You can see them all around the Softball park, swinging their bats, hitting at imaginary targets and sometimes practicing at objects, improving their strength all the time. The force behind the swing of the batters can be tremendous. The truth is, it is not the strength behind the swing that only matters. It is also the kind of bat one uses.
How to pick the right bat?
The Length
To pick the correct bat length, the bat should be long enough to reach your wrist when you are standing straight with arms on your size. With the tip of the bat touching the ground to your wrist will very most likely the most comfortable bat length that you can pick.
The Weight
Every softball player has his own individual requirement especially when it comes to carrying out weights. The rule of the thumb when picking the correct bat weight is to try out the bat first. See if the player can swing the bat comfortably and control the swing with both hands without strain. The bat has to be the heaviest that the player can swing without loss of speed. If the bat does not fall into these categories, look for another one. It does not matter if the bat chosen is the most expensive and the most beautifully crafted with the most advanced material. If the player will be sacrificing these, the player will only be having a good top of the line, technically crafted bat. You can not say that for his swings.
Whatever the case, always take a bat that is light. Lighter bats can be swung faster and the resulting distance could be farther.
Having said that, here are ways to pick legal bats.
Advancement in technology has created bats where the softball bats can fit and be comfortably swung by players of all ages and built. Even the less technically proficient can today, swing the softball bat and hit the ball at speeds that can pose a serious problem with the pitcher and the infielders. Technically advanced bats can also ruin the game, as players would rely more and more on the more expensive multiple alloys instead of having fun and developing the skill. For these reasons, many softball organizations started banning specific bats and having guidelines for softball bat specifications. Some of these standards are:
The BTF or the Bat Performance Factor has to be 1.20 certified.
The Ball to Exit Ratio has to have a 97-MPH BESR on a normally thrown pitch.
The bats must have a smooth safety grip not just tapes.
The ideal softball bat in the hands of a good player translates to the game Americans love. To prepare for a good batting positions here are a few suggestions:
Loosen up. Twist back and forth, bend up and down, do a stationary jog, do anything to loosen up the muscles. If you have a good bat speed, fluidity in movement will give you the power.
Use a carbon based softball bat. Carbons perform better than aluminum.
When you are batting, distribute your weight on both feet. When the ball is in the level between your shoulders and your chest, hit it. Hitting the ball in that position is just giving it another direction. The power that you smash it with will give it the distance.
Friday, September 19, 2008
IOC Drops Softball From Olympic Games
When the announcement came out of the International Olympic Committee meetings in Singapore that softball and baseball dropped were being eliminated from the Olympic program in 2012, many, including myself, were stunned.
I could understand why baseball was eliminated. The fact that Olympic teams do not include the best players in the world was one of the major factors in that decision.
Major League Baseball has no vested interest in the Olympics. Why should they? Participating in the Olympics would not give the teams, players, and owners and benefits that would be tangible. Could you see the owners deciding to shut down the season for a few weeks so some of their best could participate? I think not!
I think that Major League Baseball’s transparent drug policy might also have had something to do with it.
Participation in the Olympic Games would require the all professional players would have to submit to and pass year round, mandatory and random drug tests. The Players Union would never go for that.
My belief is “so what.” The Olympic didn’t need major league players. Participate with those that want to follow the IOC rules and wanted to play for the love of the game. But none of these statements mean anything now. Baseball is gone from the Olympcis.
However, none of this relates to softball, but some will try to tell you it does.
In the nine years since softball was included in the Olympic Games, I have never heard of a softball player testing positive for performance drugs.
Softball is participated in over one hundred countries around the world. Girls are gravitating to the sport in record numbers. The sport is gaining in leaps and bounds at the local, national, and international level. In the past three Olympics, all games were sold out to record setting crowds.
Prior to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, I was in Columbus, Georgia for the 1995 Superball Classic. It was the first international softball tournament I had ever covered as a journalist.
Not knowing what to expect, I arrived in Columbus, notepad and camera in hand, with the naiveté of a novice softball reporter. It didn’t take me long to realize that softball had gone big time, and this was not the softball that I knew about.
I remembered softball as the old slow-pitch variety of my youth. The games played in Columbus were the softball of the future. The girls were athletes, with the skills reviling many professional baseball players. However, that is where the resemblance ended.
