Product Description

“Mastering these drills will arm your players with one of the biggest intangibles necessary to perform well--confidence.”
--Michele Smith

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Fame pitcher Michele Smith throws one right down the middle with this big collection of more than 250 skill-building drills developed especially for coaches of fast-pitch recreation league, travel ball, and high school softball players, ages eight to eighteen.

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Softball Drills Resource for Youth Softball Coaches
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3G428EK8IP38S To all softball players, coaches and parents:

In this video review, I explained that I'm qualified to review this product and why I strongly believe that this book is a great resource for softball drills especially for youth softball coaches.

Reviewer's credentials:

- Experienced Softball Coach (over 20 years of softball coaching experience including the international and college levels)

- Experienced presenter / course conductor in the field of softball and coaching

- Master's Degree in Coaching Sciences

- Doctoral Studies in Coaching Expertise

Great resource for youth league and travel team coaches
As a league administrator, I'm always looking for great coaching
resources for the coaches in our league.I love this book because it's
a combination coaching and drills book.Many drills books out there
just have drills (with a smattering of ad hoc remarks on mechanics).
But this book is different.Every section of the book has a thorough
discussion of the required mechanics (hitting, pitching, defensive
footwork, infield defense, outfield defense, etc.), followed by a slew
of drills.The book contains a progression of drills for every level of
player (youth league level, as well as tons of "advanced variation"
drills for travel league and high school players).The book is very
organized, and therefore is a great resource for coaches to refer back
to on a regular basis.You can tell that Michele Smith is a stickler
for details because the photos and captions are very detail oriented and
helpful.All and all a fantastic resource!

Outstanding and Highly Recommended!
This book is a great reference for any coach of U10, U12, U14 and high school girls softball. The book is very organized and well written, and explains very clearly the fundamentals behind each drill.As expected, the pitching chapter is excellent.But the hitting and the defense chapters are also outstanding.There are lots of advanced level coaching tips throughout the book, including in each drill's "hints" section.Michele Smith is in alot of the photos personally demonstrating the mechanics and drills.The diagrams are good, and clutter free.

Excellent!
I have two daughters, an eighth grader who is really into softball, and a fourth grader who is just getting into the sport. I ran across this new drills book and highly recommend it. It's really organized, with goodpictures to go along with the drills. And it's great for both of my girls. I'm definitely going to tell their coaches about it. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with over 180 drills straight from the practice sessions of the game's most successful programs, The Softball Drill Book will add variety to your practices and precision to your game-day performances.

The comprehensive collection covers every aspect of the game. From warm-up to conditioning, throwing to hitting, bunting to base-running, you'll find drills to improve position skill and team execution - all from college coaches and programs that have won 13 NCAA Women's College World Series titles and dozens of NCAA regional tournament titles.

Contributors include:

• Cal State Fullerton head coach Michelle Gromacki
• Florida State associate head coach Louie Berndt
• Fresno State head coach Margie Wright
• Iowa associate head coach Michelle Venturella
• Long Beach State head coach Kim Sowder
• Louisiana State head coach Yvette Girouard
• Louisville associate head coach Carol Bruggeman
• Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins
• Mississippi State head coach Jay Miller
• Nebraska assistant coach Jennifer Ogee
• Notre Dame head coach Deanna Gumpf
• Oregon State head coach Kirk Walker
• UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez
• Washington head coach Heather Tarr

One look at the names above and it is clear, The Softball Drill Book is your blueprint for championship practices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good book of drills
Using some of these drills for our 9 year old granddaughter's softball team, will put more in as the girls get used to the ones we're doing and they get a better feel of the game. I wished I'd had a book like this back when their aunt played at this same level.

Book
I love the book. The only thing is that it took about 14 days to get it instead of 7 like they said. Other than that it was a great buy.

Comprehensive, but...
Kirk Walker has assembled over 175 drills organized into fourteen chapters covering training, fundamental skills, position-specific skills, and tactical drills.Each drill page states the drill's purpose, how to organize and execute it, variations of the drill, and miscellaneous coaching points.Additionally, each chapter has an introduction that provides general guidance for the topic at hand.Though there is a lot of information presented, I feel that this book does not quite live up to its promise.

One problem may be that each chapter is written by a different D1 coach, and since each D1 program has its own philosophies and points of emphasis, there seems to be a lack of continuity from chapter to chapter.Given that Kirk Walker is the Head Coach at Oregon State University, his book may have been better served focusing on Oregon State's drills, approach, values and beliefs.

Like most drill books, this one has a drill finder which tries to help the reader zero in on a drill of interest, but there is not enough granularity in the drill finder table to differentiate from one drill to the next. For example, Chapter 11, Pitching Drills, has 11 different drills yet all of them have the same exact characteristics in the drill finder matrix.As a result, the reader still has to read through each drill to determine which one best suits his/her needs.I would add an additional column in the drill finder that highlights a drill's main "Coaching Point" (as listed on each drill page).

There *are* drills that I've incorporated into my practices and there *is* plenty of good information here, but actually teasing it out and finding it can be a chore.I am glad I have this book, but it is not usually the first book to which I turn when I am stumped and need to find a solution to a practice or player problem.

One of the best softball drills book on the market today!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3UANQKYD9YOIA To all softball players, coaches and parents:

In this video review, I explained that I'm qualified to review this product and why I strongly believe that this book is one of the best softball drills book on the market today.

