Interesting Line-Up Discussion

We're having an interesting discussion over at Fastpitch Haven about setting up your batting order. It was actually our Fastpitch Question of the Week last week and so far the responses have pointed out:

• some differences in doing a line-up for the younger age groups vs the older age groups
• opinions on how to utilize the #9 slot
• and some good points about power hitters and the 4 slot

Do you believe the "best power hitter" on the team should always be in the #4 slot?

What if she hits tremendously in the 3 or 5 or even 6 slot and never really produces the same in the 4 slot? Would you leave her there since she's the best power you have or would you put someone with less power in that spot so that you can return your "power hitter" to a slot where she produces better?

If you're a coach and have moved a great power hitter out of the 4 slot because she simply doesn't produce there, how many times have you been questioned or second guessed on that decision?

You can leave me a comment here to share your thoughts OR if you want to join us in the discussion over at Fastpitch Haven, we'd love to have you!

Photo: courtesy of http://flickr.com/photos/nomad7674/148503229/

Slide Boards for Front Foot Hitting Problem

One question I get asked a lot is about younger players and their front side when hitting. Many of them either bail or they do not have a strong front side. Often times their weight ends up over their front foot which is not where it should be.

So how do you help correct this issue?

Well, I just came across a tip from Dan Huff of Baseball Strength that addresses this issue. He actually suggested utilizing slide boards to help with hitting balance issues. Read what Dan had to say in this article.

image source: flickr http://flickr.com/photos/borderhopper/2394270647/

Hitting: Getting Past the Intimidation Factor

I'm sure you've seen it before: batters who are completely intimidated by the pitcher they are facing. This audio talks about what happens when batters can't get past that intimidation factor and a tool that can't help you help your hitters.

Cool Fastpitch Videos at SPORTSKOOL

Thanks to a Fastpitch World member for giving me the headsup on this website. So far, I've only watched the baserunning video, but there is some GOOD stuff there. If you want information, with a visual video to go along, about pitching, catching, fielding, and more, you have to take a look at this website.

CLICK HERE to go to the page of softball instructional videos.

This link will take you straight to the pitching video.

I hope you enjoy these. Oh yeah, did I mention that it's Mike Candrea and members of the USA National Team that are doing the instructing/demonstration in these videos?

Homerun or Not?

Hey - look what I found on YouTube! It's a clip from this past Hawaii High School Season. This is from a Kailua/Castle game. These two teams have always played each other tough and Kailua is one of the well known "powerhouse" teams in the state year in and year out. In this clip, Castle is on defense and Kailua's B. Tokunaga is up to bat. Take a look at this clip.....



If I'm not mistaken...the homerun stood in this game and Kailua went on to win the game even though they were down in the late innings of the game.

Mattingly Offers Discount to Teams

I just received word from Cheryl Beck over at Mattingly Baseball that they are offering a very nice discount on fastpitch aluminum bats to all softball teams. They are clearing out their stock of the MVP line of bats and your team can benefit from this clearance sale! All these bats DO feature the very unique, very comfortable, patented V-Grip handle. There is a minimum order of at least a dozen bats, but I happen to know that these bats are being offered at an unbelievable discount.

To find out exact pricing and further details about this offer, please contact Cheryl Beck at cheryl.beck [at] mattinglybaseball.com (replace [at] with the @ symbol, remove all spaces).