaching, and almost everything else you would want to know about playing this fantastic sport. How to be a power pitcher, how to throw a rise ball, how to throw a drop ball, how to throw a change up, how to throw a curve ball, and much more. Now anyone with the determination and desire, can quickly grasp the how to information and cut the learning curve down drastically!
For many new players just wanting to get into fastpitch softball, the place to start is getting involved in a local fastpitch softball league. Most major cities have fastpitch softball leagues, some even have both, mens and womens. Many local teams are looking for new players who have above average skills and some knowlege of the game of Fastpitch Softball.
Right here you need to decide whether you want to just play for the fun and exercise, or whether you are up to the challenge of serious competition in fastpitch softball. You will find both types of teams usually in your local leagues. It's a fun and competitive way to particpate in fastpitch softball.
Funding a "First-class" fastpitch softball program can be very costly. If you already have a fastpitch softball team, and looking for a good sponsor, you might want to consider car dealerships or companies involved in mining and exploration, as I have found both to be very receptive for sponsorships.
One last tip, for a new pitcher wanting to become an outstanding fastpitch softball pitcher is... Team up with an outstanding catcher, who knows the game, That will make you many times more effective!
Where fastpitch really shines, is at the college level... where womens fastpitch is a very competitive sport. You may have caught some of the games broadcast by ESPN showing tournament action.
Some people find the transition from recreational softball to fastpitch to be too intimidating, but don't let that happen to you!
You will be missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.
About The Author
George Phillips is the webmaster of cashbuilder.com and The Cashbuilder Free Article Directory. Making Money Online Working From Home business offers. Visit us at: http://www.cashbuilder.com

Strength Training Develops Solid Softball Players

Strength Training Develops Solid Softball Players by Lynn VanDyke
Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com
Softball is a popular sport these days. Corporations, adult leagues and inner-city competitions are fueling the demand for skilled and competitive players. While softball may be experiencing a surge of interest, the basic techniques to improve your game and gain a competitive edge have remained the same.
Many do not realize that basic softball movements such as batting and throwing are not a directly related to arm strength. The movement begins in the legs. The power is then transferred into the hips, the torso, the upper back, the chest, the shoulders and then the arms.
A proper softball strength training routine will include an exercise for each muscle group. During the off-season, athletes will be able to strength train 2-3 times per week. Training should be reduced to 1-2 times per week during the season. Each exercise should be performed 8-12 times for 1-3 sets.
Quickness, speed, agility, balance, explosiveness, and power will be enhanced as the strength training program progresses. Below is a list of sample exercises for the commonly used muscles in softball. There are many other exercises you could perform, but this will provide a starting point.
Quadriceps- Squats, One-Legged Squats, Jump Squats
Hams & Glutes- Lunges, Explosive Lunges, Bridge on Ball
Hip Adductors/Abductors- Lying Side Leg Raises, Ball Squeeze
Obliques- Oblique Crunch on Ball
Rectus Abdominis- Ball Crunch, 180 Ball Crunch
Erector Spinae- Plank Pose
Deltoids- Shoulder Press, Military Press
Pectoralis Major- Chest Fly, Chest Press, Push ups
Latissimus Dorsi- Bent Over Row, Reverse Fly
Triceps- Overhead Extensions, Skull crushers
Biceps- Bicep Curl, Hammer Curl
A powerful softball strength training program will produce powerful players. Use a full ROM (range of motion) for each exercise. Generally free weights provide a better ROM than machines, but use which ever feels best to you. The ultimate goal is to create a solid program that will deliver a well-rounded athlete.
About the Author
Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://strength-training-woman.com . Her expertise in strength training and fitness is quickly becoming recognized by industry leaders. You may grab your free strength training log by visiting her site.

Softball: Olympic Sport No Longer?