I could understand why baseball was eliminated. The fact that Olympic teams do not include the best players in the world was one of the major factors in that decision.
Major League Baseball has no vested interest in the Olympics. Why should they? Participating in the Olympics would not give the teams, players, and owners and benefits that would be tangible. Could you see the owners deciding to shut down the season for a few weeks so some of their best could participate? I think not!
I think that Major League Baseball’s transparent drug policy might also have had something to do with it.
Participation in the Olympic Games would require the all professional players would have to submit to and pass year round, mandatory and random drug tests. The Players Union would never go for that.
My belief is “so what.” The Olympic didn’t need major league players. Participate with those that want to follow the IOC rules and wanted to play for the love of the game. But none of these statements mean anything now. Baseball is gone from the Olympcis.
However, none of this relates to softball, but some will try to tell you it does.
In the nine years since softball was included in the Olympic Games, I have never heard of a softball player testing positive for performance drugs.
Softball is participated in over one hundred countries around the world. Girls are gravitating to the sport in record numbers. The sport is gaining in leaps and bounds at the local, national, and international level. In the past three Olympics, all games were sold out to record setting crowds.
Prior to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, I was in Columbus, Georgia for the 1995 Superball Classic. It was the first international softball tournament I had ever covered as a journalist.
Not knowing what to expect, I arrived in Columbus, notepad and camera in hand, with the naiveté of a novice softball reporter. It didn’t take me long to realize that softball had gone big time, and this was not the softball that I knew about.
I remembered softball as the old slow-pitch variety of my youth. The games played in Columbus were the softball of the future. The girls were athletes, with the skills reviling many professional baseball players. However, that is where the resemblance ended.
Fixing Your Softball Glove Laces
Over time, baseball and softball glove laces can become stretched, damaged, or even break. Stretched laces create larger and larger gaps between the fingers of the glove. Laces that are too loose, can, over time, actually result in deformation of the glove's shape. Very large gaps can actually be dangerous as hard line drives can sometimes get through one of these gaps and can injure the player.
Occassionally tightening your laces throughout the season will keep your glove in its original shape. You may even have laces become damaged or actually break. When that happens, you'll need to replace it.
Steps to replace glove laces:
1. Use glove oil or leather softener to treat the new rawhide lacing. This will soften the leather and make it easier to handle as you repair your glove.
2. Make careful note of the stitching pattern of the lace area you are replacing.
3. Remove one section of the broken lacing at a time, using scissors if required.
4. Tie a tight overhand knot at one end of the new lacing, and using a leather awl or other pointy tool, push the lacing through the first hole of the stitching pattern. Pull the lacing through all the way to the knot.
5. Continue threading the lacing through the holes, replicating the glove's original lacing pattern. Make sure the lacing is pulled as tight as possible without deforming the glove. In time, the new lacing will stretch a bit.
6. Make another overhand knot at the end of the section. Adjust the knot snugly against the glove, and cut off any excess lacing close to knot.
7. Repeat these steps for the other sections needing repair.
Keeping your glove in good repair will extend its life and maintain its playing performance, helping you play at your best season after season.
Occassionally tightening your laces throughout the season will keep your glove in its original shape. You may even have laces become damaged or actually break. When that happens, you'll need to replace it.
Steps to replace glove laces:
1. Use glove oil or leather softener to treat the new rawhide lacing. This will soften the leather and make it easier to handle as you repair your glove.
2. Make careful note of the stitching pattern of the lace area you are replacing.
3. Remove one section of the broken lacing at a time, using scissors if required.
4. Tie a tight overhand knot at one end of the new lacing, and using a leather awl or other pointy tool, push the lacing through the first hole of the stitching pattern. Pull the lacing through all the way to the knot.
5. Continue threading the lacing through the holes, replicating the glove's original lacing pattern. Make sure the lacing is pulled as tight as possible without deforming the glove. In time, the new lacing will stretch a bit.
6. Make another overhand knot at the end of the section. Adjust the knot snugly against the glove, and cut off any excess lacing close to knot.
7. Repeat these steps for the other sections needing repair.
Keeping your glove in good repair will extend its life and maintain its playing performance, helping you play at your best season after season.