Reviewer's credentials:

- Experienced Softball Coach (over 20 years of softball coaching experience including the international and college levels)

- Experienced presenter / course conductor in the field of softball and coaching

- Master's Degree in Coaching Sciences

Excellent drills
This book is a good guide for almost all drills you want to use on practice with one or more players. Recomend to all coaches at the beginning of their carrier. ... Read more

Product Description
Field a winning fastpitch softball team year after year with the knowledge and insights of a coaching legend! Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully provides the guidance and technical expertise you need in order to build and maintain a competitive team, covering every facet of leading a squad on the field and developing a program off of it.

Hall of Fame coach Kathy Veroni, who has won more than 1,250 fastpitch games in her career, and pitching expert Roanna Brazier share their insights and experiences in this authoritative, comprehensive guide to coaching fastpitch softball. From developing a coaching philosophy and planning for the season to teaching the skills and tactics of the game, you will find proven formulas for success within these pages.

With practice and conditioning plans, administrative forms, sample scouting charts, tactics for dozens of game situations, and more than 130 drills, Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully is the most complete resource available for aspiring and experienced coaches alike. Take advantage of the authors’ expertise to gain a winning edge over your competition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Good Book for Older (12U+)Players
I was looking for a book to help me with my daughter who is playing in 8U this year. This is not the book for that. While it is an excellent reference, the book focuses on tools and drills that only the older girls can do. I would recommend it for the older girls but not for 8U or even 10U.

Well written with lots of details and good pictures.

Good for the first time coach.
Alot of basic information.If you've already read one or two coaching softball books this one is not much different.

Outstanding Coaching Resource
Kathy Veroni and Roanna Brazier have written a real winner with their excellent softball reference, "Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully -- Second Edition".It is the first book to which I turn when I have a question about managing my team.As a softball board member, if there is an issue on which I feel lost, I can inevitably find good guidance from Veroni/Brazier.In the latter case, Chapter 4, Building a Softball Program, has been particularly valuable time and again.

While written for the travel, high school, or college manager, there is plenty here for lower level recreational league coaches as well.There are whole chapters that can benefit any coach, including developing a coaching philosophy, communicating, motivating, coaching plans, and evaluating the players, team, and the job one has done overall as coach for the season.Additionally, there are exceptional sections on coaching offense, defense and managing a game tactically that are unique to this book.

I love the hitting drills finder in Chapter 8.Instead of focusing on a particular skill to develop, as other drill finders do, "Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully" directs its attention on batting problems or flaws to correct.What an absolutely brilliant approach...and of course, extremely valuable to a coach who wants to be more effective!Throw in the standard chapters on defensive and pitching drills and fundamentals, and "Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully" becomes a complete reference guide for having a successful season and program.

I know that this book has given my teams at the recreational league level a real edge, both on the playing field and off.Whether one is a new coach at the recreational level, or a seasoned veteran at the travel or high school level, this book is a must-have on your shelf.

Perfect!
The book was in perfect condition and the shipping was right on time! Great transaction!

Great Tool
Love this book...has many basic strategies as well as drills.Planning from pre-season conditioning, to practice plans, to offensive/defensive strategies is included for all levels of play.Recommend to any coach who wants to learn more abouot how to coach the game. ... Read more

Product Description
Looking for the ultimate softball “how-to” book to help you learn and master the essential skills? Softball Skills & Drills covers all the essential fundamentals to build strong individual players and winning teams. Written by one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history, Softball Skills & Drills shows you how to perform and improve hitting, bunting, slap hitting, baserunning, fielding, throwing, pitching, and catching skills.

Author Judi Garman has more than 30 years of experience, more than 1,100 victories, and a spot in the National Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She has proven that she has what it takes to win consistently. Now, Garman shares her formula for developing the fundamentals and winning through the 170 detailed drills in Softball Skills & Drills.

Softball Skills & Drills gives you more than just Xs and Os. This practical handbook is loaded with tips to speed players’ skill development. And check the back of the book for information on ordering the companion video series to see the techniques and drills in action. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A little disappointed.
I was excited when I found this item on the human kinetics website.I could not order it from that website because of some issue with the credit card purchasing system there so I ordered it through Amazon.I recieved the DVD fairly quickly but was disappointed to find out that the Amazon offer did not include the book also which was part of the package from Human Kinetics.They were both the same price.

Neither a good skills book nor a good drills book
"Softball Skills & Drills" by Judi Garman tries to be both a skills book and a drills book, and as a result, does neither exceptionally well.The skills it covers (catching, throwing, infield, outfield, pitching, the catcher, team defense, hitting, bunting & slap hitting, and base running) are generally covered in every skills book and does not provide very many unique insights.The end of each chapter contains drills loosely organized into categories, but with no drill finder (as most every other drills book has), one has to hunt through every drill in every chapter to find one that may suit his/her needs.

Additionally, it tries to provide information for all levels of coaches, but not in a very logical progression.
There is little of value for the advanced coach, but there is too much advanced information to benefit the beginning coach.For example, just in Chapter 1 (Catching), the first subjects are "the glove", "catching throws", "basic fielding position", "moving to the ball", "catching ground balls" - decent information for the beginning coach.However, stuck right in the middle of the chapter is a section on "making desperation catches", covering such things as diving catches, sliding catches and running backhanded catches - information for an older player and/or advanced coach.Following that, a section on catching fly balls and pop flies (again back to basic stuff), and finally a section on "overcoming obstacles" like wind, sun, or fences - more advanced information.I wish I could say that Chapter 1 was the exception and that the rest of the book was organized more coherently, but it is not.

