Setting Up A Batter

The weekly WHATCHAMACALLIT should be considered by all players of the game.  As a batter, or as a fielder (especially pitchers/catchers)...

What does it mean to 
"set up a batter"?

 HINT...

Answer: The pitcher and catcher have a perfect opportunity to strike out a batter by having a gameplan.  One example would be to throw two inside fastballs then throw an outside fastball.  To catch a batter off guard might mean to throw a change-up followed by a fastball, or vice-versa.  It is also important to have a total game plan.  It is important not to throw a changeup in the first inning, so by the second time you face each batter, they don't know you even have this off-speed pitch.  A total game plan might mean starting the first three batters with inside fastballs, then to the fourth batter throw an outside fastball to start.  Predictability is key.  If a girl is crowding the plate, push them off with an inside pitch, if a girl is too far away from home, then throw them something they cannot reach.  If a girl reaches for an outside pitch, throw them another one even further out to see if they will chase it.  

Bunt Situation

The weekly WHATCHAMACALLIT puts you in the position of a pitcher. What is your response to a bunted ball? A nicely laid bunt likely prevents a play at any base but first. In this case, what is a pitcher to do?

Your WHATCHAMACALLIT of the week is to comment with your answer to each of these two questions:

1. If the bunt is laid down down the left-field line, what fielder has a better chance of getting the out?
2. If the bunt is laid down the right-field line, what fielder has a better chance of getting the out?

Answer:

1. A well placed bunt down the left field line is definitely best handled by the 3rd baseman.  She has the best angle at the ball, and more importantly, the best angle for the throw at first.  And furthermore, the third baseman is standing in the baseline preventing any runners from scoring, just by standing there.

2. Bunts down the first base line are a little more difficult.  Think of it this way: as a pitcher, you can move into fielding position as soon as the ball leaves your fingertips.  A catcher must wait to receive the pitch, or at least until the batter bunts the pitch and runs out of the way.  So though one-in-a-million catchers may be able to jump out and get that bunt rolling down the first base line, it is better decided that the pitcher has to take control.  The pitcher has a slightly better angle than the first baseman, and the pitcher should already be moving in hard as the batter squares for the bunt.  So PITCHERS - be on your toes!  This ball is YOURS!  Catcher - your job is to tell her to keep going after it, and to call which base she should throw at.

Thanks for your first comments girls!  Good job on week one! 

Let's Interact!

We are going to use the month of January
as a "Power Boost" into the season.
While pushing our bodies toward strength and power, we are going to work our minds as well! I hope you enjoy this interactive website. Feel free to watch the video's and to look through past history... you may see photos of yourself and video's of your friends!


To start, lets get to know each other.
Tell us your favorite part about softball.
And tell us why!

• Remember to stay safe on the internet so don't ever post your full name! See, I'm "Coach Jordyn" - you can create a unique name too!
• To respond click on the "comments" link below this text, next to the envelope image.
• Feel free to comment on any other posts too!

January Boost

Ok girls, 2010 is upon us, with only a few months until the sun will be shining and dirt will be on our cleats. January is the month where we have to put in the hardest work, otherwise we will spend the rest of the season trying to make up for lost time.

This is a famous quote that we will focus on this month:

If you don't have the time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it again?

If you can commit to working hard this month, you will own the explosion and drive to conquer the next month or so of training, and in-turn, you will control your destiny this season. Lets use our personalized workouts and commit 100% to it. Reaching our goals means a commitment in January that will pave the way for spring diamonds!

Lets do this!

Focus. Commitment. And Drive!