The Buying Guide For Softball Uniforms
Its Always Healthy To Encourage Your Children To Actively Participate In Sports. All Work And No Play Make Him And Her Dull Boys And Girls. As Popular Sport Often Played Around This Time Is Softball. It Is A Direct Descendant Of Baseball And Is Sometimes Called Hardball In Order To Avoid Confusion Between The Two Sports.
As A Supportive Parent, It Helps That You Not Only Watch Your Kid During Practice, It Would Also Mean A Lot To Them If Youre The One Who Personally Picks Their Softball Equipment.
1. Select A Good Supplier. There Is Tons Of Sporting Goods Outlet Stores During The Summer. Make Sure That They Offer The Finest Quality In Their Materials And Accessories.
2. Bring A Sample Of The Teams Colors To The Store Where Youll Be Buying The Uniform. Remember That Each Team Has A Distinct Uniform Color. You Wouldnt Want Your Kid To Stand Out Because Hes Wearing The Wrong Color, Do You?
3. Uniform Basically Has Shirts And Pants. Then Theres Underpants And Then Cap. Most Of The Stores Provide All These In One Set. If You Are Getting The Set, Choose The Trendiest Looking Ones With The Best Accessory That Goes With It.
4. For Male Players, Caps Must Be Generic Meaning, Look The Same. For Female Players, They Have A Selection From Wearing A Cap Or A Visor Or A Headband, Just As Long As It Is The Same Color Of Those In The Team. When The Person Is Already Wearing A Helmet, Then He Doesnt Have To Wear A Headgear Underneath.
Remember: Caps Must Also Be Stylish. Just Because Youre Sweating Anyway, It Doesnt Mean You Cant Look Good, Right?
5. Numbers Must Be Visible On The Back View Of The Team Shirt. It Should Range From 1 To 99. If Its 02, Then It Is Identical To 2. Make Sure That Your Child Does Not Have The Same Number As That Of His Teammate. The Players Last Names Printed Atop The Number Are Optional.
6. Jewelry Like Necklaces, Bracelets Or Chains Must Be Removed During The Game. Of Course, Other Accessories Such As A Wrist Band And Other Less-hazardous Bling-blings Can Be Used.
Common Sense, Its Not Practical For Athletes To Wear Expensive Jewelry In The First Place. During The Nitty-gritty Of The Game, The Owner Might Injure The Other Players. Worse, He Might Lose The Prized Possession.
7. The Required Footwear For The Players Must Have Cleat Or Spikes. This Is To Help Them Get A Grip When Running And Sliding. Spikes Must Be Shorter Than ¾ Inches. If The Spikes Are Rounded And Metal, These Are Illegal Because It Could Harm The Other Players. The Spikes Must Be Made Of Synthetic Materials Like Hard Plastic. There Are Some Spikes That Are Detachable And Made Of Metal. These Are Also Not Allowed.
The Reason For The Specific Material Of The Spikes Is That A Runner Slides With Their Feet Heading Toward A Fielder First. If The Spikes Are Rounded And Metallic, Then These Could Hurt The Player.
As A Supportive Parent, It Helps That You Not Only Watch Your Kid During Practice, It Would Also Mean A Lot To Them If Youre The One Who Personally Picks Their Softball Equipment.
1. Select A Good Supplier. There Is Tons Of Sporting Goods Outlet Stores During The Summer. Make Sure That They Offer The Finest Quality In Their Materials And Accessories.
2. Bring A Sample Of The Teams Colors To The Store Where Youll Be Buying The Uniform. Remember That Each Team Has A Distinct Uniform Color. You Wouldnt Want Your Kid To Stand Out Because Hes Wearing The Wrong Color, Do You?
3. Uniform Basically Has Shirts And Pants. Then Theres Underpants And Then Cap. Most Of The Stores Provide All These In One Set. If You Are Getting The Set, Choose The Trendiest Looking Ones With The Best Accessory That Goes With It.
4. For Male Players, Caps Must Be Generic Meaning, Look The Same. For Female Players, They Have A Selection From Wearing A Cap Or A Visor Or A Headband, Just As Long As It Is The Same Color Of Those In The Team. When The Person Is Already Wearing A Helmet, Then He Doesnt Have To Wear A Headgear Underneath.
Remember: Caps Must Also Be Stylish. Just Because Youre Sweating Anyway, It Doesnt Mean You Cant Look Good, Right?
