US Sports Softball: Cat Osterman - US Olympian - Pitching & Pitch Calling Tips

by Texas High School Coaches Association

Description

Cat Osterman - US Olympian

Lecture Title: Pitching & Pitch Calling Tips

Lecture delivered at the Texas High School Coaches Association 90th annual Coaching School and Convention - July 2022

The Coach

Texas High School Coaches Association

HELPING COACHES TO HELP KIDS - Since 1930

Cat Osterman - US Olympian

Lecture Title: Pitching & Pitch Calling Tips

Cat Osterman, a former three-time National Player of the Year, four-time All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist. She coached also served as assistant coach for the Texas State Bobcats in San Marcos, Texas, from 2015-20, after three seasons in a similar role for the St. Edwards Hilltoppers in Austin, Texas.

A native of Houston, Texas, Osterman helped to lead the University of Texas to three Women’s College World Series appearances in 2003, 2005 and 2006. She also became the only softball individual to win USA Softball’s National Player of the Year honors three times after earning the honor each of those seasons.

During her redshirt season of 2004, Osterman trained with the USA National Team as the only collegian and youngest member of the Olympic team that earned a gold medal in Athens. A three-time selection as Big 12 Conference Female Athlete of the Year (2003, 2005 and 2006), she still holds UT career records in victories (136), ERA (0.51), shutouts (85) and no-hitters (20), and she holds the NCAA record for career strikeout ratio per seven innings (14.35). She finished her UT career with a 136-25 overall record and is second all-time in NCAA Division I career strikeouts with 2,265. Osterman was a recipient of the NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award in 2006, an honor presented to the top eight senior student-athletes in the country.

Osterman pitched for the USA National Team from 2001 to 2021, appearing in the 2004, 2008, and 2020 Olympics. Team USA took home the gold in 2004 and finished with the silver medal in 2008 and 2021 (2020 Olympics). In her 20-year career with Team USA, Osterman held a 74-5 record with 0.44 ERA. She struck out 1030 batters in just 519.0 innings of work.

Osterman completed her eighth and final season in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League in 2015. She played for the Rockford Thunder in 2007 and 2009 and the USSSA Pride for six seasons. Osterman led the Thunder to the league championship in 2009, earning MVP of the championship series. The very next season, she led the Pride to the 2010 championship. The team split the championship in 2012 but captured the title once again in 2013 and 2014.

Osterman was named to the All-NPF team six times and was named Diamond NPF Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2011 and NPF Pitcher of the Year in 2013 and 2014. In the final season of her professional career, Osterman went 15-4 for the Pride, the NPF’s regular season champions, with a 1.21 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 121.2 innings of work. In eight seasons in the NPF, Osterman captured four league titles.

On February 18, 2013, Osterman was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame alongside New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, former Dallas Cowboys RB Walt Garrison, former NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal, and former Heisman Trophy winner from UT Ricky Williams.

Osterman added a second hall of fame to her resume in 2016 as she was enshrined in the World of Little League® Hall of Excellence, the highest honor Little League can bestow. She is the fourth female to be enshrined in the Little League Hall of Excellence, and the first to be recognized for a career in the sport of softball.

Osterman graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2007 and the University of Missouri with a master’s degree in educational and counseling psychology with a concentration in positive coaching in 2015. Osterman and her husband, Joey Ashley, along with his daughter, Bracken, reside in San Antonio. Book this course......

Live Streams and Breaking Sports News!

US Sports Partner Spotlight: Reebok

 

Reebok's Up to 40% off Select Styles

https://bit.ly/Reebok0823

US Sports Radio affiliate partner.

http://www.USSportsRadio.net

Today's Devotional: Growth Over Greed

 

What Does Growth Look Like?

God's character should be increasingly evident in those being transformed by the Holy Spirit. 

From Intouch Ministries

August 8, 2023

---

Galatians 5:22-25

When branches are full and spilling over with big, bright fruit, we assume the tree is healthy. We may not be able to see the quality of the soil, and we probably didn’t witness the tree being fertilized or pruned. But looking at its boughs, we can see the evidence of steady growth and regular maintenance. 

Likewise, fruit in our spiritual life indicates health and maturity in a believer. And today’s passage lists nine traits that show up in our life when God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But how should we watch for these? What are the signs we’re moving in the right direction? When we’re growing in Christlikeness, these qualities are evident as we: 

• Bear with the shortcomings of others.

• Use our words more carefully.

• Give and serve more cheerfully.

• Resist temptation and, when we sin, repent quickly. 

• Keep our promises to God and others.

• Respond to challenges with peace and patience.

Most of the people we interact with on a daily basis won’t see our efforts, but they will notice the Lord’s character forming in us. Using the list above, take inventory. Which traits need more emphasis in your life?

