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Favorite Drills for Preseason Practices by JUGS Sports

By Celeste Knierim, NFCA Hall of Fame

In many cases, your practice time is very short because of your association's rules, so you have to train the kids, immediately, to realize that practices are not social hours and that you don't want any players standing around during your practices, at all. Standing around is really boring for the players and usually leads to a lack of concentrationâ€"which inhibits learning. You play like you practice, so it is important, to the success of the season, for them to learn as much as possible in practice.

When you are working with the outfield, you can have the infield either working as runners for the outfielders, working on skills for their positions elsewhere or hitting for you. If you are the only coach at practice, you can get a lot more balls hit to the fielders by using the outfield to hit to the infield. If the infielders cannot place the ball in the outfield the way you want it, you can do the hitting to them and have the infielders cover all of the bases, and have a couple of catchers positioned by you. Continuously hit to the outfieldersâ€"left, then center, then rightâ€"and give the outfielders a designated place to throw the ball, which goes to the bases and then in to the catchers. The catchers either toss a ball to you to keep hitting, or if that is too slow, you can grab a ball out of a tall basket of balls.

I believe in hitting hundreds of balls to each player per practice and working on their fundamental skills a lot. It is possible, in hitting so many balls per day, that the arms will get tired. You can still hit them the balls but, sometimes, have a bucket close by where they can field the ball and put it in the bucket. Better than that is to work on the short throws, backhand throws, throws directly from the glove and underhand throws. A player needs to learn different types of throws for different situations, anyway, so this is a good chance to do it.

Here are some drills that I really like. After all of these drills, my players would work on situations for the infielders, with the outfielders working on their baserunning, which would put pressure on the infielders. Then we would work the outfielders, with the infielders working on their baserunning, again putting pressure on the outfielders. In the winter, we did this inside, in the gym, but we also did it whenever we could get outside. In the gym, the runners put on sweats and worked not only on their baserunning skills but also their sliding skills. The runners loved putting the pressure on the defensive players and, as a result, we were a very aggressive team on the bases. Some drills that I really like for preseason practices are the following.

1. You have two sets of outfielders. One set is on the first baseline and one set is on the third baseline. One outfielder hits and the other outfielder catches for her. The two on the third baseline alternate hits to 1B and 2B. The two on the first baseline alternate grounders to SS and to 3B. There should be lots of repetition. The hitters should have three balls in play and alternate to each fielder quickly. Be careful not to hit a short one, since this would make the fielder go into the path of the other hitter's ball. The balls are actually crossing each other since there is a hitter on the first baseline and one on the third baseline. Occasionally, the balls will hit in the middle of the field. This drill is usually used as a warm-up drill.

2. My favorite is probably this one: I do the hitting with two outfielders as catchersâ€"one on each side of me. I hit to 3B, who throws to 1B. 1B then throws to the catcher on the right side of me. I immediately hit to the SS, who throws to 2Bâ€"who then throws to the catcher on the left side of me. I don't wait to hit to the other while they throw, I hit to the other right away. I keep alternating until either I get tired or I see them getting fatigued. At that point, I start hitting to 2B, who throws to SS, who throws to the catcher on the right of meâ€"and to 1B, who throws to 3B, who then throws to the catcher on the left of me, until fatigued. Back to hit to 3B, who now goes to 2Bâ€"and SS, who now goes to 1Bâ€"then to 2B, who goes to 3Bâ€"and 1B, who goes to SS. It goes very quickly, I have a basket of balls by me in case the catchers are late in giving me a ball. Fielders get a ton of balls, as do the players covering the bases. I have control over what type of ball is hit and where. Other outfielders are backing up the throws or doing quick hits. Everybody is busy, and no one is standing around.

3. Especially as a warm-up activity, we use our football drill. Each player lines up by me; they each hand me their ball and, one at a time, immediately they take off, cut left and receive a throw from me. Then the next player, then the next, etc. On the second round, they cut right; on the third round, they run straight out for an over-the-shoulder catch and immediately run back toward me for a short one, with a headfirst dive. In doing the over-the-shoulder catch, I want the inside of the glove facing their facesâ€"not the side of the glove. This drill really teaches them to be able to catch the ball at different angles.