Softball: Olympic Sport No Longer? by Jay Moncliff
Softball has been around since a man named George Hancock first invented the game in 1887 in Chicago. It took over 100 years, but women's fast pitch softball became an Olympic event in 1996.
Fast pitch is different from the looping, relaxed pitch often used in recreational softball leagues. Fast pitch players must hit a ball traveling at about 70mph. This is slower than baseball, but certainly much faster than the meandering slow pitch game. However, since the pitcher's mound and the home plate are much closer than in baseball, (40 feet versus 60 feet) the player must react to the pitch just as quickly.
The first softball, a spur of the moment creation in that long-ago first game, was a boxing glove tied into the shape of a ball. Today's softball is 12" in diameter, significantly bigger than the standard base ball at 9", and all white. Softball is actually a misnomer, as the ball used in the game is no softer than a baseball, just larger.
The playing diamond is much smaller than baseball's, with only 60 feet between bases. Baseball diamonds have 90 feet between each base. This makes for a faster, more active game than baseball, a fact that many softball enthusiasts cite as one of the reasons they enjoy the game so much.
Softball games are also two innings shorter than baseball games. However, like baseball, softball seems to inspire devoted fans and players. Many truly love their softball and pursue the game with an almost fanatic passion.
In 1996, women's fast pitch softball made its first appearance at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The United States team took the first gold medal in the sport, beating China in the gold medal game 3-1. An orthopedic surgeon from Florida, Dot Richardson, hit the first Olympic softball home run ever to win the game for the United States, an achievement she calls her most memorable.
After being an Olympic sport for the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic games, softball was recently dropped from the 2012 London Olympics by a tied vote of 52-52 with one member abstaining. Only a simple majority of 53 votes were needed to keep softball in the Olympics, and softball supporters are trying to get the vote reconsidered.
Unfortunately, the Olympic committee doesn't seem very interested in recasting this important ballot. Although the softball federation will certainly have something to say about this, the situation doesn't look hopeful for girls fostering an Olympic fast pitch softball dream.
Perhaps confusion on the part of the Olympic committee caused them to drop women's fast-pitch softball from the London games. There has been speculation that the committee members thought that women's softball was just a female version of baseball, and not popular enough to matter. Whatever their motivations, we hope that the committee will reconsider and reinstate women's fast pitch softball.
About the Author
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.softballcenter.info a website specialized on Softball, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Softball. For more info visit his site: Softball

Youth Softball Bats For Players Of All Sizes

Youth Softball Bats For Players Of All Sizes by William Smith
Buy a bat based on the size and knowledge of the participant. The taller the batter, the longer the bat. This allows the player to better drive the ball.
Getting your gang the correct batting gear can mean the difference between a acceptable season and a bad season. For youth, softball bats can be the most critical aspect of all equipment purchases that your team will ever make.
Since so many youth vary in their talent levels and proficiency to lift different weights of bats, you will need to have the correct range available for every player on your team. Giving the players some tips on how to handle the youth softball bats they will be using is also a great way to lead them to triumph, and in the end, as for any child, that success will give them confidence in doing everything they do in life.
For instruction, let the youth players know predetermined tips, too, that will be things they can carry with them when they leave your ball club and move onto to other levels of sports. For instance, if your young players find it hard to hit the ball, it is usually not the fault of the bat, if the right weight has been determined.
One good thing to try is to lift the elbow a little, the back elbow, a bit like an old time superstar of the Detroit Tigers, Alan Trammel. The extent of the swing is reduced, so that you allow the youngster to experience a quicker bat speed and increases the power of the swing by giving a right angle torque to the delivery.
Many baseball retailers offer name-brand baseball equipment such as baseball bats, gloves, pitching machines, field equipment, baseball training equipment and more. Brands include Rawlings, Easton, Louisville Slugger, Mizuno, Underarmour, Wilson and more. If you're a baseball coach, from little league to high school and college, ask for special programs designed just for you and your team you may be supprised you will probably find your best source for all the latest in baseball equipment in one online store that offers an even more complete product selection, special online pricing, as well as great deals on other items.
It's a great alternative to choking up on the bat, which can occasionally make it then tough to control the hitting triangle. Go for it kids!
Buy a properly weighted bat. Test this by holding the bat out to your side, using your weaker hand. You should be capable to control it for at least 30 seconds
About the Author
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball's Holy Grail