5. Numbers Must Be Visible On The Back View Of The Team Shirt. It Should Range From 1 To 99. If Its 02, Then It Is Identical To 2. Make Sure That Your Child Does Not Have The Same Number As That Of His Teammate. The Players Last Names Printed Atop The Number Are Optional.
6. Jewelry Like Necklaces, Bracelets Or Chains Must Be Removed During The Game. Of Course, Other Accessories Such As A Wrist Band And Other Less-hazardous Bling-blings Can Be Used.
Common Sense, Its Not Practical For Athletes To Wear Expensive Jewelry In The First Place. During The Nitty-gritty Of The Game, The Owner Might Injure The Other Players. Worse, He Might Lose The Prized Possession.
7. The Required Footwear For The Players Must Have Cleat Or Spikes. This Is To Help Them Get A Grip When Running And Sliding. Spikes Must Be Shorter Than ¾ Inches. If The Spikes Are Rounded And Metal, These Are Illegal Because It Could Harm The Other Players. The Spikes Must Be Made Of Synthetic Materials Like Hard Plastic. There Are Some Spikes That Are Detachable And Made Of Metal. These Are Also Not Allowed.
The Reason For The Specific Material Of The Spikes Is That A Runner Slides With Their Feet Heading Toward A Fielder First. If The Spikes Are Rounded And Metallic, Then These Could Hurt The Player.
Softball Safety Tips
Despite the name, a softball is not soft. A softball is about twelve inches in circumference - three inches larger than a baseball. Thousands of children in the United States are treated in emergency rooms for baseball and softball-related injuries. Softball injuries to the head are involved more than any other part of the body.
The following safety tips are designed to help children play safe and prevent injury on the baseball or softball fields.
Softball Equipment Safety:
Children should use always use proper safety gear when playing. This equipment includes catcher's gear, athletic supporters and cups, protective eyewear, and proper footware (which may include cleats). Good quality, double-eared helmets should be worn to protect the ear and temple region against ball impact. Catchers should also wear a helmet with full face and throat protection.
Breakaway/quick release bases should be used instead of standard stationary bases to reduce the impact forces generated from of a sliding player.
Protective screening should be used to protect players in dugouts and on benches, and the playing fields and facilities should be well-maintained. The playing field and facilities should be free of garbage and debris, and there should be no sinkholes, stumps or rocks in the infield or outfield. Fences, walls and posts should be padded to help prevent injury if players run in to them when attempting to catch a ball.
All equipment should be inspected regularly to make sure it is in good condition.
Playing The Game:
Children should be taught how to play softball correctly, and they should play with other children of the same skill level, physical maturity and weight. Players should be taught to perform proper streaching and strenghtening techniques before playing.
Players should wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. The sunscreen also should be sweat and water-resistant and reapplied every two to three hours.
The coach should be made away of the player's medical conditions. A child should not play if he or she is experiencing persistent pain, a loss of motion, or any other abnormalities.
All players need to be kept hydrated. Water should be made available before, during and after all games and practices. Water is best, but sports drinks and juices can be decent alternatives. Avoid caffinated drinks, as caffine is a diuretic, which acts to dehydrate the body.
The following safety tips are designed to help children play safe and prevent injury on the baseball or softball fields.
Softball Equipment Safety:
Children should use always use proper safety gear when playing. This equipment includes catcher's gear, athletic supporters and cups, protective eyewear, and proper footware (which may include cleats). Good quality, double-eared helmets should be worn to protect the ear and temple region against ball impact. Catchers should also wear a helmet with full face and throat protection.
Breakaway/quick release bases should be used instead of standard stationary bases to reduce the impact forces generated from of a sliding player.
Protective screening should be used to protect players in dugouts and on benches, and the playing fields and facilities should be well-maintained. The playing field and facilities should be free of garbage and debris, and there should be no sinkholes, stumps or rocks in the infield or outfield. Fences, walls and posts should be padded to help prevent injury if players run in to them when attempting to catch a ball.
All equipment should be inspected regularly to make sure it is in good condition.
Playing The Game:
Children should be taught how to play softball correctly, and they should play with other children of the same skill level, physical maturity and weight. Players should be taught to perform proper streaching and strenghtening techniques before playing.