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 1-3

US Sports Golf: Short Game 101

 

Short Game 101

• By Charlie Anderson

---

Golf is a game that requires a combination of a few different skills. The first is the ability to put the ball in play with a tee shot. The next is the approach shot to the green. The last step, and most important, is the short game. The short game is a combination of pitching, chipping, bunker shots, and putting.

Why is short game so important?

A golfer’s short game is a part of golf that is often overlooked. Many golfers neglect their short game because they want to be able to hit long drives. Golfers think they will play well because they hit the ball further than others. This is a common misconception. The majority of shots are played on or around the green. This is why it is instrumental to have a sharp short game.

Types of short game shots

Pitching: Mastering the pitching technique is essential for achieving accurate and controlled shots around the green. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo, using the proper club selection, and executing a smooth, controlled swing. Develop a reliable short backswing and follow through with a downward strike to generate optimal height and spin.

Chipping: Chipping requires precision and touch. Use a variety of clubs, such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, or even a hybrid, to execute a range of chip shots depending on the lie and desired trajectory. Practice distance control by varying the length of your backswing and focusing on the rhythm of your swing. Experiment with different landing spots to develop versatility in approaching the green.

Bunker Shots: Bunker shots can be intimidating but with proper technique, they can be mastered. Start by opening the clubface and aiming slightly left of your target. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance and focus on making a shallow, controlled swing. Use the sand to your advantage by entering the sand a couple of inches before striking the ball, allowing the club to slide underneath it.

Putting: Arguably the most crucial aspect of the short game, putting demands precision and consistency. Develop a consistent putting routine, focusing on alignment, grip, and a smooth pendulum-like stroke. Practice lag putting to improve distance control, and dedicate time to mastering short putts to ensure confidence under pressure.

Ways to Improve

Focus on Distance Control: One of the keys to success in the short game is distance control. Practice hitting shots to specific targets at various distances to develop a feel for different clubs and swing lengths. This will enhance your ability to gauge the necessary force and touch required for different shots around the green.

Mental Game: The short game heavily relies on mental fortitude and decision-making. Stay focused and visualize your shots before execution. Develop a pre-shot routine that helps you get into the right mindset and approach each shot with confidence.

Practice Variety: Vary your practice sessions to simulate real-life playing conditions. Include uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies in your training routine. Experiment with different slopes and bunker conditions to become comfortable with a wide range of scenarios you might encounter on the course.

Short Game Challenges: Set up specific challenges or games during practice sessions to enhance competitiveness and simulate on-course pressure. For example, create a putting course with different distances and obstacles or challenge yourself to get out of a bunker in the fewest strokes possible.

Conclusion

The short game is arguably the most difficult part of golf. There is no doubt that it is the most important. It is something that every player must master if they want to be great.

Live Streams and Breaking Sports News!

US Sports Partner Spotlight: Qatar Airways

 

Qatar Airways is an award-winning airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world with unprecedented expansion, flying to over 160 destinations worldwide.

https://bit.ly/QatarAirways0823

US Sports Radio affiliate partner.

http://www.USSportsRadio.net

Today's Devotional: We Believe Therefore We Grow

 

Why Growth Matters

Healthy believers move forward to maturity. 

From Intouch Ministries

August 7, 2023

---

2 Peter 3:14-18

When a baby is born, it’s a cause for celebration but also anticipation. Before discharging the family, the doctor checks that everything is as it should be. And then, once at home, Mom and Dad watch carefully to make sure the baby eats enough, sleeps well, and meets milestones. In the days and months (and years!) to come, parents pay attention to the child’s development—not just physical but also cognitive and emotional. If there aren’t signs of growth, something is probably wrong. 

The same is true of our life in Christ. When we first receive Jesus as Lord, we’re spiritual infants, beginning a wonderful new life in Him. But from then on, it’s important to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior” (2 Pet. 3:18). Otherwise, we can easily be misled by wrong teaching, doubt, and temptation. 

Growing in our relationship with Jesus requires that we fill our life with practices that promote good spiritual health. These include regular worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and serving with our gifts and talents. Such disciplines nourish us—they’re like vitamins and exercise for the soul. 

How has your spiritual growth been recently? What changes would help strengthen your faith?

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 63-66

US Sports Strength & Conditioning: The Art of Commitment: Sticking With Your Exercise Routine

• 
  
  Author Piti Niyomsirivanich

We've all been there – excited to start a new exercise routine, only to lose motivation and skip workouts just a few weeks in. The key to long-term fitness success is consistency, and in this blog post, we'll explore proven strategies to help you stick with your exercise routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Set realistic goals

Establishing attainable, realistic goals is the first step towards creating an exercise routine you can stick with. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that may lead to disappointment and burnout. Instead, focus on achievable milestones, such as gradually increasing your workout frequency or improving your running pace. Remember, slow and steady progress is more sustainable in the long run.

