The Softball Pitching Edge

Publish date: 2002

Lead Authors: Cheri Kempf

Length: 192 pgs.

This book offers an in-depth look into the art and science of softball pitching that will help you develop elite-level fastpitch skills through drills and expert technical advice. As the owner and pitching instructor at Club K, author Cheri Kempf has been teaching and training thousands of fastpitch softball players since 1987 and is widely recognized as one of the best softball pitching coaches in the country.

The text covers all the essentials: presentation, feet, legs, arms, posture, sequence, timing, consistency, location, and speed. You'll find a breakdown of the fundamental mechanics, with details of common mistakes and plenty of drills to help develop the proper mechanics. You'll also find specific instruction on developing a variety of pitches, including the drop, the change-up, the rise, the curve, and the screwball. And the special tips for coaches provide insight into the pitcher's psyche, background, mental make-up, and motivation.

The Softball Handbook

Publish date: 1985

Lead Authors: Susan Craig, Ken Johnson

Length: 160 pgs.

Combining years of experience as coaches and players, Susan Craig and Ken Johnson of the University of New Mexico present the most up-to-date analysis of fastpitch softball fundamentals available today. From a detailed progression of the overhand throw, hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, and base running to a a six-week practice plan, conditioning exercises, scouting tips, and player evaluation forms, this is a valuable training handbook for both men and women!

Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully 2nd Edition

Publish date: 2006

Lead Author: Kathy Veroni

Length: 221 pgs.

In addition to practical techniques and tactics for gaining a competitive edge, Veroni includes an expert's look at how you can improve players' skills. She includes nuts and bolts information about

hitting,
fielding,
base running,
pitching,
offensive strategies, and
defensive strategies.

You'll also find 121 drills to develop your team's skills, as well as sample practice and conditioning plans, scouting cards, evaluation forms, and community sponsorship activities that coaches can modify to use with their own programs. Plus, you get illustrated guidelines for offensive and defensive skill development.

Defensive Softball Drills

Publish date: 1998

Lead Author: Jacquie Joseph

Length: 192 pgs.

In Defensive Softball Drills, Coach Jacquie Joseph provides coaches with 66 proven drills for building this framework. She presents drills for learning and mastering skills at each position and for molding players into a finely tuned defensive unit.

The drills focus on:

eliminating the big inning
perfecting ball-catching skills
employing an aggressive defensive style
working on the mental aspect of defense

The drills are geared toward middle and advanced level fastpitch players, but slowpitch players and beginning fastpitch players will benefit from them, too.

Softball: Steps to Success (2nd Edition)

Publish date: 1999

Lead Author: Diane L. Potter

Length: 184 pgs.

If you're looking for a complete guide to every basic to intermediate softball skill, Softball: Steps to Success is sure to be a hit with you. Whether you're a coach searching for an effective instructional and practice tool or a player wanting to learn the game's essential skills, this updated and improved second edition covers every offensive, defensive, and pitching fundamental. In addition, the book provides a solid introduction to basic team tactics so that you'll know the proper play to make in every offensive and defensive situation.

This book provides drills to help you master basic skills and explains offensive and defensive responsibilities. Each step includes

explanations for why the concept or skill is important;
illustrations depicting correct body positioning
and movement to learn and perform key skills;
easy ways to correct common errors, and
summary checklists to evaluate performance.

Coaching Youth Softball (4th Edition)

Lead Author: American Sport Education Program

Length: 216 pgs.

Fun, safety, and effective instruction are the focus of the fourth edition of Coaching Youth Softball, helping you create an environment that promotes learning, cultivates a love of the game, and motivates your athletes to come out for the team year after year. Numerous coaching books present the skills and drills of softball. But here’s a book that teaches you how to convey those skills to your athletes in an engaging and positive manner. Endorsed by Babe Ruth Softball, Coaching Youth Softball is focused on teaching offensive and defensive skills through gamelike drills, which sets it apart from the current lineup of softball coaching books. The fourth edition includes 12 new drills and 37 age-specific coaching tips that are sure to jump-start your practices, all in a reorganized format geared for sequential learning and quick reference.

The Softball Coaching Bible

Publish date: 2002

Lead Author: National Fastpitch Coaches Association

Length: 360 pgs.

Now, for the first time in the sport of fastpitch softball, you can learn from successful coaches and apply their approaches to your own program. In The Softball Coaching Bible, 28 of the top U.S. coaches share their principles, insights, strategies, methods, and experiences to help you enhance the experience and development of your own athletes.

The Softball Coaching Bible is filled with insights and expert advice to help you learn and grow. Soak it up, enjoy the stories, and discover the wisdom of the sport's finest mentors.

101 Offensive Softball Drills

Publish date: 2001

Lead Author: Sue Enquist

Length: 134 pgs.

101 drills for developing offensive softball skills. Covers lower body hitting drills, upper body hitting drills, combination hitting drills, batting tee, soft toss, timing and rhythm, bunting, base running, sliding, mental drills and much more.

Softball Pitching Fundamentals and Techniques

Publish date: 1998

Lead Author: Carie Dever-Boaz

Length: 95 pgs.

Covers the basics, throwing different pitches, mental preparation, physical preparation (including off-season workouts), drills, and much more.

Softball's Power Offense

Publish date: 1997

Lead Author: Susan Craig

Length: 112 pgs.

An excellent resource on how hitting fundamentals, strategies, and mental factors should be addressed to maximize a hitter's performance at the plate.