History of Softball

History of Softball by Kevin Stith
The game of softball has an interesting history. America has always been the most innovative and inventive nations of the world when it comes to sports. Softball is one of the finest innovations in the history of American sports. Softball is another close relative of the popular sport baseball, but with slight and significant alterations. It is very interesting to note that though softball has never gained much popularity worldwide, it has its genesis right in the nineteenth century. The very first version of softball was invented in Chicago in the year 1887 by a reporter from the Chicago Board of Trade. His name was George Hancock, and he tried to innovate a winter version of baseball.
Farragut Boat Club was the first venue where the newly evolved game of what was then known as 'indoor baseball' was first played. There are many humorous incidents which have proven to be one of the most important developments of the game. Instead of a specialized glove for the game, a boxing glove was tied to the ball. Instead of a specialized bat, a broom handle was used to hit the ball.
IN 1895 came the first time softball was played as an outdoor game, in Minneapolis. Firefighters played it for exercise. The game of softball at that time was known as kitten ball. After years of development in the game, the first ever softball league outside the United States was organized in Toronto, Canada, in 1897. Softball's name had itself undergone a series of changes since 1926. Some of the names include indoor baseball, kitten ball, diamond ball, mush ball, and pumpkin ball. Standard and international rules were first agreed upon only after the formation of the Amateur Softball Association in 1933.
About the Author
Softball provides detailed information on Softballs, Fastpitch Softball, Softball Equipment, History Of Softball and more. Softball is affliated with Miken Softball Bats.

Softball Equipment

Softball Equipment by Kevin Stith
Through the passing of time, the game as well as the equipment of the game of softball have developed to a great extent. Among the various components of the game of softball, the most important ones are the ball itself, gloves, the bat, the jersey, shoes and the protective gear that is so essential for the catchers.
The size of the ball varies according to the codes of the play. Besides being easily distinguishable, the particular ball used for the game has some particular measurements to which the ball must adhere. The permitted circumferences for the international rules of play are 12 inches or 30 centimeters, and 11 inches or 28 centimeters. Often the ball remains enclosed in a layer of white leather, roughly in two pieces. The ball then resembles the shape of the numeric figure of 'eight' (8). It is sewn together with a red thread. The material of the core of the softball is made up of long fibers, a mixture of cork and rubber, polyurethane mixture or another material approved by the international organization of softball. The recent invention of the yellow, easily visible optic ball is a landmark achievement in the history of the game.
Gloves and mitts are prime components for those players on the field trying to catch the ball. All players wear gloves and mitts, and the latter is differentiated from the first on the basis of the fact that mitts have an extra padding with no fingers. The bat that is used is usually made of hardwood, metal, or any other materials that the game permits, and is no more than one kilogram in weight, thirty-four inches in length and just over two inches in breadth.
About the Author
Softball provides detailed information on Softballs, Fastpitch Softball, Softball Equipment, History Of Softball and more. Softball is affliated with Miken Softball Bats.

