Daily Archives: October 12, 2007
Visit to Eastern Illinois University
Last weekend was Family Weekend at EIU. Since my wife and I have two sons attending that school we were down there for a visit.
Sometimes fate smiles upon you. Their dorms are close to the women’s softball field, so naturally we had to go take a peek at what was happening. We saw what appeared to be a practice and stopped to watch for a few minutes. We then had to run to the campus bookstore to leave even more of our money there in exchange for a couple of t-shirts, and to take care of a couple of other things.
When that was all done, though, we had some time to kill so I casually suggested we stop by the field again, as it looked like there was a game going on. When we got there I realized it was an intrasquad scrimmage, probably so the parents of those players could see where their money was going.
It was fun to watch. The facility is fairly small with some “box seats” close to the plate, so we were very close to the action. Part of the time I sat and just watched as a fan of fastpitch softball. And part of the time, I have to admit, I watched more analytically, trying to guess what pitch would be called next or see if I could pick up some tips.
One thing both my wife and I noticed was how much each hitter committed to their swings. There was no hesitation, no worry about whether they were swinging at the right pitch or not. When they swung, man, they swung. As a result, when they hit the ball it really jumped off the bat. Overall it seemed like a quality team filled with quality individuals.
One funny thing I recall happening during the game was a particular ball/strike call. One of the coaches was umping from behind the pitcher. When what I assume the #1 pitcher was pitching, there was a 2-2 count. The next pitch came in, and it looked like it would be strike three. The coach hesitated momentarily, then called it a ball. I’m pretty sure she knew it was a strike but decided the pitcher needed to work through pressure situations. I believe the next pitch resulted in a batted out. I guess coaches are coaches no matter what the level.
Sometimes fate smiles upon you. Their dorms are close to the women’s softball field, so naturally we had to go take a peek at what was happening. We saw what appeared to be a practice and stopped to watch for a few minutes. We then had to run to the campus bookstore to leave even more of our money there in exchange for a couple of t-shirts, and to take care of a couple of other things.
When that was all done, though, we had some time to kill so I casually suggested we stop by the field again, as it looked like there was a game going on. When we got there I realized it was an intrasquad scrimmage, probably so the parents of those players could see where their money was going.
It was fun to watch. The facility is fairly small with some “box seats” close to the plate, so we were very close to the action. Part of the time I sat and just watched as a fan of fastpitch softball. And part of the time, I have to admit, I watched more analytically, trying to guess what pitch would be called next or see if I could pick up some tips.
One thing both my wife and I noticed was how much each hitter committed to their swings. There was no hesitation, no worry about whether they were swinging at the right pitch or not. When they swung, man, they swung. As a result, when they hit the ball it really jumped off the bat. Overall it seemed like a quality team filled with quality individuals.
One funny thing I recall happening during the game was a particular ball/strike call. One of the coaches was umping from behind the pitcher. When what I assume the #1 pitcher was pitching, there was a 2-2 count. The next pitch came in, and it looked like it would be strike three. The coach hesitated momentarily, then called it a ball. I’m pretty sure she knew it was a strike but decided the pitcher needed to work through pressure situations. I believe the next pitch resulted in a batted out. I guess coaches are coaches no matter what the level.
Keeping the back foot down
Wow! Is this really my first entry in October? Where is the time going? I apologize for my lack of posting and will make a vow to try and get on here more often. I have lots of ideas. I just have to remember to get them down!
In any case, this one is about a fairly common problem with fastpitch softball pitchers — lifting the back foot when they push off. The rules, of course, state the back foot is supposed to remain in contact with ground until the ball is delivered. Many pitchers, especially those trying to get some good leg power into it, seem to have trouble with something that seems like it should be very simple. Although to be honest most umpires won’t call it anyway unless it’s really blatant. Still, we like to play the rules so let’s try to solve it.
There are some good drills that attempt to address it. One of my favorites is Cheri Kempf’s drill where you put a piece of paper or cardboard down in front of the pitcher’s rubber, and then try to drag it forward as the foot moves forward. That will treat the symptom, and will probably help if practiced enough. But it doesn’t address the reason that foot is coming off the ground in the first place.
In my experience, the thing that causes the foot to come off the ground about six inches or so is that the ankle gets locked on launch. And that is often caused by turning the pivot foot too much during the launch phase in a desire to get to the open position. In other words, a right handed pitcher will turn the toes way to the right (toward third base) instead of leaving them pointed forward at the plate and the catcher. When that happens the push-off comes off the instep of the pivot foot, the ankle locks, and the foot comes off the ground.
So how do you change it? Start with making sure the toes remain pointed at the catcher, or mostly so, so the ankle can flex — much like it flexes when a basketball player goes up for a layout. As the push-off occurs, push off the ball of the foot and roll up onto the toes. It’s not too tough a move — anyone who walks does it every day. Flexing the ankle and pushing off the ball of the foot should cause the toes to point down, allowing the foot to drag lightly across the ground. If you see a big divot in the ground, you’re not getting “up” enough and you’re losing leg speed.
The toes forward/ankle flex is a movement that can be practiced without a field, gym, or even a ball. All you need is about eight feet of unrestricted space. Start by focusing just on the feet and legs, without using a full motion with the arms. Once you’re comfortable with that, add the rest of the pitching motion, again without a ball. When you can do it reliably without the ball, add the ball. The problem should be solved.
In any case, this one is about a fairly common problem with fastpitch softball pitchers — lifting the back foot when they push off. The rules, of course, state the back foot is supposed to remain in contact with ground until the ball is delivered. Many pitchers, especially those trying to get some good leg power into it, seem to have trouble with something that seems like it should be very simple. Although to be honest most umpires won’t call it anyway unless it’s really blatant. Still, we like to play the rules so let’s try to solve it.
There are some good drills that attempt to address it. One of my favorites is Cheri Kempf’s drill where you put a piece of paper or cardboard down in front of the pitcher’s rubber, and then try to drag it forward as the foot moves forward. That will treat the symptom, and will probably help if practiced enough. But it doesn’t address the reason that foot is coming off the ground in the first place.
In my experience, the thing that causes the foot to come off the ground about six inches or so is that the ankle gets locked on launch. And that is often caused by turning the pivot foot too much during the launch phase in a desire to get to the open position. In other words, a right handed pitcher will turn the toes way to the right (toward third base) instead of leaving them pointed forward at the plate and the catcher. When that happens the push-off comes off the instep of the pivot foot, the ankle locks, and the foot comes off the ground.
So how do you change it? Start with making sure the toes remain pointed at the catcher, or mostly so, so the ankle can flex — much like it flexes when a basketball player goes up for a layout. As the push-off occurs, push off the ball of the foot and roll up onto the toes. It’s not too tough a move — anyone who walks does it every day. Flexing the ankle and pushing off the ball of the foot should cause the toes to point down, allowing the foot to drag lightly across the ground. If you see a big divot in the ground, you’re not getting “up” enough and you’re losing leg speed.
The toes forward/ankle flex is a movement that can be practiced without a field, gym, or even a ball. All you need is about eight feet of unrestricted space. Start by focusing just on the feet and legs, without using a full motion with the arms. Once you’re comfortable with that, add the rest of the pitching motion, again without a ball. When you can do it reliably without the ball, add the ball. The problem should be solved.
Life in the Fastpitch Lane 