Create a schedule and prioritize

A consistent workout schedule is vital for maintaining an exercise routine. Determine the best time to exercise, whether early morning, during lunch, or in the evening. Block that time off your calendar, and treat it as an essential, non-negotiable appointment. You'll likely stick to your routine by prioritizing your workouts.

Make it enjoyable

If you dread your workouts, it's unlikely that you'll stick to your exercise routine. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to doing. Experiment with different types of exercise, such as yoga, dance, swimming, or weightlifting, until you find the ones that resonate with you. Mixing up your workouts can also help prevent boredom and keep you engaged.

Establish a support network

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can significantly increase your chances of sticking to an exercise routine. Friends, family members, or coworkers can serve as workout buddies, providing accountability, encouragement, and friendly competition. Joining a gym, fitness class, or local sports club can also help you connect with others who share your fitness goals.

Track your progress

Monitoring your progress can be highly motivating and help you stay committed to your exercise routine. Use a fitness app, journal, or spreadsheet to track your workouts, set personal records, and celebrate milestones. Seeing tangible improvements in your performance or physique can provide a sense of accomplishment and inspire you to continue pushing forward.

Embrace setbacks and adapt

Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of becoming discouraged when you miss a workout or fail to meet a goal, use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Develop a resilient mindset by reminding yourself of your achievements and adapting your routine. This may mean adjusting your goals, trying new activities, or seeking additional support.

Reward yourself

Recognizing your hard work and dedication can make sticking with your exercise routine easier. Treat yourself to a small reward, such as a relaxing bath, a new workout outfit, or a fun activity, when you reach milestones or complete challenging workouts. Positive reinforcement can reinforce your commitment and help you stay on track.

Conclusion

Sticking with an exercise routine requires a combination of realistic goal setting, planning, enjoyment, support, progress tracking, resilience, and rewards. By incorporating these strategies into your fitness journey, you'll be more likely to maintain your routine and reap the lifelong benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. Remember, consistency is critical, and every workout brings you one step closer to your goals.

Dr Piti is a highly skilled and dedicated cardiologist currently practicing in Thailand. Dr Piti has contributed significantly to the field with a keen focus on pulmonary hypertension through their expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with this condition. In addition to their specialization, Dr Piti has a broad range of experience in general cardiology and managing patients with various comorbidities.

Live Streams and Breaking Sports News!

US Sports Partner Spotlight: Pier1 Imports

 

25% off Pier 1 Favorites

https://bit.ly/Pier1Imports0823

US Sports Radio affiliate partner.

http://www.USSportsRadio.net

Today's Devotional: Fired Up?

 

Fuel for Your Fire

Our daily choices can ignite our passion for God—or extinguish it. 

From Intouch Ministries

August 6, 2023

---

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

If you’ve ever been camping, you know a fire needs fuel to burn. Campers will use dry sticks and leaves to get the flames started, but when it is time to sleep, they will either starve the fire or put it out with water or dirt. 

The Lord has lit a fire in every believer’s heart, and Paul warns against quenching it (1 Thess. 5:19). According to him, we must tend the flame of faith with care. 

Nothing can completely extinguish the fire of salvation within believers—Jesus says, “No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). However, it is possible for the flames to dim over time, especially when we repeatedly make choices that don’t line up with God’s Word. Sin tends to muffle the clarity of His voice in our life. It’s as if we throw cold water on our heart’s fire. 

Thankfully, believers can simply fan their flame with spiritual “kindling.” Any time you choose to pray, read Scripture, confess sin, speak a kind word, or serve someone, you are stoking the fire God set in your heart. No spiritual discipline is practiced in vain. 

What small step can you take today that would add dry leaves to your divine fire?

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 58-62

Fearless with Jason Whitlock: Donald Trump CHARGED with Conspiracy to Overthrow 2020 Presidential Election

     

 Is the third time the charm for prosecutors looking to put President Donald Trump behind bars? Once again, the 45th president is facing charges from the federal government. The latest indictment is for Trump’s alleged role in the January 6 debacle. Prosecutors allege he conspired to overthrow the election results. What is really behind these latest charges, and why is the Left so bent on bringing down the leading Republican candidate for 2024? T.J. Moe and former NBA first-rounder Royce White join Jason to answer these questions and more. Plus, when the entire NBA was kneeling for the national anthem, one player stood up for America and his Christian values. Now, Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac is launching his own faith-based, patriotic line of athletic wear to combat woke companies like Nike. Isaac joins “Fearless” to discuss UNITUS.