One other problem with "Softball Skills & Drills" is that a lot of the information is dated or, in my opinion, wrong.This is particularly the case within the base running chapter.First off, it offers the head-first slide into a base as a viable slide.Not only is a head-first slide the most dangerous way to slide, it is also touted as the fastest way to slide which is not the case, particularly when accounting for the time to get up and advance to the next base in the case of an overthrow.Plus, all the women in the pictures are in shorts and tube socks - no sliders, no long pants - which is unrealistic.

There is one section in The Catcher chapter that I did find somewhat informative, and that is the pitching chart on page 122.There is a lot of decent information there that a young catcher can use to learn to call her own game.Otherwise, I recommend passing on this book.

The One Softball Book You Must Own
If you only buy one softball drill book, let this be the one.The drills in this book run the gamut from basic drills for the beginner to advanced drills for the advanced travel ball player.If you are a beginning coach, the drills in this book will help you plan your practices to get the most instruction into a limited amount of time."Softball Skills and Drills" is a great little book that will stay fresh and relevant as your team grows and matures.Garman knows her stuff!

Great book on basic drills
This is a good book on the basic and advanced drills for girls learning softball. Highly suggest it.

Excellent resource for all levels of coaching
I have assistant coached my daughters' ASA teams for the past six years, and now I'm an assistant coach of my oldest daughter's jr. high team. I've pretty much learned along the way, picking up ideas and drills from the excellent coaches around me. But I just recently picked this book up and am excited about what I see. It's basic enough for the have-no-clue-but-want-to-learn coach, but there are so many drills here that even experienced coaches will pick up some new ideas. I especially like how the coach is fundamentally sound--the advice can therefore be trusted. I am going to be keeping this book nearby over these next seasons, and perhaps some of these drills will help the girls I coach to be even that much better. I am highly recommending this book for all of us who hope to gain just an inch of an advantage over those who rely merely on gut instinct. ... Read more

Product Description
Rarely in any sport are 28 top coaches assembled to share their principles, insights, strategies, methods, and experiences in a book. Fastpitch softball is an exception. Now you can learn from the best and take your players, team, and entire program to a higher level.

Find out how Mike Candrea develops productive hitters at Arizona, and follow the advice of Fresno State’s Margie Wright for competing in tournaments and playoffs. This landmark work covers all the bases, from recruiting players to attracting fans. Chapter after chapter, you can use this book as the game plan for building a winning program.

The all-star lineup of contributors includes:

• Dianne Baker

• Margo Jonker

• Carol Bruggeman

• Teresa Wilson

• Marge Willadsen

• JoAnne Graf

• Gayle Blevins

• Brian Kolze

• Yvette Girouard

• Denny Throneburg

• Bill Edwards

• Deb Pallozzi

• Betty Hoff

• Jacki Wright

• Mike Candrea

• Jay Miller

• Cheri K. Kempf

• Lori Sippel

• Linda Wells

• Margie Wright

• Jeff Janssen

• Rhonda Revelle

• Elaine Sortino

• Carol Hutchins

• Mona Stevens

• Rayla J. Allison

• Judi Garman

• Sharon J. Drysdale

The Softball Coaching Bible is filled with insights and expert advice to help you better understand the game and make the right decisions in key situations. Soak it up, enjoy the stories, and benefit from the wisdom of the sport’s finest mentors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Softball Coaching Bible
Softball Coaching Bible along with softball skills and drills are two books that no coach should be without.

Bits and Pieces of Useful Info
Pros:
- Variety of topics covered including fund raising, recruiting, mental, and play aspects
- Advice from several sources
- A handful of good tables and info-graphics

Cons:
- In many cases, about 1/2 of each chapter consists of the given "expert" telling you why they are "great." I realize they are probably trying just trying to establish their value as an expert on the subject, but it's very annoying.
- Rather than properly developing ideas a coach can use for his or her own team, there are brief overviews of some ideas and other ideas are often repeated only with different wording in later chapters.
- I found the chapter on pitching especially horrible.

This book is called "The Softball Coaching Bible", and indeed, in the sense that The Bible is a collection of stories being retold with a greater purpose, this book holds true. However, if your intent for this book is as a manual, then I recommend you pass on it and check out some of the other books out there.

Great Advice From "The Greats!"
This book is a must for those coaches whom are just starting their coaching journey. You receive priceless advice from todays all time greats of the game. This is the WHOS WHO of todays softball coaching world. ... Read more

Product Description
Coach Girls for Success on and off the Field
Coaching girls' softball can be a wonderful experience. Witness the intensity of a batter connecting with a ball, a runner digging for home, or a fielder making a great catch, and you can't help but be inspired. The effort, pride, and enjoyment on players' faces are great rewards for parents and the sign of a good coach—the type of coach you want to be. So how can you get there?
Perfect for coaches of girls up to age 13, Coaching Girls' Softball includes everything you need to be an outstanding coach and mentor to your team. Whether you are a seasoned coach looking to fine-tune your skills or a rookie looking to take the field running, you'll discover techniques for success that are tailored specifically to the needs of girls, including:
·Drills and strategies for coaches new to the world of coaching softball
·Tips on what girls want and need from their softball experience
·Practical suggestions on how to motivate in a positive and encouraging way
·Advice for helping girls deal with their changing bodies
·And much more!
Now you can be a coaching winner and help bring out the best in your players, both on the field and in the game of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Really, really good resource for new coaches
"Coaching Girls Softball" by Kathy Strahan is a great resource for the first time coach. It does not just cover coaching the basic skills of the game, but also such topics as communication with players and parents.It has a great first aid section, and it is one of the few books I have found that covers a coach's liabilities on the field - a subject about which few want to think but everyone should be aware.

