Talking Softball with Denny

Sometimes people will send us a drill from the internet and want to use it with their daughter.

One of our Certified Instructors, Shelly Farris in Maryland, had a fascinating story for me. One of her exceptional students totally blew up in the first inning of a tournament game last weekend.

No matter how much they have accomplished, they are only as good as their last decision. They have to make choices in seconds that will be second-guessed for years. This person sacrifices a lot of family time to help other kids pursue their dreams.

One of the most important things a softball player can do in order to excel may surprise you. Do you think it is a certain exercise, speed drill, or perhaps a change in mechanics?

Today, let’s talk proper warmups, with special guest writer, Angela Tincher O’Brien. Between regular pitching workouts and the “big game” that is always around the corner, a proper warm-up can get overlooked. It’s one thing to be mentally focused during practice or a game, but how much can the correct focus during warm-ups affect your …

What is a Warmup? Read More »

A few years ago a 13-year-old introduced herself before her first lesson with me. She said, “I am going to play Division 1 college softball. Show me that you can get me there and I will stick with you”. She had my attention.

Every pitcher and every hitter is different, right? In some cases their form is poor, but they get results. So, let’s just leave it alone, right? First of all, you must differentiate between form and style.

Each week we honor one of those people who represent us so well, as Instructor of the Week. This week we are proud to present Jenn Newman of Toledo, Ohio. Her story is incredible, encouraging, and some of the things she has to say will make your day. Let’s get right to it.

Earlier this week we talked with Certified Instructor, Thomas Judkins of Virginia/North Carolina. He had a great point when it comes to tryouts for your next travel team. Let’s hear from Thomas. During the “tryout season” many travel teams are looking for new players. They may try to attract players by utilizing their trophy collection. …

Trophies vs Goals Read More »

Most pitchers aren’t crazy about drills. They often have a right to feel that way. Most of the time they are not told the objective of drills so how can they realize the benefit? Many drills were simply copied from someone else because they looked interesting. Therefore, how can the pitcher extract a benefit from …

Nail Those Drills Read More »

This would be a great title for a country song, but it actually applies to a pitcher we were discussing. One of our top students wished a certain pitcher would work with me, but she knew the kid was not motivated to do so because, “She does not cry anymore”. What a great observation!

High hopes and low skills. That is the way we describe many students who come our way for the first time. Today let’s take off the gloves and be very honest with one another.

A couple of years ago we received a question from a parent in another state. Her young daughter had been taught something harmful in her release that would be obvious to even the most novice observer. In spite of that, she was very accurate. The mother knew the movement was wrong before contacting us, but …

Why Change Something if it is Working? Read More »

Last week one of our Certified Instructors sent me an email that said, “Just wanted to say a quick thank you again! Six months ago I never would have even had the first clue where to start to “really help” a college player, let alone anyone else that was to come to me with injury, …

New Beginnings Read More »

Are you having fun? Are you having fun? Are you having fun? Ask yourself that repeatedly. And, there is a good reason. Recently we had a couple of our D1 college pitchers help at an event. After one session, I asked if they had any advice for the younger pitchers there. Without hesitation, one of …

“Enjoy the Process” Read More »