4. Bunting and slapping: Everyone on the team learns to bunt (sac bunt for a base hit down the first and down third baselines, slapbunt and fake slapbunt). When executing the bunts for a base hit down the line, we would practice it with four players at a time and the pitching machine. Cones are placed a foot off of each baseline as targetsâ€"for the players to get the ball in between the cone and the baseline. The player at the pitching machine keeps throwing at a steady pace, and the four players have to alternate after every pitch. Once they understand, the four players definitely learn how to bunt the ball on the run and be in motion while in the box; and they also learn to put the ball down the lines. Putting the balls down the line makes it harder for the defense to field the ball and throw the runner out.

In executing the slap bunt and fake slap bunt, the infield defense is set and the hitter tries to disguise which one she is doing. The player at the pitching machine does not keep a steady pace in pitching the ball. She throws only when the defense is set. The defense has to be ready for whatever the hitter does. Here again, make sure the slap bunt is done correctly. I like the hitter to pivot forward with the bat chin-high, with hands split. The bottom-hand wrist is pointed down below the bat and is very importantâ€"if it is above, it leads to a pop-up. The top hand is securely behind the batâ€"not under the bat. As the hitter pulls the bat back, her weight shifts from the front foot to the back foot, but the bat stays on the same plane. A major mistake in doing a slap bunt is that the hitter brings the bat into a hitting position, and this will also lead to a pop-up or weak grounder. Make sure that the hitter keeps the bat flat on the back swing and then goes straight forward to attack the ball. When the hitter swings, the weight again transfers to the front foot, forcefully. The hitter needs to transfer her weight forward instead of hitting off the back foot. Hitting off the back foot on a slap bunt usually causes the hitter to be late and pop the ball up. The idea of a slap bunt is to attack the ball so that it shoots out of the infield too fast for the infielders to react to it. Once the defense fears the slap bunt, it is time to call for a fake slap. The hitter does the exact same thing as a slap but, at the last second, drops a bunt. The defense in most cases will be on their heels for the slap bunt and caught off-guard by the fake. The coach can keep the defense guessing the entire game if the coach learns to read the defense and then calls the appropriate action to combat the defense.

5. An outfield favorite in winter practices in the gym, is the bucket drill. While I work with the infielders, the outfielders put a bucket on top of another bucket, and one player rolls a ball to another player and they would come up throwing at the buckets. It was probably a favorite drill because of the instant reward of hearing the buckets go flying.

Try these in your preseason workoutsâ€"they are fun for the players and the players need the repetition to perfect the skills needed for the games. Don't forget that putting the team in every possible situation that could occur during a game is very important. Putting the pressure of adding the baserunners is also very important in being able to handle confidently every situation that arises during a game.

JUGS Sports is the leading producer of pitching machines, batting cages, radar guns and other baseball and softball sports equipment trusted by professional athletes and coaches worldwide.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/-Favorite-Drills-for-Preseason-Practices/988845

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Easton 2012 SX72 Reflex Slow Pitch Softball Bat $69.99 Easton 2012 SX72 Reflex Slow Pitch Softball Bat. 7050 aircraft alloy 12'' barrel length Ultra thin 29/32'' tapered handle with cushioned grip Forged end with concave Mother Load pre-loaded end cap for maximum power

Combat 2010 Gear Supremacy Slow Pitch Softball Bat $199.99 Combat 2010 Gear Supremacy Slow Pitch Softball Bat. The new Gear Supremacy is a huge improvement on the original Gear Virus. Combats engineers utilizing Combats new patented Blended Fiber Technology have increased bending stiffness to fine tune the barrel trampoline response to achieve maximum allowable performance with Combats legendary Ultra Soft Feel. Combats patent pending Gear Technology combined with Combats Variable Stiffness Technology results in a Super Sweetspot Size.

Reebok 2010 Vector O Plus Slow-Pitch Softball Bat $279.99 Reebok 2010 Vector O Plus Slow-Pitch Softball Bat. O-TECHNOLOGY reduces drag through the entire swing pattern providing increased swing speed compared to more traditional bat designs. USSSA, NSA and ISA Approved. Delivering optimal barrel flexibility, the Vector O Plus provides explosive power and performance. Designed with one of the highest strength material ratios on the market, the Reebok Vector O Plus provides extraordinary durability, no matter what association approved ball you play with. Comes standard with the Reebok tackified handle grip providing exceptional comfort and control.