Chapters 2 and 3 are most interesting, as they discuss the physical, mental and emotion differences between boys and girls (and how that should affect your coaching style).As a converted baseball coach, I soon learned that needed to know more than "girls have cooties" to become an effective girls' softball coach."Coaching Girls Softball" delivers the best information I've yet seen on the subject of how girls differ from boys and has been invaluable to my own growth as coach.

There are several practical guides and lists within "Coaching Girls Softball" that also set this book apart from others, and make it an excellent reference for every coach.Even though I have been coaching for a while, I still use the "time commitment calendar checklist", "first aid kit content list", and "items to include in your parent letter guide", among others, to help me prepare for each season.

Though written for the beginning coach, Kathy Strahan tends to draw from her college coaching/playing experience for specific examples in the book. This is effective most of the time, but I would have liked to have heard more "in-the-trenches" stories from her recreational league coaching/playing days since that is the target audience for the book.I think more recreational league memories would have made this book even more powerful and useful for the reader than it already is.

A novice coach could not do much better than starting with "Coaching Girls Softball" as their first reference book.Even experienced coaches will find this a great guide for season preparation.

Not what I expected
I coached t-ball for the last couple of years and now my daughter just moved on to Coach Pitch softball.I didn't want to feel like a complete idiot coaching so I found this book, which seemed like the best option.For me it wasn't.This book would be great if your really doing competitive teams or maybe 10year olds and up.But we are doing community softball with girls of which some have never even picked up a ball before.This book I feel is geared toward older kids.I really wanted a book that would help me teach JUST the basics.This book really just builds on basics and what kids already know. It really goes into bunting (which isn't really aloud yet) and offensive playes and defensive plays I just hope these girls catch a ball that comes near them, how do I teach them how to run a pickle play? There are somethings that I read and I don't really understand them.It is really all about fast pitch, and I would have appreciated some tips for coach pitch, I was always third baseman never pitch and I am having a hard time finding a mom or dad to help out with that so I have to do it with no clue and not even a book that will help.Its a great second step book for girls already familiar with the game and ready for learning plays and what not, not a book for basics though.

good for the basics
this is a good book for anyone in softball, lots of fundamentals and basics of the game and even a great book for parents of softball players to read.

Very helpful
This book had everything I needed as a first year softball coach.It's easy to follow with many helpful hints.There are many topics especially the emotional side of working with girls that I had not even thought about.

If Your'e A New Coach
This book has been very helpful to me, a new Little League coach.It is a very comprehensive publication to say the least.Before you get to the stuff you were probably buying this book for (i.e. drills, strategies, teaching)it delves into the things you probably didn't even consider (i.e. psychological/medical issues, motivating, discipline and dealing with parents).It has tips and suggestions all over the place for you to ponder.Plenty of illustrations and diagrams.of proper techniques for defense/defense, pitching/batting.A very useful tool.

... Read more

Product Description

Take the field and play ball! Softball Fundamentals will have you pitching, fielding, hitting, and baserunning like an experienced player in no time at all.

Learn to execute each of the game's key skills properly through the concise instruction and accompanying photos presented for each technique. More than 48 gamelike drills will speed your skill learning and improve your performance. You'll also learn how to apply your newfound skills in game situations and gain an understanding of offensive and defensive tactics to get an edge over your opponents.

Softball Fundamentals is the best way to master the basics of the sport as you play. With this book, you'll make the right play from the very first day.

See all the titles available in the Sports Fundamentals Series.

Customer Reviews (2)

More than 48 gameline drills specifically designed to speed up skill learning and improve performance
Softball Fundamentals: A Better Way To Learn The Basics truly lives up to its title as softball expert Rick Noren takes the reader all facets of this popular team sport. The twelve "reader friendly" chapters comprising Softball Fundamentals include: Throwing; Catching; Fielding Fly Balls; Fielding Ground Balls; Playing Catcher; Pitching; Hitting; Bunting and Slap Hitting; Baserunning; Sliding; Offensive Tactics; and Defensive Tactics. Enhanced with more than 48 gameline drills specifically designed to speed up skill learning and improve performance, Softball Fundamentals should be on the instructional reference shelves of every school and community library Sports collection -- and read by novice softball players of all ages and both genders .

More than 48 gameline drills specifically designed to speed up skill learning and improve performance
Softball Fundamentals: A Better Way To Learn The Basics truly lives up to its title as softball expert Rick Noren takes the reader all facets of this popular team sport. The twelve "reader friendly" chapters comprising Softball Fundamentals include: Throwing; Catching; Fielding Fly Balls; Fielding Ground Balls; Playing Catcher; Pitching; Hitting; Bunting and Slap Hitting; Baserunning; Sliding; Offensive Tactics; and Defensive Tactics. Enhanced with more than 48 gameline drills specifically designed to speed up skill learning and improve performance, Softball Fundamentals should be on the instructional reference shelves of every school and community library Sports collection -- and read by novice softball players of all ages and both genders .
... Read more

Product Description
Describes softball, the skills needed for it, and ways to compete. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Softball is the most comprehensive and up-to-date softball-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round softball-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results .

