StacieMahoe.com

Softball Quick Tip: Avoid Collisions and Get Home Safely

stacie — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:55:16 +0000

This clip is a direct result of a discussion going on at DiscussFastpitch.com. In this clip I do a little experiment to see just how “easy” it is to reach a runner sliding away from a defender if a defender is “giving up” the basepath by standing to the inside.

One poster over at DiscussFastpitch.com said that I would be surprised at just how much territory can be covered if a defender is standing off to the inside of a basepath (in order to avoid obstruction) basically saying that an average person would have the reach to make a tag from this position. I was arguing that the defender shouldn’t have to give up that lane and make things easier for the runner. This person was trying to tell me that the defender can still be make the play even if they do give up the basepath. So I had to do a little experiment to see if that person was right.

Another issue that came up was path to the bag/plate. Some coaches feel the best route to a bag is always directly at it - why go any other way? Find out in this video.

If you want to be able to:

go full speed to the plate (instead of slowing down to avoid the catcher)
not have to change direction en route to the plate (in order to avoid the catcher)
be able to avoid major collisions
AND give yourself the best chance at being safe at home on a tag play

This is a must see video clip. Plus you’ll see why I disagree with the coaches who think that a direct line to the bag is always the best route.

Here is the math I used to figure out how much farther an “out route” is as compared to running direction from one base to the next.

Last Note: I’m not saying that running to the “outside” is always best. If the defender is outside, then running to the inside would be better (i.e. you tag up on 2nd and are running to 3rd and 3b is receving the ball from left-center). Point is, as a runner, make the play as tough for the defense as possible by not running straight into the tag. Choose a route that will make the defense work harder to apply the tag on you.

Quick Fastpitch Tip: Get Rid of Those Tails Quick tip for defense to help you get more outs...

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8U Softball Catching - Priceless

stacie — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:36:07 +0000

Yesterday I hooked up my video camera to my new Macbook for the first time. I had some softball clips I took yesterday that I wanted to get onto a DVD.

I also came across some other fun softball video clips from last year. This one is part of an 8U game. I love watching this age level because the girls just have so much FUN playing the game…even when things don’t go exactly right (as you will see in the clip).

Check it out and let me know what you think…(leave me a reply below)

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Quick Fastpitch Tip: Get Rid of Those Tails

stacie — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:20:54 +0000

Quick tip for defense to help you get more outs and win more games.

As stated in the video: obviously every defender should try to make their throw as easy to catch on the receiving end. However, many more balls go from ss or 3b to 1b to try to get an out than from outfield to the infield yet most coaches aren’t too concerned with how the ball gets from 3b/ss to 1b so long as it gets there relatively straight and catchable. This is why I wanted to point on this situation so that coaches can help their SS and 3b get better and so that players who play those positions can make themselves better.

After all, if you play SS or 3b and you’re fighting for a starting position and the 1b can always catch your ball with no problem to get the out and the other person playing SS or 3b has a tougher ball to catch and the 1b is dropping 1 of 10 or even 2 of 10 balls, who do you think is more likely to get the playing time? Just something to think about…

Softball Quick Tip: Avoid Collisions and Get Home Safely This clip is a direct result of a discussion going...

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Softball Hitting Tip: Forget the Elbow Up Thing

stacie — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:25:25 +0000

Still to this day I see youth softball coaches teaching their players to get their elbow up when they hit.

The big tip: DON’T DO THIS!

Check out the video to find out just a couple reasons why.

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Coach: Slow Down!

stacie — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:42:22 +0000

This video talks about a very common coaching mistake. After watching the video, think about what areas you may be going too fast with your team.

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What’s On Your Glove?

stacie — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:04:50 +0000

Do you have this cool fastpitch softball equipment accessory on your glove? It could improve your team’s performance while making the game more fun for your players. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique fundraising idea this season, you’ll want to see this video!

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Why You Should Quit Softball

stacie — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:15:18 +0000

Softball fun, loving the game, and why you should QUIT! Click the play button below to see what I’m talkin’ about!

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How Do I Get My Players to Listen to Me?

stacie — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:36:48 +0000

Short video with a quick tip to improve your players performance AND help you be a more effective coach!

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Why You Want to Hear From Loooovelace

stacie — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:24:25 +0000

If you read this post, you know I met a guy named Barry Lovelace. Find out why you’ll want to hear from Barry (he’s got some great stuff for softball players), plus hear about the new club I’m in…it has to do with brushing your teeth!

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Why You Should Put Some Pressure On Yourself

stacie — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:24:09 +0000

I’m going to be putting pressure on the attendees of my upcoming bootcamp. Find out why and also learn why you should put pressure on yourself to improve productivity and get quality reps in at practice.

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