How to throw a change-up in fastpitch

Change-Up

The change-up is a pitch that looks like a fastball but is actually about 30% slower than the pitcher’s average fastball.  It is deceiving to batters, who prepare for a fastball, and is effective at messing up their timing.

The flip change is most commonly used change-up.  The grip is the same for any fastball.  The only real difference is the way that pitchers release the ball.  On the final down swing, instead of pointing the inside of their wrist to the catcher, pitchers point the outside of the wrist to the catcher and flip the ball.

The change-up should be used when a pitcher wants to confuse and surprise the batter.

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Hitting tips

Swing Mechanics

Players who have the most success are those who are properly schooled in hitting mechanics.
Hitting is neurological...it's muscle memory. By properly practicing techniques and drills, the body will learn to react properly to a specific pitch in a specific situation.
All good hitters have the same basic mechanics. They are balanced. Their swings are short and compact. They have limited movement and a limited stride, yet they have a solid weight shift. Only by practicing drills each and every day does a swing develop into a flawless piece of art.

The courage to play baseball

There is no other sport in the world that signs as many professional contracts that baseball signs a year. Knowing this, does it make you feel like,”hey maybe I have a shot to make it professionally” or perhaps you might be thinking, wow a lot of guys get signed every year, I have to be perfect to not get replaced!”.

Playing baseball can be scary. I cant’ think of many things in baseball that are guaranteed except that one day you will have to hang it up, whether it’s after your SR year of high school or 20th year in the big leagues. Nothing lasts in this game. Records get broken, winning streaks end, and stadiums get built to one day be torn down.

I can think of one thing in baseball that lasts. It has stood the test of time. It was there when Kurt Gibson hit that world series home run. It was there in 1947 with Jackie Robinson. It’s here even now.

Courage

It takes courage to play this game. Day in a day out you may feel different before each game throughout a season. You may feel worn down, devoid of all confidence. You may think that you really aren’t good enough to play professionally. You might think that you’re not even good enough to play college.

It doesn’t matter. If you have courage, the lack of confidence doesn’t make a difference.

Give me nine guys who don’t think very highly of their own talent but have courage, and they’ll beat you every time.

It’s not enough to be talented. You have to play this game with emotional content. With passion.

Life is willing to share only what you’re willing to give.

If its courage you’re giving, the prize is everything that baseball has to offer.

The unfortunate thing is, most players don’t exhibit this kind of courage.

You can…..once you commit

The first softball game?

The earliest known softball game was played in Chicago, Illinois on Thanksgiving Day, 1887. It took place at the Farragut Boat Club to hear the outcome of the Yale and Harvard football game.When the score was announced and bets were settled, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The other person grabbed a stick and swung at it. George Hancock called out 'Play ball!' and the game began, with the boxing glove tightened into a ball, a broom handle serving as a bat. This first contest ended with a score of 41-40. The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded.

Baseball Fun Facts

"Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. didn't miss a game in 16 years. He played in 2,632 consecutive games from April 30, 1982 to Sept. 19, 1998."

Easy Coaching Tips

I know some coaches use the flat glove, but with the very young softball girls I have them bring one of their mother’s oven mitts for grounders.

For hitting drills I split the girls into two teams. I set up 2 cones in left field, center field and right field. I have the girls practice hitting to all fields. Winning team gets a treat.

Quick BP Drill

"Back Eye Shut
Great drill for those who are pulling their head out on the swing (excellent for young players). Take batting practice with the back eye closed or covered. This forces the hitter to follow the ball all the way in with the front eye. Thus, they tend to keep their head down throughout the swing."

History of Softball - Fastpitch Forum

"The first women's softball team was formed in 1895 at Chicago's West Division High School. Now you know why softball is so popular in Chicago!"

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Baseball History

"56 Games"
A landmark in baseball history is Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak. The Yankee Clipper's hitting streak captured the interest of an entire nation. 'Did he get one last night?' became the common question as fans became enthralled."

Softball Practice Drills - Softball Drills & Coaching Tips

"Softball Practice Drill #1: Rapid Fire Double Plays

The purpose of this drill is help your middle infielders turn double plays.

How it Works:

For this drill you need a shortstop, a second baseman, and a first baseman. You also need a coach standing between home plate and the pitching mound.

The drill will begin with the coach throwing a grounder to the shortstop. As the shortstop fields the grounder, the second baseman will move over to second base, and the double play will be turned by the shortstop throwing to the second baseman and the second baseman throwing to first.

As soon as the second baseman throws to first, the coach should throw a grounder to where the second baseman is normally positioned. The second baseman must move over to field the grounder and then start the double play by throwing to the shortstop, who is covering second for the double play.

Once the shortstop throws to first, the coach should throw another grounder to where the shortstop is normally positioned.

The drill continues this way for several grounders."

Finding the right youth baseball glove

If you have a son or daughter wanting to get into baseball, one of the most critical pieces of equipment is a good youth baseball glove. When shopping for a glove, there's a number of factors to consider, such as position. What position does your child play? For most players, a simple fielder's glove is sufficient, but catchers and sometimes first basemen have specialty youth baseball gloves. If your child plays these positions, and is serious about it, consider splurging for one of these.

Youth baseball gloves come in a variety of styles and materials. Leather remains the gold standard, offering durability and comfort, while gloves from synthetic materials are frequently lighter and more colorful. Make sure your child tries on several different gloves to find the one that offers the best fit and most comfort for them.

Also, consider discount baseball gloves or used youth baseball gloves. Since your child is still growing, there's a very real chance that they'll outgrow their glove within one season, especially between the ages of six and twelve. Used sporting goods stores are an excellent place to look for these, and they'll frequently have the advantage of already being worn in.