Fastpitch Softball Hitting Instruction: My Site News

This is a breakdown of the player's first lesson:
 
1.  4 - 5 warm-up swings off the Tee
2. Video her swing on my digital camera
3.  Check bat speed with my speed radar
4.  Check her stance (if you start in a good place, you will end in a good place); focus on the two mechanics that will improve her swing the quickest
5.  Review terms and techniques
 
The first lesson is mostly an evaluation--I must see what needs to be done to improve her swing.  I use a Tee and soft toss for the first 1 to 3 lessons.  I will eventually work up to front toss (still using a Tee and softball), but it varies for each player. 

For teams:  if I can get a DVD of the players' swings before I work with them, then we will be one step ahead in the lessons. 

On my own time, I will review the video and break down her mechanics.  I usually find a couple more mechanics that need to be adjusted.  Then, I will create a lesson plan specific to that player.

WHAT IS A COACH?

A coach is a politician, a judge, a public speaker, a teacher, a trainer, a financier, a laborer, a psychiatrist, psychologist and a chaplain. It also helps if he is an astrologer or at least understands numerology.

He must be an optimist and yet at times appear a pessimist, seem humble and yet be very proud, strong but at times weak, confident yet not over-confident, enthusiastic but not too enthusiastic.

He must have the hide of an elephant, the fierceness of a lion, the pep of a young pup, the guts of an ox, the stamina of an antelope, the wisdom of an owl, the cunning of a fox, and the heart of a kitten. It will also be to his benefit to develop the acting ability of a poker player with a pat hand.

He must be willing to give freely of his time, his money, his energy, his youth, his family life, his health and sometimes even life itself. In return, he must expect little financial reward, little comfort on earth, little privacy, little praise but plenty of criticism.

However, a good coach is respected in his community, is a leader in his school, is loved by his team, and makes lasting friends wherever he goes.

He has the satisfaction of seeing youth develop and improve in ability. He learns the thrill of victory and how to accept defeat with grace. His associations with athletes help keep him young in mind and spirit; and he, too, must grow and improve with his team.

In his heart he knows that, in spite of the inconveniences, the criticisms, and the demands on his time, he loves his profession, for he is THE COACH.

--- Author Unknown

 I currently work with the Viterbo University VHAWKS from La Crosse, WI.

I've also worked with players from a variety of teams in the Chicagoland Area.

Benet Academy

Chitown Express

Downers Grove South JV & Varsity

Downers Grove North JV & Varsity

Downers Grove Outlaws

Downers Grove Rebels

Downers Grove Demons

DuPage Rage

Hinsdale Central Varsity

Lemont JV

Lemont Rockers

Lemont Lightning

Lombard Flames

Naperville North

Nazarath Academy

Northern Ice

St. Francis Varsity

Woodridge Wildcats

2010-2011: 6 on 6 Winter League at The Perfect Swing in Darien!

The more you play, the more you learn, and the better you become! 

Thanks to all the teams who participated!!  HAVE A GREAT SEASON!!

Schaumburg Slammers, 10U, Downers Grove Outlaws 10U, Bolingbrook Fury 10U, Downers Grove Rebels 12U, Downers Grove Outlaws 12U, Glen Ellyn Phillies 12U, Schaumburg Slammers 12U, Darien Swarm 13U, Northern Ice 13U, Lisle Slammers 14U,  Palos Rippits 14U, Downers Grove Rebels 16U, Roselle Rockers 16U

And a few of the teams are made up of a combination of travel teams!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DOWNERS GROVE OUTLAWS 10U ON WINNING THE 2010 NSA NORTH WORLD SERIES!

Current Players working with Sharlla:

-Alicia T

-Allison T

-Rachel L

-Torry G

-------------------------------

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NORTHERN ICE 97 GOLD ON PLACING 25^TH OUT OF 101 TEAMS AT 2010 USA/ASA NATIONALS!

Team Hitting Sessions: 2009 - 2010