No other softball book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training . This book will have players increasing arm strength, bat speed, and overall quickness and power on the diamond, leading to an increase in batting average, on-base percentage, steals, and overall performance. You will build the strength and power needed to hit the ball out of the park and you will build the stamina and endurance needed to go strong until the final pitch.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for general fitness but not so good for softball
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3FMZZZSBTPHO4 To all softball players, coaches and parents:

In this video review, I explained that I'm very qualified to review this product and why I strongly believe that this book is not specific enough for softball players and is better suited for the general population.

Reviewer's credentials:

- Experienced Softball Coach (over 20 years of softball coaching experience including the international and college levels)

- Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (over 10 years of experience training and conditioning softball players)

Exactly what I needed to get in shape for softball
Let's face it, I'm a soft lump right now and 10 weeks away I start my 3rd season of softball (co-ed work league).Last year I was fat, slow, had a mediocre to poor season AND pulled a hammy during play offs.Since then I gained 10 lbs.
So I looked around the net for some tips to get in back shape for my July season.Found this great book and am loving it.
It has the much needed off season and pre season programs as well as in-season.The part I like the most is it gives substitution exercises in case you can't do what they recommend (like dips for me).
Has all the good tips for proper technique, chaging things up and how to train best specificaly the muscles for playing softball.I see this book being great for people in serious leagues to beer drinking big guys like myself who are looking to get back to our 25 year old shape (10 years ago) and show some of the guys I'm not just a funny benchwarmer this year.
Very happy with this purchase. ... Read more

Product Description

Here’s the “missing guide” for slowpitch softball. It’s not a fastpitch softball book adapted to slowpitch softball. It’s a comprehensive and original instructional guide to the unique sport of slowpitch.

Product Description
Many softball teams showcase a big hitter or a power pitcher, but the backbone of any championship softball team is a solid defense. In Defensive Softball Drills, Coach Jacquie Joseph provides proven drills for establishing this winning edge. She presents drills for learning and mastering skills at each position and for developing players into a finely tuned defensive unit. Maximize your chances of success and shut out your opponents with Defensive Softball Drills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

One of the better drill books available
There are many softball drill books on the market, and "Defensive Softball Drills" by Jacquie Joseph is definitely one of the better ones.The 66 defensive softball drills included cover the gamut from fundamentals, infielder drills, pitcher and catcher drills, outfield drills, as well as team drills.Every drill includes brief sections on purpose, procedure, key points, and appropriate variations on the drill, all of which provide excellent detail.Drill pages also include diagrams and/or pictures to further illustrate how to conduct the drill.

The drill finder included in the front of the book is detailed enough so that the reader can quickly determine the specific drill that meets his/her needs, differentiated by categories of "workable indoors", "small group drills", "partner drills", "conditioning", "many throws" and "minimal throws".The drills are varied enough so that different skill sets can be developed depending on player level.The number of drills, 66, seems less than other drill books, but covers every major skill without much overlap.

There is also a chapter on practice organization and season planning, which covers the basics on practice preps every coach should use.Included are several detailed sample practice plans that can be used as is or as a templates, and defensive checklists for pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders.

I give this book 4 stars because it covers only individual defensive and team drills.I would love to see Jacquie Joseph author an offensive drills book that is as complete and useful as this book. One error that I found was with drill #32 on page 87.It teaches the catcher to block the plate, which is illegal for ASA games, though for high school and college it is legal.Still, it is a very valuable part of my coaching library and I recommend it for all coaches.

Super Drill Book
Jacquie Joseph's Defensive Softball Drills is a compilation of some of the most basic skills necessary for development of a successful defensive player.The drills emphasize proper fundamentals and are adaptable to players of all skill levels.I use the drills in the book with my high school players as part of my defensive drill period, and our team is as solid defensively as any.

An axcellent place to start off your season
I coach girls 19u and used this book to set up my practices. I found the drills very good and helped to teach the girls ball control. I found that alot of the drills help shape the skills of the players. By the end of ourseason the girls were showing skills they themselves never knew they had. Ifeel this book made me an effective coach.

Excellent drills
Where do you go for softball fielding practice drills when you're a coach trying to teach certain skills?After looking at many sources, my vote is for this book.Dozens and dozens of great drills for every position.Thegirls on my 10U team loved the drills, had fun and learned a lot.

A great book of drills for softball and baseball
I bought this book to look for new and interesting drills for an 8 and under softball All-Star team and I was not dissapointed. This book is filled with great drills which are easy to apply to all ages. As you readand look at the drill illustrations you will repeatedly say "What agreat drill" Many drills in this book can be directly applied tobaseball. Everybody I have shown this book to wants one. ... Read more

Product Description
With all of the pressure and distractions of modern student life, young athletes really have to focus their energy if they want to be the best student-athletes that they can be. This book will help them achieve their goals. Includes chapters on leadership, opportunity, teamwork, proactive practice and perseverance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Expect the Best From the Best!
I bought this book for my daughter on her birthday.Most people with kids know that getting your child to read can often be a difficult task.So, for me to get her to read anything is nothing short of amazing.I am grateful that my daughter has someone like Ms. Smith to look up to.She never stops trying to inspire and propel the sport.Needless to say she read this book from cover to cover.I have recommended it to the parents of her teammates.Everyone will be able to get a great message from the book and be inspired on and off the field!

The reviewer that suggested Ms. Smith had nothing to contribute to this book but her name is mistaken and clearly has never met her personally.If you have met her, it's clear she would never attach her name to anything that she wasn't directly involved with.In fact we attended one of her camps where she was giving out questionnaires regarding the book.So to suggest that she was a "celebrity" attaching her name to a book is ridiculous!