Worth W4SB7 Insanity Slow Pitch Softball 34/28 Bat $145.45 Worth W4SB7 Insanity Slow Pitch bat is a homerun waiting to happen Softball bat makes you ready to pound the competitionLightweight 7046 alloy singlewall Hyper Flex Whiplash frame for maximum feel, speed and popOther features include a Pro-Tac composite grip, awesome graphics, an anodized finish and a weighted plugThe Insanity features a 30-percent thinner wall than the competition which provides greater flex and an explosive sweet spot FeaturesSize: 34 inches and 28 ouncesModel number: W4SB7Construction: 7046 Alloy SinglewallBat Type: Slow pitch softballFrame type: Hyper Flex Whiplash FrameGrip: Pro-Tac composite gripEnd: Weighted plug (increases power)Finish: Anodized/polishedCertifications: ASA, NSA, ISF, SPN, USSSA, ISA, BPF 1.20

Dudley (SB12LND) Slow Pitch Softball (Set of 5) $60.27 White Stitch

The Drop Ball Pitch Training DVD - Softball Pitching Videos $19.99 DVD includes two bonus pitches The Curve Drop and the Off-Speed Peel Drop. DVD features slow motion and split screen viewing. This DVD will inspire younger girls to get more involved in fast pitch softball, especially the pitching side of the game. The pitchers in this DVD, Kelsey and Cassie, have a combined experience level of only three years! You, too, can be at this level of pitching if you make a commitment to work hard and practice, practice, practice. Always strive to be better today than yesterday, practice and commitment make the difference. Approximate Running Time mins. Softball Pitching Videos - Softball Pitching Videos

34 FREAK Plus Slow Pitch Softball Bat from Miken $379.98 13.5" barrel. E-Flex® technology, maximum flex throughout the entire barrel. Maximum sweet spot. 100+ mph. USSSA 1.20 certified. Please note that this bat is not approved for use in ASA™ championship play.

15 A360 Fielder's Slow Pitch Softball Glove (Worn on Right Hand) $35.45 HugeThe "Big man's fielder's glove - if you can't get leather on the ball with this, it's not catchable"Reinforced single post webIf you can't get leather on the ball with this, it's not catchable!Worn on the right hand for left-handed-throwers

34 Bruiser Slow Pitch Softball Bat from DeMarini (28 oz.) $95 DX1® Alloy (Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performance)N2M® End-Cap (Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power)Variegated Comfort Grip (Faded color with maximum comfort and tack)2 1/4" BarrelMeets 1.20 BPF Bat StandardApproved for play in the following associations: ASA® USSSA®, NSA®, ISA®12 Month Limited Warranty

Genesis® -8 oz. Slow-Pitch Softball Bat from Louisville Slugger $27.25 -8 oz. Rolled endSynthetic grip, 31/32" standard handle2 1/4" barrel diameterASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF and ISA approved

Softball Slow Pitch Pitcher’s Mask from Worth $96.91 Molded for style and impact performanceLightweightAluminum cageVentilation for air flow through helmetDial adjustable ring fit system for custom comfortable fitOne size fits most

2012 Steel 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-8) from DeMarini $300 C6™ Composite Handle: Wider composite weave maximizes handle performance with optimum flex.Steel 01 Singlewall™ Barrel: Steel 01 barrel utilizes inherent strength and weight of material for the pinnacle of single wall performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Positack™ 2 grip2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA®12 month limited warrantyDeMarini bat technology:

2012 Steel 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-6) from DeMarini $300 C6™ Composite Handle: Wider composite weave maximizes handle performance with optimum flex.Steel 01 Singlewall™ Barrel: Steel 01 barrel utilizes inherent strength and weight of material for the pinnacle of single wall performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Positack™ 2 grip2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA®12 month limited warrantyDeMarini bat technology:

2012 Steel 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-4) from DeMarini $300 C6™ Composite Handle: Wider composite weave maximizes handle performance with optimum flex.Steel 01 Singlewall™ Barrel: Steel 01 barrel utilizes inherent strength and weight of material for the pinnacle of single wall performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Positack™ 2 grip2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA®12 month limited warrantyDeMarini bat technology:

2012 Bruiser 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-8) from DeMarini $100 DX1™ Alloy: Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Hybrid Performance Grip: Faded color with maximum comfort and tack.2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA® 12 month limited warranty

2012 Bruiser 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-6) from DeMarini $100 DX1™ Alloy: Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Hybrid Performance Grip: Faded color with maximum comfort and tack.2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA® 12 month limited warranty

2012 Bruiser 34 Slow Pitch Softball Bat (-4) from DeMarini $100 DX1™ Alloy: Delivers perfect balance of high KSI strength and fracture toughness for long lasting performance.N2M™ End-Cap: Scientifically tuned to absorb vibration while maximizing power.Hybrid Performance Grip: Faded color with maximum comfort and tack.2 1/4" barrelMeets 1.20 BPF bat standardApproved for play in the following Associations: ASA®, USSSA®, NSA®, ISA® 12 month limited warranty

2012 34 Warrior™ Slow Pitch Softball Bat from Louisville Slugger $115 7050 alloy. End cap. Synthetic grip, 31/32" standard handle. 12" barrel. 34" Length. 2 1/4" barrel diameter. ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF and ISA. Aluminum bats are not guaranteed against denting, bending, breaking, worn finishes, or worn rubber grips.

