Practice How You Play

Just a quick reminder to practice how you play. There are a number of ways to make practice more "game-like." For example, practice getting down the line to first after a swing just like you will in the game instead of just practicing it separately. Often times we practice hitting, then at another time in practice, we run bases. But in the game, these things aren't done separately, so make sure you practice it together as well as separately.

Another thing you can do is have your pitchers take short breaks during their practice. They don't pitch continuously on end during a game, so give them the opportunity to take a break during practice, then come back and see if they can "stay in their groove" like they'll have to in the game.

Those are just a few ideas to get your started. Also, as you know, softball is a very explosive game - quick bursts of speed and power. So if you're looking for a workout to get you into better shape that involves these types of movements and will help you become more explosive, don't forget to check out Uphill Fitness Training, which is, by far, my favorite get into shape program. If you what to know why - read this article.

Never Underestimate the Power of the Mind

Power of your mind and what you think really hit home for me when I was in college. We had a speaker come in and talk to us about this very topic. He then asked us to imagine that we were in the paper cup he was holding in this hand. He asked us to focus on that cup. He walked us through what our world was like in the cup. He described to us what we were seeing and what we felt in our "world" so that we could really visualize and imagine what he was talking about. Then, very unexpectedly, while he was talking, he crushed the cup in his hand. Every single one of us in the room jumped in our seats! Our bodies physically responded to what our minds where thinking.

From that point on, I had a whole new understanding of just how much influence my mind had over my body.

So if you don't think that the thoughts in your mind affect your body and how your perform on the field, think again. Your mind is a very strong and powerful tool that can either work for you or against you. Learn more about how to make it work for you at Heads Up Performance.

Again, this is another one of those "life lessons" that apply not only to softball, but to other areas of life as well. There are many other situations in which positive thinking, positive affirmations, or visualization help you be more successful. I'll tell you a little more about that later. But for now, head on over to Heads Up Performance and find out how you can gain the mental strength you to achieve great things.

Interview with Mental Game Expert Tom Hanson

Hey - just dropping in to let you know that the interview with Mr. Tom Hanson is up and ready for you to listen to.

If you want to take your game to the next level by learning to play with confidence when it really counts, Tom Hanson can help.

Coaches and parents, if you want to learn how to get more out of your players by helping them train their mind as well as their body, again, Tom Hanson and his Heads Up Performance website is where you need to be.

Listen to our interview with Tom at www.FastpitchTalkRadio.com - click on the Listen Now Button.

Congratulations to the NCAA Champs - Arizona Wildcats

Wow - what a great 3-game championship series! Arizona comes through to win their 8th NCAA title and successfully defend the championship they won last year. It wasn't just a walk in the park either as Arizona had to climb out of the loser's bracket just to get into the 3-game championship series with Tennessee. In fact it was Tennessee that sent them into the loser's bracket to begin with!

There is an article about last night's game on the Arizona Softball Site, so you can read all about it there. I just wanted to say congratulations to Mike Candrea and the Arizona Wildcats ~ classic example of how great teams and great players get it done when it really matters. Great job!

It's June!

Another month has past and now it's the beginning of June! The Women's College World Series is already under way!

There's information on the championship tournament at
http://www.ncaasports.com/softball/womens

There is also a WCWS Blog over at
http://www.ncaasports.com/softball/womens/story/10203649

ESPNU at www.espnu.com also has video clips of some of the games.

Good luck to all the teams!

For those of you who may be entering your ASA tournaments as well - we wish you the best of luck too! Hawaii 12U ASA teams - have fun in the state tournament this weekend!