Deftly written and inspiring
Young girls need to focus all the energy they can aspire to be the best softball players they can possibly be, and "Michele Smith's Book of Good Softball Cheer: A Practical Guide to Developing Leadership Skills in Softball and In Life" is here to assist them to do just that. Covering not just softball skills, the book grants readers drills they need to improve their leadership skills, attitude, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Answering questions that come up for all young school age athletes, "Michele Smith's Book of Good Softball Cheer: A Practical Guide to Developing Leadership Skills in Softball and In Life" is deftly written and inspiring, and thusly highly recommended for any young girl softball player to be and for community library sports collections.

Highly recommended
I am a volunteer youth sports coach, and am a big fan of Michele Smith.I've always believed that sports participation teaches kids so many valuable lessons in life.And this book does a great job crystallizing how lessons learned on the field mirror those needed to succeed in school and life.The book is highly organized (with separate chapters on leadership, second chances, opportunity, perseverance and others), and fun for parents and kids to read.I love how the book teaches kids to think outside the box.For example, in the opportunity chapter, it talks not only about how to make the most of opportunities, it also talks about how to create new opportunities. The photos and drawings were fun also.I highly recommend this book.

Highly recommended
I highly recommend this book.One of my students who is a softball player showed me this book, and I was so impressed by the book's message that I decided to put the book on our required reading list for our middle schoolers.I think the book's chapters on leadership, perseverance, teamwork, community service, etc. teach our kids that success and self-esteem are based on achievement and character, rather than popularity.

Don'tWaste Your Money !
When I first saw that Michele Smith had written a book about softball I was very excited. She is one of the best fastpitch softball pitchers to ever play the game. However, It becomes apparent within the first few pages that Smith had little, if anything to do with the actual writing of this book. It's simply another case of a celebrity lending their name to a project that they really have little involvment with. While I am sure Smith has read the book herself and no doubt approved it's contents, it seems to be lacking any input from Smith herself.So if you want to know what Lawrence Hsieh's ideal of good softball cheer is, by all means read this book.If however you want to read a book by Michele Smith, well I guess you'll just have to wait because this isn't it. ... Read more

Product Description
Throw faster, improve your technique, learn new pitches, lower your ERA, and experience the thrill of winning more often with The Softball Pitching Edge.

This book offers an in-depth look into the art and science of softball pitching that will help you develop elite-level fastpitch skills through drills and expert technical advice. As the owner and pitching instructor at Club K, author Cheri Kempf has been teaching and training thousands of fastpitch softball players since 1987 and is widely recognized as one of the best softball pitching coaches in the country.

The Softball Pitching Edge shows the correct way to deliver the ball from the rubber to the plate to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury. It’s the first book on fastpitch softball to dissect the pitching motion through pictures and drawings of the correct mechanics. It also explains how to master those mechanics so that you can throw with greater control and speed.

The text covers all the essentials: presentation, feet, legs, arms, posture, sequence, timing, consistency, location, and speed. You’ll find a breakdown of the fundamental mechanics, with details of common mistakes and plenty of drills to help develop the proper mechanics. You’ll also find specific instruction on developing a variety of pitches, including the drop, the change-up, the rise, the curve, and the screwball. And the special tips for coaches provide insight into the pitcher’s psyche, background, mental make-up, and motivation.

The Softball Pitching Edge presents the best information based on the most modern technology and resources available. Use this book to improve your technique and add new pitches to your arsenal for more strikeouts and greater success on the mound. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Simply the best Fastpitch Softball pitching reference, ever
"The Softball Pitching Edge" is simply the best Fastpitch softball pitching book, ever.The first four chapters ("Pre-Motion Presentation", "Feet and Legs", "Arms and Posture", and "Timing of the Motion") set the beginning pitcher (and her parents) on her way by detailing and developing sound mechanics.The rest of the book is a fantastic resource for the intermediate or advanced pitcher and any fastpitch softball coach, teaching the mechanics, grips and body position required for pitching the drop, the change-up, the rise, the curve, and the screwball.It concludes with a section titled "Five more Factors for Excellent Pitching" which cover the importance of the catcher, practice routines and game preparation, mental makeup, physical conditioning, and communication.In short, it covers anything that could possibly be required to instruct a Fastpitch softball pitcher.

There is so much that this book offers that it is difficult to narrow down exactly the one thing it does best.The chapters on mechanics go through every single part of the motion of a straight fastball pitch.Not only does it offer detailed explanations on the "why", but it also dispels common misconceptions about pitching.One example is why the adage "open the door, close the door" is the wrong approach for pitchers.I have heard "open the door, close the door" since I started coaching, but I am now convinced that the author is correct, and will incorporate this knowledge into my own teaching.

Each chapter has multiple drills that reinforce the correct mechanics discussed.Even more helpful are the "Catching Common Errors" sub-chapters, which help a coach diagnose problems and identify which drills will help correct those problems.There are also hundreds of detailed pictures so that the reader can see and understand each and every movement and grip.

This is also one of the few softball books I have seen that advocates the use of videoing practice.Better yet, this is the only softball book that I know of that shows you exactly how to conduct a video analysis of a pitcher.This book is worth every penny just for this information alone (pages 52 to 54).

Finally, it not only teaches the mechanics of pitching, but also how to pitch -- specifically how to locate pitches inside and outside the strike zone, where the catcher should be positioned, and the movement one can expect on various different pitches.This is invaluable information for pitchers, catchers, and coaches alike.