FOUR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL TRAINING SECRETS

FOUR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL TRAINING SECRETS, Part 1 by Steve Zawrotny, MS, CSCS
As you might guess, a lot of the training information that is widely circulated and believed to be helpful is not only wrong, but in many cases has the potential to cause injury and long-term damage. This four-part series will dispel some myths and reveal four important keys to baseball/softball training that will help you train safer and smarter with the aim of improving your on-field performance.
Baseball is not a strength game - it is a game of explosive power. A small child can pick up and throw a regulation-size 5 oz baseball, and even swing a 30 oz bat. But it takes a highly trained athlete, demonstrating precise mechanical skills, to propel that 5 oz ball 90 + mph, or to hit it 400 + feet.
Add to this the fact that most plays on a ball field rarely take longer than 6 or 7 seconds. There are exceptions - an inside the park homer, or an extended rundown or "pickle." But, for the most part, things happen pretty quickly on the diamond.
Why does this matter to you?
Well, let me ask you this: How often have you heard coaches tell pitchers to condition themselves by running laps - Long, Slow, Distance (LSD) training - or to spend a lot of time pedaling a bike? If you've been around this game as long as I have, you've seen a lot. Here's the problem: these coaches (and many players) incorrectly believe that LSD (or aerobic) conditioning increases leg strength, thereby improving player performance.
In fact, one of the worst ways to develop leg strength is by long distance running. Biking is somewhat more effective in this regard, but "strength endurance" is the trait it develops, when POWER is what is needed. Since baseball and softball require little in the way of aerobic or strength endurance (other than the throwing arm, a different discussion) a lot of time and energy is being wasted utilizing these conditioning methods.
As further proof, consider that the oxygen uptake of a pitcher (the most active position) is a low 45% of the maximum required. Apparently the rest pitchers get between each pitch and in-between innings is sufficient to replenish the energy system most used by ball-players - the "alactic anaerobic" energy system. The key to proper conditioning is to train the energy system actually used during games.
What this means is that there is little to no lactic acid buildup as a result of the activity of pitching. Perhaps you're familiar with that burning feeling you get in your muscles when you do a hard set of weight lifting? That's a result of a buildup of lactic acid, a by-product of that and other short-term, intense exercises.
Have you ever heard of a ball player complaining of this problem?
Here's what a baseball pitcher faces while pitching: It takes about 0.15 seconds from the time the front foot contacts the ground until the ball is released. Very little lactic acid is built up during this short burst of activity. The primary source of fatigue in pitching is not metabolic, but neural. [1]
Again, why does this matter to you?
Because studies show that LSD training significantly detracts from power, strength, and speed development. Put another way: Train Slow, Play Slow. Function becomes form.
Reduce these characteristics and you reduce your ability to throw with high velocity, hit with power, and run at high speed. Look at the physiques of sprinters vs. marathoners. You don't have to be built like a sprinter to be successful at baseball and softball, but this illustrates how training affects one's body, conditioning, and hence, ability to function.
As mentioned earlier, aside from the game itself (which can be long and slow!) things happen quickly on the ball field. Playing softball and baseball requires high velocity, ballistic movements like throwing
(C) 2004, Baseball Fit LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quotations with attribution permitted. Cite source as Steve Zawrotny's BASEBALL FIT Hitting & Pitching Academy - www.BaseballFit.com
The information contained herein is the opinion of the author based on his personal observations and years of experience. Neither Steve Zawrotny or Baseball Fit assume any liability whatsoever for the use of or inability to use any or all of the information presented on this website.
About the Author
I am currently the Strength & Conditioning Advisor to the Lincon Saltdogs minor league baseball team. In addition:
30+ Years As A Player & Coach, From Little League Through NCAA D-1 Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Physical Education from BYU Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) With The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Formerly a Physical Training Specialist with T