JUGS® Batting Cage Frame For Use with #3 Slow Pitch Softball Net (191 lb. Breaking-Strength Nylon Twine) $1115.61 Every piece of pipe in a JUGS batting cage frame is made of industrial gauge galvanized steel, to give you years of trouble free use. Frame sets are available for all standard size JUGS Nets. Special order custom size frames are also available. Each frame set comes complete with uprights, crossbars, and ground sleeves. Complete instructions are included so you can set up your frame quickly and easily. This outdoor batting cage frame is to be used with the #3 slow pitch softball net in 191 lb. breaking-strength nylon twine.The JUGS Company is the exclusive worldwide source for batting cage netting made from DuPont type 66-728 nylon - the most durable nylon in the world against all forces of nature including but not limited to: rain, snow, and ultraviolet rays.All JUGS Nets have a diamond mesh construction for better resistance to constant use, even by college and professional ball players.Diamond Mesh flexibility allows netting to adjust to uneven surfaces. Diamond Mesh construction maximizes the strength of our netting. Superior Features of JUGS Hanging RopesHanging ropes on all JUGS nets are high quality, low stretch and polyester jacketed to provide maximum UV resistance. (beware of nets that have ropes made of polyprophylene, they will degrade rapidly in hot sunny climates...usually in less than six months.) Perma-Clips(TM) are used to attach all JUGS nets to rope. The Perma-Clip(TM) eliminates slippage and prevents cage distortion.The first JUGS product, a curveball pitching machine, has developed into one of the most revolutionary training aids for all phases of the game of baseball. Other JUGS products which have spun off of this original concept are causing just as much excitement in their respective areas. Throughout the research and development of every JUGS product, John Paulson's methodology remained consistent - observe how athletes practice their respective sport, then develop machinery that would help these athletes improve to their highest possible level. Now, teams in seven other sports are enjoying better practices because of JUGS products. Besides baseball, there are now JUGS machines for softball, football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and even the British Commonwealth's national sport - cricket!Today, over 85,000 teams use a JUGS machine at their practices. In fact, the most widely used pitching machines in the world are made by JUGS.

JUGS® Batting Cage Frame For Use with #3 Slow Pitch Softball Net (381 lb. Breaking-Strength Nylon Twine) $1476.86 Every piece of pipe in a JUGS batting cage frame is made of industrial gauge galvanized steel, to give you years of trouble free use. Frame sets are available for all standard size JUGS Nets. Special order custom size frames are also available. Each frame set comes complete with uprights, crossbars, and ground sleeves. Complete instructions are included so you can set up your frame quickly and easily. This outdoor batting cage frame is to be used with the #3 slow pitch softball net in 381 lb. breaking-strength nylon twine.The JUGS Company is the exclusive worldwide source for batting cage netting made from DuPont type 66-728 nylon - the most durable nylon in the world against all forces of nature including but not limited to: rain, snow, and ultraviolet rays.All JUGS Nets have a diamond mesh construction for better resistance to constant use, even by college and professional ball players.Diamond Mesh flexibility allows netting to adjust to uneven surfaces. Diamond Mesh construction maximizes the strength of our netting. Superior Features of JUGS Hanging RopesHanging ropes on all JUGS nets are high quality, low stretch and polyester jacketed to provide maximum UV resistance. (beware of nets that have ropes made of polyprophylene, they will degrade rapidly in hot sunny climates...usually in less than six months.) Perma-Clips(TM) are used to attach all JUGS nets to rope. The Perma-Clip(TM) eliminates slippage and prevents cage distortion.The first JUGS product, a curveball pitching machine, has developed into one of the most revolutionary training aids for all phases of the game of baseball. Other JUGS products which have spun off of this original concept are causing just as much excitement in their respective areas. Throughout the research and development of every JUGS product, John Paulson's methodology remained consistent - observe how athletes practice their respective sport, then develop machinery that would help these athletes improve to their highest possible level. Now, teams in seven other sports are enjoying better practices because of JUGS products. Besides baseball, there are now JUGS machines for softball, football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and even the British Commonwealth's national sport - cricket!Today, over 85,000 teams use a JUGS machine at their practices. In fact, the most widely used pitching machines in the world are made by JUGS.