"The Softball Pitching Edge" is a must-buy if you are a Fastpitch softball coach at any level, a parent of a pitcher at any but the highest level, or a pitcher herself who wants to get better.

Very good book
My daughter is now a junior in high school and has been going to a pitching coach for 2 years (ie dad'd off the hook). But before that I must have invested $100 in videos and found them of little use. My experience was that pitching videos did little because they were too much in a short period of time. Teaching a kid to pitch must be done in small, bite size, pieces. This is exactly what Kempf's book does, with the chapter set up to do small things at a time ... combining to ultimatly build the pitcher. Cheri does nothing fancy or with gimicks ... just plain instruction. This book will not magically make your daughter a pitcher, but will provide the basic fundementals that with hard work, make her effective pitcher.

Easy, comprehensive breakdown for new and advanced pitchers!
We love this book. We borrowed it from the library twice before finally purchasing. Its the best step by step coaching book we've found. What impressed me the most is that Kempf stresses proper mechanics long before the pitcher ever hits the mound. It gives drills and corrections to help insure good mechanics and safety first. We highly recommend this book to any aspiring pitcher!

Softball Pitching Edge
This is an excellent resource for the serious softball pitcher. Everything in it is useful and well written. Mostly geared toward High Scool age pitchers, but all ages could benifit from it.

Best Fastpitch Pitching Resource Available
This is by far the best resource for learning the mechanics of windmill pitching.It's great for beginners and advanced pitchers. ... Read more

Product Description
Peak Conditioning Training for Softball is a road map for how to get into optimum softball shape. It presents a comprehensive and easy-to-understand blueprint that players and coaches can follow on a year-round basis. The book provides step-by-step instructions for improving on-the-field performance by developing the key fitness components for softball.Topics include nutrition; conditioning basics; warm-up, cool-down, and flexibility; strength training exercises; balance training; plyometric drills; speed, quickness, and agility exercises; and more. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Aunt Gracie drives Jan and her friend Sam to the park for softball practice.As she drives off, Jan and Sam wait for the other team members to arrive.But Han starts to get worried and realizes her aunt left them at the wrong park!Sam decides they should pass the time by playing softball.While they¹re having fun and enjoying their favorite game, Sam¹s mom, Jan¹s dad, and Aunt Gracie all arrive to save the day ­ and they end up having a great softball practice after all! ... Read more

Product Description
You volunteered to coach the softball team, but are you ready? How will you teach the fundamental skills, run effective practices, and harness the energy of your young team? Fear not: Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball has the answers.

Longtime coaches Robert and Tammy Benson share their experiences and provide advice you can rely on from the first practice to the final game. Establishing realistic goals, in-game coaching tips, drills, strategies, and fun--it's all here.

Develop your team's fundamental skills--fielding, catching, throwing, and hitting--with the Survival Guide's collection of the game's best youth drills. Included is a section on pitching instruction, and the ready-to-use practice plans will help you get the most out of every practice.

Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Softball has everything you need for a rewarding and productive season. So step up and enjoy the experience. It will be one that you won't forget. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Starting Point for Coaching Girls Softball
This book is very well organized and truly takes you by the hand and leads you through what you need to get started coaching, how to stay organized with practices, and provides some very good drills to teach softball to kids in a way they will enjoy it.Also, the checklists are great.

Jim Booth

A must read for anyone coaching or thinking about coaching girls softball
This book is an excellent source of information for parents who coach or plan to coach girls softball.The Benson's do a great job of providing a comprehensive guide to coaching young girls.Anyone coaching or thinking about coaching should read this book!Most parents who volunteer to coach softball have never coached before, this book will help guide you through the process and help make the experience positive for both their players and their parents!


... Read more

Product Description
"The Windmill Pitcher is the most comprehensive book on fastpitch pitching that I have read. It is an excellent reference for both coaches and pitchers." -- Ernie Parker, world-renowned pitching coach"I now have a comprehensive reference book to offer the people who contact me about pitching. The chapter on increasing ball speed is outstanding. There was an incredible need for this book and I thank Barry for writing it." -- Sherry Werner, PhD, lead researcher, International Olympic Committee's Submission on Biomechanics and Physiology"One of the most comprehensive fastpitch instructional books on the market today. A must addition for any coach's library." -- Art Certosimo, DuPage County, IllinoisBarry Simmons has been a pitcher in men's fastpitch softball leagues at all levels for 35 years. Also a student of art and design, Sammons used his knowledge to develop many of the illustrations used in the book. He is an attorney for the Milwaukee, Wisconsin firm of Quarles & Brady. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Excellent first pitching book
Excellent book to gain a basic understanding of the windmill pitch.Good discussion of basic pitching drills as well however not all inclusive.Good illustrations to suppport text.My 8yr old daughter takes private lessons and this book couples very well with her lessons.We take the book to the park sometimes to use the illustrations to enforce teachings and feedback.For the money, it is invaluable.The Maven 1,2,3 Basics video is also outstanding.

Great Information
I purchased this book years ago for my daughter who is now a high school pitcher and hopes to play college and pro.We both learned alot about the athleticism and mechanics of pitching.It also includes great information about nutrition and warm-ups.Thanks Lisa for a great book chockful of valuable information!

Just another softball pitching book...OK, but not great.
I've read many a book on softball pitching, and most of them tend to be promotions for the "cover girl."At least this one gave a little more.My disappointments deal with not being able to transfer much of this into mens' fastpitch.There are subtle and not so subtle differences in the games, and there are other pitches in the repertoire with men, as well as differences in the movements that this didn't capture.I expected more from a former mens' pitcher and coach, than coverage only of the womens' game.Maybe it was the promo on it that misled me.Either way, I didn't get what I was looking for.But you don't teach men the way you teach women.