5 Tips for Coaching 8U Softball

5 Tips for Coaching 8U Softball by Stacie Mahoe
Work within an 8U Attention Span Players at the 8U level can get bored and distracted very easily. Keep them involved by splitting them up into smaller groups. Have coaches work with as few players as possible so that there is minimal standing in line time. If you don't mind parent help, ask parents to come out and help roll grounders, throw fly balls, or take care of other simple tasks. This can help move practice along and keep groups or stations small.
Everyone is Involved Strive to have your players understand that even if it's not their turn, you expect them to be involved and pay attention. Explain that they can learn by watching their teammates do drills. They can also help their teammates by cheering them on. Just like in the game, even if it's not their turn to field or catch the ball they are still involved in the play (i.e. cover a base, let your teammate know where to throw, etc). Also make it clear that no one should be talking or playing games as they wait in line. You can explain that practice is similar to school, there is no talking simply because the focus is on someone else. No one should be talking when the coach is talking just as no one talks in school while the teacher is talking.
Take Away the Fear Factor Many players in the 8U division will be learning many of the skills you teach for the first time. Obviously, this means they may not be able to correctly perform certain skills, catching a thrown ball for instance. If a player at this age gets hit with a ball they try to catch, they may become afraid of catching. If you've ever seen a scared player trying to catch a ball, you know that it's not likely. The shy away from the ball, they turn their head, or they close their eyes. None of these actions will help them get better at catching. Help them stop doing these things by taking away the "fear factor." You can do this by using wiffle balls, or even crumpled up paper balls until the player becomes confident in their own ability to catch a ball. An added bonus is the fact that a paper or wiffle ball often moves in flight. It does not travel in as straight a path as a regular softball. Therefore, if a player can learn to catch a curving paper or wiffle ball, catching a softball that travels in a straighter path should be relatively simple for them.
Cover fundamentals Cover fundamentals over and over and over and over and over again. I think you get the idea. If a player learns nothing else this season, they should at least learn good throwing and/or fielding mechanics. I say "or" because everyone has a different learning curve and you may have that one player who, for whatever reason, masters skills at a much slower rate than usual. Fundamentals are also the basic building blocks these players will fall back to over and over again throughout their career if they begin struggling with a particular skill. If they never learn these fundamentals, they'll have no clue how to "get back on track" later on in their career when they need to.
Have Fun - this is not the Olympics Last but not least, players at this age will play because it's fun, not because they see that they are the best in the league. Never underestimate the importance of enjoying the game. It's what keeps players coming back season after season, year after year. Keep the softball fire burning by making practice and game experiences fun!
For help on Keeping Softball Fun check out the e-book at AllAboutFastpitch.com.
About the Author
Stacie is the owner of AllAboutFastpitch.com and offers tips at FreeFastpitchTips.com.

Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations

Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations by Udo Vieth

Softball Cleats Facts
The following article includes pertinent information that could induce you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most crucial thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.
When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.
See how much you can learn about Sport shoes when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.
Most of this information comes straight from the Sport shoes pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.
Often, if you are involved in a softball league for younger kids, you will note that they do not wear softball shoes. Even though this is not a problem and regular shoes will work, cleats make everything so much more comfortable.
Softball cleats will allow for the players to get more efficient traction when attempting to run on the field. Most fields consist of a soil infield and a grass outfield. This implies that if you have ordinary shoes on, you will have a really hard time keeping your footing on the dirt infield. But if you are using softball cleats, you will be able to grip the dirt better, and keep yourself balanced.
The reason that many younger children do not wear softball cleats is because of safety regulations in the league that they take part in. However just because there are safety regulations does not signify that you cannot wear cleats. There are two different types of softball cleats that you can find. For starters, if you are advanced and play in an senior league, you would want to go with a pair of alloy softball cleats. However on the other hand, if you are younger, you may want to buy cleats that are not alloy. These cleats ensure that potentially if an accident does take place, nobody will get harmed. The rule in the little softball leagues is typically that the players could have on cleats as long as they are not metal.
In general, each player should have a good pair of softball cleats. These would go far in making the softball playing experience as enjoyable as possible. Before you buy any new cleats, make sure that you check the league regulations in order to discover precisely what you can and cannot wear. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Today might be a good time to write down the primary points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's vital about Sport footwear.
There's a heap to be aware of about Sport shoes. We were able to provide you with a select few of the details above, but there is still much more to write about in following articles.
About the Author

Ameritor is the owner of Online Cleats Resource , Softball Cleats and Softball League Regulations.