2009 34 Titan 120 Composite Slow Pitch Softball Bat from Worth $179.99 One piece composite with new Titan 5.4L Composite technologyMulti-layer design extends sweet spot 2" towards end capApproved by USSSA, NSA, ISF, Senior Softball and all other associations using 1.20 BPF standardNOT approved for ASA playAluminum bats are not guaranteed against denting, bending, breaking, worn finishes, or worn rubber grips.

ATEC Rookie Softball Pitching Machine - Softball Pitching Machines $1199.99 Atec Rookie Softball Pitching Machine The perfect pitching machine for all levels of fastpitch softball. This machine throws machine, plastic wiffle, and regulation balls at a speed up to M.P.H. for baseball, and M.P.H. for softball. It will also throw a slow pitch arch. The Rookie doubles as an amazing training machine, with its pivot and elevation pop-up controls. Comes with removable legs and transporting wheels. This item is drop-shipped from the manufacturer, please allow - weeks for delivery. Softball Pitching Machines - Softball Pitching Machines

Worth Mayhem Slowpitch Series 14 Softball Glove - 14 - 15 Softball Gloves $79.99 Oversized slow pitch softball patterns. Silencer palm pads. Custom fit hand adjustments. Mid finger lacing. Softball Pattern. Modified closed back with pull straps. Vertical hinged closed web. Specify left and right throw.14" - 15" Softball Gloves - 14" - 15" Softball Gloves

Worth Mayhem Slowpitch Series 13 Softball Glove - Throws Left - 13 - 13 3/4 Softball Gloves $79.99 Oversized slow pitch softball patterns. Silencer palm pads. Six finger web. Custom fit hand adjustments. Mid finger lacing. Softball Pattern. Closed back with adjustable Velcro strap. Specify left or right throw.13" - 13 3/4" Softball Gloves - Throws Left - 13" - 13 3/4" Softball Gloves

JUGS® #3 Slow Pitch Softball Batting Cage Net (191 lb. Breaking-Strength Nylon Twine) $699.99 Practice and refine your baseball or softball skills in one of the world's most durable batting cages. Choose the Jugs® Batting Cage Net needed and purchase your installation accessories. You can install this net THREE ways:OUTDOORS... with the Jugs® permanent in-ground Frame. To purchase the frame for this net click here.INDOORS... with the Jugs® indoor kit. To purchase the Jugs kit for INDOOR Installation of this net, click here.CEILING... using the Jugs® Ceiling Kit. To purchase the Ceiling Kit, click here. 55' long, 14' wide, and 12' highDura-TechTMIdeal for fastpitch softball and youth baseballThe #1 standard batting cage net is also available in the following sizes:381 lb. breaking-strength nylon twineThe JUGS Company is the exclusive worldwide source for batting cage netting made from DuPont type 66-728 nylon - the most durable nylon in the world against all forces of nature including but not limited to: rain, snow, and ultraviolet rays.All JUGS Nets have a diamond mesh construction for better resistance to constant use, even by college and professional ball players.Diamond Mesh flexibility allows netting to adjust to uneven surfaces. Diamond Mesh construction maximizes the strength of our netting. Superior Features of JUGS Hanging RopesHanging ropes on all JUGS nets are high quality, low stretch and polyester jacketed to provide maximum UV resistance. (beware of nets that have ropes made of polyprophylene, they will degrade rapidly in hot sunny climates...usually in less than six months.) Perma-Clips(TM) are used to attach all JUGS nets to rope. The Perma-Clip(TM) eliminates slippage and prevents cage distortion.The first JUGS product, a curveball pitching machine, has developed into one of the most revolutionary training aids for all phases of the game of baseball. Other JUGS products which have spun off of this original concept are causing just as much excitement in their respective areas. Throughout the research and development of every JUGS product, John Paulson's methodology remained consistent - observe how athletes practice their respective sport, then develop machinery that would help these athletes improve to their highest possible level. Now, teams in seven other sports are enjoying better practices because of JUGS products. Besides baseball, there are now JUGS machines for softball, football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and even the British Commonwealth's national sport - cric

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