The Best for Reference for Fastpitch Pitching
The Windmill Pitcher is a great book for any coach, player, and parent.I highly recommend this for parents of pitchers. It is well written with execptional illustrations of the correct mechanics for the windmall pitcher. I've been around the game all my life and seen many good pitchers. The great pitchers have solid mechanics. This is a must have for fastpitch softball.

Fastpitch Softball: The Windmill Pitcher
Illustrations are not clear enough for a beginner to understand.I pitched fastpitch for over 35 years and I had trouble understanding what was being taught.

Overall, I was not too impressed with the book.I probably won't use it as a reference for my pitching school. ... Read more

Product Description
Improve your play at the plate, on the base paths, and in the field by mastering the essentials of the game. Softball: Steps to Success offers a comprehensive, progressive approach that combines in-depth instruction, crisp illustrations, and 127 drills. Any player can become fundamentally sound and be ready to take the field.

You'll find detailed instruction on every individual skill necessary for success in the game: catching, throwing, fielding, pitching, hitting, and baserunning. This updated edition also includes these features:

• Responsibilities of each position on the field and every batter in the lineup
• Offensive and defensive tactics for specific game situations
• Emphasis on the short game, covering five types of bunts and the running slap hit
• An expanded section on pitching that includes seven types of pitches for modified-pitch, slow-pitch, and fastpitch games
• Skill-development drills with assessment scoring systems to gauge progress along the way

Customer Reviews (2)

A very satisfied Amazon Customer!!
All I have to say is that I'm very satisifed with the timely manner of my purchase. I needed my books ASAP because at the University I attend, they were all sold out. I decided to have it rushed and the estimated delivery time was 100% accurate! Amazon once again has not let me down!!

Excellent Resource
The authors have done a wonderful job of breaking down the various skills, from beginning to advanced, required to develop or improve your game.Each of the various skills is explained in detail (and illustrated!) andsupported with drills of increasing difficulty.This book is an excellentresource, both for the player desiring to improve their skills and thecoach looking for useful practice techniques.I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
Coaching Youth Softball is written especially for the unprepared parent thrust into the role of coaching his or her 8- to 12-year-old child's softball team. Upbeat and inspirational, it schools new coaches in the fundamentals of controlling, motivating, and encouraging a disparate group of kids in the art and science of softball.

Parents learn the logistics of running a youth team and the specifics of coaching softball. They learn how to match drills to a player's skills and motivation level and gain a wealth of detailed instructions on such specifics as how to run a successful practice and manage during a game.

• Takes a drill-based approach to teaching basic skills
• Reviews softball fundamentals for inexperienced parents

Customer Reviews (8)

Love this book!
This book is very helpful to new coaches and seasoned coaches as well. I would recommend it, even if all that you need as a coach is some ideas for new drills.

There are better Softball books out there for the beginning coach
"The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Softball" is written with the coach stepping on the field for the first time in mind.It covers such topics as establishing one's identity as coach, an overview of Softball's basics, planning the season, how to teach Softball's essential skills, how to conduct a practice, and dealing with parents and gender issues.It also includes a Drill Section that offers various drills for warm-ups, defensive fundamentals, and batting stations.

As much as I like Jacquie Joseph as an author, I was disappointed in this book overall.There is little here that is not covered by other books, and in fact most of the topics discussed are covered better in various other books.For example, there are only three paragraphs dedicated to the difference between coaching boys and girls and they only include generalities.Also, the chapter on dealing with parents is only two written pages long!

The final three chapters of the book are dedicated to basic warm up, defensive, and batting drills.Though the book is written with the beginner coach teaching beginning players as its audience, there are a sprinkling of intermediate and advanced drills that seem out of place in this book.Also, there is no Drill Finder Matrix to help a coach quickly find an appropriate drill, which is surprising to me because Jacquie Joseph has written a very good drill book that includes one of the best Drill Finders I have seen. Perhaps she did not include a Drill Finder because there are only a total of 28 warm up, 12 defensive, and 10 batting drills listed.

There are some positives to draw from "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Softball".The "Softball in a Nutshell" chapter is a very good primer for the coach or parent who is completely unfamiliar with the sport.Also, each chapter has a Question and Answer section that includes some good information.It has a call-out box that ranks positions in the order of the skill required to play it, something I have not seen presented elsewhere.

Unfortunately, though, the information presented here is so basic and/or general overall that any coach will quickly outgrow the guidance after a couple of practices under his belt.I therefore would not recommend this book, even for a coach completely new to the game.There are better references out there for your library.

Great book for coaches
I bought this book when I agreed to coach my daughter's 10u softball team--and then panicked!I played softball for years but it is a lot different now.This book was my coaching Bible.It helped me with fundamentals and beginning to intermediate drills. I highly recommended it to any coaches or parents want to learn the basics of softball.

Great for a beginner...
For a beginner, this book would be fantastic.If you've Managed for a season, though, all this book will do is confirm that you're doing the right thing (or not).Well written, and easy to understand, but elementary subjects.

Great Book!
This book is another great in the series of A Baffled Parent's Guide.These books are thorough and complete - a coach's bible, especially a new coach.The book covers everything from basics of the game to working with the children and dealing with the parents.I highly recommend books from this series. ... Read more