Players should wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. The sunscreen also should be sweat and water-resistant and reapplied every two to three hours.
The coach should be made away of the player's medical conditions. A child should not play if he or she is experiencing persistent pain, a loss of motion, or any other abnormalities.
All players need to be kept hydrated. Water should be made available before, during and after all games and practices. Water is best, but sports drinks and juices can be decent alternatives. Avoid caffinated drinks, as caffine is a diuretic, which acts to dehydrate the body.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Women's Softball
Two Carthage College softball players were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Regional. First baseman Jacquelyn Tassone (So., Downers Grove, Ill./South, .432, seven doubles, one triple, 10 home runs, 29 RBI. .914 slugging percentage, five stolen bases) was named first-team all-regional. Pitcher Kelsey Epping (So., Bloomington, Ill./Downs-Tri Valley, 11-5, 1.45 earned run average, 10.01 strikeouts per nine innings. .194 opponent batting average) earned third-team all-regional honors.
The Carthage College softball team (19-11, 9-5 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) closed out its 2008 schedule on Monday, May 5 by splitting a doubleheader with non-conference opponent Judson University (Ill., 24-24) at the Elgin Sports Complex in Elgin, Ill. Carthage won the first game, 9-7 in eighth innings, before falling in the nightcap by an 11-3 margin.
The Carthage softball team, seeded fourth in the CCIW Softball Tournament, was eliminated by top-seeded Illinois Wesleyan University, 8-0 in the tournament semifinals. Illinois Wesleyan lost to second-seeded Augustana College, 6-0, in the championship game. With the tournament championship, Augustana earns the league’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship.
The Carthage College softball team (19-11, 9-5 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) closed out its 2008 schedule on Monday, May 5 by splitting a doubleheader with non-conference opponent Judson University (Ill., 24-24) at the Elgin Sports Complex in Elgin, Ill. Carthage won the first game, 9-7 in eighth innings, before falling in the nightcap by an 11-3 margin.
The Carthage softball team, seeded fourth in the CCIW Softball Tournament, was eliminated by top-seeded Illinois Wesleyan University, 8-0 in the tournament semifinals. Illinois Wesleyan lost to second-seeded Augustana College, 6-0, in the championship game. With the tournament championship, Augustana earns the league’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship.
Junior Softball World Series
The game was tied, 4-4, entering the bottom of the sixth inning, when the West squad exploded for six runs, including a two-run double by Kayla Bonstrom. In addition to delivering three big hits, Bonstrom pitched the entire game for the West.
Latin America, from ASOFEM Little League in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, advanced to the semifinals with a nail-biting 1-0 win over the U.S. East Friday. The West team also won a close semifnal, escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning with a game-ending double play to beat the U.S. East. You can see all the results, standings and upcoming games on our schedule page.
It was a return visit to the championship game for ASOFEM Little League. A year ago it beat the U.S. West team from Westchester, Calif to win the 2007 World Series.
Saturday's championship game was telecast live on the ESPNU network. It will be replayed Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 (check your local listings).
Fans enjoyed a warm but beautiful Northwest day, with many taking advantage of the shade trees in the outfield at beautiful Everest Park in Kirkland, Wash. The tournament committee thanks everyone who came out for the series, from as near as greater Seattle and as far as The Netherlands. Congratulations to the champions, the runners-up and all the teams for a terrific tournament. We hope to see many of you back again in 2009.
Latin America, from ASOFEM Little League in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, advanced to the semifinals with a nail-biting 1-0 win over the U.S. East Friday. The West team also won a close semifnal, escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning with a game-ending double play to beat the U.S. East. You can see all the results, standings and upcoming games on our schedule page.
It was a return visit to the championship game for ASOFEM Little League. A year ago it beat the U.S. West team from Westchester, Calif to win the 2007 World Series.
Saturday's championship game was telecast live on the ESPNU network. It will be replayed Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 (check your local listings).
Fans enjoyed a warm but beautiful Northwest day, with many taking advantage of the shade trees in the outfield at beautiful Everest Park in Kirkland, Wash. The tournament committee thanks everyone who came out for the series, from as near as greater Seattle and as far as The Netherlands. Congratulations to the champions, the runners-up and all the teams for a terrific tournament. We hope to see many of you back again in 2009.
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