Did you ever dig in and wonder if your batting stance is correct? Some batters squat low, some batters stand straight. So, how low should you go?

Here’s a rule to remember when it comes to hitting. But, keep in mind, this is a basic technique and everyone has their own unique hitting stance, so check with a coach before implementing anything. With your feet a little more than hip distance apart, lower yourself down like you’re sitting on a stool, make sure your knees are bent, and you are balanced. A great way to check for balance is to get into your stance and ask your teammate to give you a gentle push. If your stance is solid, you won’t move. If your stance is shaky, you’ll lose balance immediately.  Try it out. Is your stance solid? Do you have a unique hitting stance?   

Filed under: Softball, Tips, Training by keri mikulski
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Trouble following through when you’re up to bat? Well, hips don’t lie.  Here’s a fastpitch hitting drill to help you master this movement. 

1. Grab your bat and a partner. 
2. Place the bat horizontally across the small of your back. Make sure if you’re a right handed batter, the knob of the bat is to the left. If you are a lefty, the knob is to the right. 
3. Hook your elbows around both ends of the bat behind you.
4. Face your partner like she’s the pitcher.
5. Use your feet and legs to assume regular batting stance.  
6. When your partner tosses the ball turn your hips like a follow through and hit the ball with the barrel portion of the bat.  

Author Keri Mikulski is a softball coach in South New Jersey.

Filed under: 101-Basics, Softball, Tips, Training by keri mikulski
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If you’ve ever heard the expression “You throw like a girl,” it means your throw kinda sucks.

The “girl throw” refers to a wimpy style a lot of girls seem to have. Girls often face the target with their forearm cocked back and the ball in their upturned palm. Then they throw with just the arm (rather than the whole body). The action is usually limited to a quick extension of the forearm. Essentially, girls tend to “push” the ball rather than hurl it.

Well, before we go any further - let’s get one thing straight. Girls can throw. In fact, many girls can throw harder and faster than a lot of guys. Softball players like Jennie Finch can pitch a ball close to 90 miles per hour.

Some people think the reason for the “girl throw” is based on physical differences between guys and girls. Not. If you ask an orthopedist, an anatomist, or a coach of a women’s softball team, they’ll tell you that there is no anatomical reason why boys and girls throw differently.

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Filed under: 101-Basics, Baseball, Softball, Tips, Training by Pretty Tough
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Filed under: 101-Basics, Soccer, Tips, Training by admin
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Cheri Kempf, owner/instructor of Worth Club K, author, and National Pro Fastpitch commissioner, developed the Spin-Right Spinner to teach fielders overhand throws and pitchers the basic motion and the rotation of the drop, rise, and curve.

Many colleges use this spinner as it supplies the player with instant feedback. An owner of one myself, the Spin-Right Spinner is a must have for instruction, practice, and perfect spins. Check it out at: http://www.clubkstore.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=455445126437667056 Anyone own one or use one? What do you think? 

Filed under: Softball, Tips, Training by keri mikulski
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It’s freezing cold, raining buckets, snowing, or sleeting. You have a problem - no access to a gym, basement, or indoor facility. You’re stuck at home and the softball season is days away. What can you do? Pick up a ball and pitch in your room.

What You’ll Need:

• Incrediball or Rag Ball Softball
• Rolled up pair of large socks
• Masking Tape
• Mattress
• Regular Softball
• Glove
• Sock Softball

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Filed under: Baseball, Softball, Tips, Training by keri mikulski
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The triathlon is an athletic event consisting of swimming, cycling and running. This three sport competition varies in distance and style. In the Olympic Games, triathletes swim 1.5K, bike a 40K and run a 10K. If you want to give it a tri, read on. (more…)

Filed under: 101-Basics, Endurance, Tips, Training, Triathlon by admin
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Q: I love basketball but lose my nerve at the free throw line. How can I improve my free throws?

A: The reality of “practice makes perfect” pays off. In additon, here are three tips that may help:

• A player on the foul line needs a routine to help focus on the shot rather than the score or the crowd. This might involve shaking or loosening the wrists, dribbling or bouncing the ball several times, bending the knees, and/or taking several deep breaths.
• Drills can make you a good player and help increase your stamina as well as your energy. Work on shooting technique and speed. Develop your wrist flicks. Practicing with improper technique results in bad habits that will be hard to change.
• You can improve your free throw skills even when you are at home. Practicing at home makes official play feel easy during the season. Then you will feel confident doing a free throw in a real basketball game.

Filed under: Basketball, Student-Athlete, Tips, Training by admin
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The sports of baseball and softball require a combination of muscular power, speed and strength. More specifically, players need throwing power and acceleration power. Because of the variety of skills and movements in these sports, most body parts need to be trained. They all contribute in one way or another to enhance performance. (more…)

Filed under: Softball, Sports A-Z, Tips, Training by admin
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Can you smile even when your team is losing 48-8 to your biggest rival? Can you belt it out while still bustin’ a move? Do you love to perform? Do you have school spirit? Maybe you have what it takes to become a cheerleader.

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Filed under: 101-Basics, Cheer, Student-Athlete, Tips by jane
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