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Calling pitches in softball can be one of the most challenging parts of being a softball pitching coach, regardless of which level you’re coaching at.
There are various factors as to why pitch-calling presents a unique challenge. The pitching coach must take into account the batter's strengths and weaknesses, the game situation, and the team's overall strategy—all of which must be communicated to the pitcher and the catcher, who are often the ones who are making the final decisions on which pitch to throw.
Furthermore, the pitcher and catcher need to be in sync, which can be difficult in noisy or hectic game environments. Lastly, maintaining control and accuracy while keeping the batters guessing is crucial, and achieving this balance can be quite demanding.
There are some obvious times when calling a fastball makes the most sense, especially when you want to surprise the batter or when you need to bring the heat to challenge a strong hitter. It can also be useful in situations where you are ahead in the count and want to maintain control. Additionally, using a fastball early in the game can help establish dominance and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Yet, if you as a pitching coach believe calling a fastball in a situation is a no-brainer, the opposing hitter is likely thinking the same thing. This is why it’s crucial to understand when to break your typical pitch-calling patterns. And Amy Hunt can help you learn when and how to do so effectively.
Coach Hunt has spent recent years working as a part-time Assistant Coach for Messiah College softball.
She was formerly an assistant coach with the team in 1998, where Messiah went to their first NCAA Final 6. Amy then continued her education, as she was a graduate assistant for the Marietta College softball team in Ohio. She moved on to coach at Catoctin High School where she was the assistant coach for 1 year and head Varsity Coach for 6 years.
Coach Hunt has made a career out of trying to perfect pitch-calling. Her ‘Championship Pitch Calling System for Pitching, Catching and Coaching’ course is a great resource for any prospective pitch-callers at any level of softball.
Why do STATS matter?
Coach Hunt explains that being able to read and understand certain statistics makes a world of difference when trying to call pitches.
One of the most important statistics to know is what a hitter’s hitting average is within the nine segments of the strike zone. Because every hitter is going to have a slightly different stance, goals at the plate, and preferred areas, having (and then using) information about how which pitch locations they hit will at and which they don’t can make a major difference in success on the mound.
Coach Hunt makes it clear that a hitting average isn’t the same thing as a batting average, which is the more commonly used statistic. The difference between these is that, while a batting average measures a batter's performance by dividing the number of hits by the number of at-bats, a hitting average is simply the number of times they make contact with a ball in a certain area.
This is crucial because it doesn’t take uncontrollable factors into account (like if a player hits the ball weakly but still gets a hit) like the batting average does. It will give an accurate indication of a player’s ability to make contact at the various segments of the strike zone. While collecting hitting average stats might sound difficult, it’s actually simpler to calculate than the batting average. A coach can just watch a recent hitter’s at-bats and chart what pitches they’re making contact with.
Pitch Location - Pitch placement is CRITICAL!
Of course, any pitching coach or pitcher knows that the worst place to position a pitch would be in the middle of the strike zone. And it’s typical knowledge that throwing the ball on the outside corner is usually a great option.
But not enough thought is put into whether a pitch should be thrown at the top or bottom of the strike zone. Typically, a pitcher will always try to aim for low in the strike zone. And while that’s a good base strategy to have, the ability to throw a pitch for a strike at the top of the strike zone can spell the difference between a good and great pitcher.
Even if a pitcher is just able to throw an occasional fastball at the top of the strike zone (or even above the strike zone, in a two-strike scenario with less than three balls), hitters love swinging (and missing) at pitches in this location. It will also adjust their eye level so they don’t get too comfortable with/can sit on a pitch that’s lower in the strike zone.
Learning about Batter Weaknesses
As we mentioned previously, charting each batter’s hitting average will give you a good indication of where they like to hit the ball. But another integral part of this charting strategy is that it will likely give you an insight into what an opposing team’s coach is teaching their hitters, as it pertains to their hitting approach.
If you notice that a team very rarely swings at non-fastballs low in the strike zone or on the outside corner, that is likely because their coach is instructing them to take those pitches. You will then be able to exploit that by focusing on throwing offspeed pitches either low or away, which will force the hitters to make adjustments.
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Freedom is the most precious gift given to all of us. It isn’t free, but it’s fought for. Have you ever wondered why tears so freely come to our eyes when we hear the Star Spangled Banner as our flag waves in the distance? Why do we value our freedom and hold it so close to our hearts?
Our freedom was a God-given gift given to those who so valiantly fought for this liberty. These brave patriots hungered for freedom of choice, for their rights, and to worship according to the dictates of their own heart. The patriots fought with every fiber of strength they had, both bond and free.
When we pledge allegiance to our flag, what does that mean to us? Do we take our freedom for granted? Many countries have no rights and are not at liberty to say what they feel or to worship as they please. In some countries, Christianity cannot be preached among the people. Newspapers, media, and even the Internet are all government controlled. Do we think of the freedom we possess? Have you ever thought about the patriots who fought for the liberty that we enjoy? These brave men desired to live in a free land, not ruled by a monarchy.
Why do we celebrate the fourth of July? On July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the "Declaration of Independence." This document inspired every patriot to fight for his liberty. As General George Washington stood before the Continental Army with the document in his hand, he took a look at the weary men before him in their tattered clothes, and he realized they had not eaten a decent meal for months. These underfed men were a sight! Washington knew his men needed to be inspired and this document would do the trick.
As he read the declaration out loud, not a sound was heard as the men listened. They were touched when he came to the part, "…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
As these patriots listened to every word, they were buoyed up, inspired, ready to fight for their freedom against the tyranny placed upon them. The fire inside them grew and no one could stop the need they felt for liberty. The "Declaration of Independence" was inspired of God.
Many of these patriots were willing to die for freedom. Nathan Hale, a 23-year-old artist and schoolteacher, felt the conviction of his beliefs so strongly that he agreed to go on a dangerous mission for George Washington. He was caught with sketches of British gun emplacements and the penalty for being a spy was to be hanged. As he marched up the steps of the gallows, he held his head high. When he turned to face the people, he declared boldly, "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country."
Many of these brave men were even willing to die for their liberty, for their family, for peace and equality. The Continental Army consisted of farmers and merchants, not learned in the way of combat. Many were barefoot and in tattered clothes. They lacked enough food for everyone and many times went hungry but yet they still fought for what they believed in. The patriots knew the value of freedom and were willing to pay the price.
When Thomas Paine saw the sad condition of the Continental Army, he wrote, "These are the times that try men’s souls…Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ‘Tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated."
They lost many battles but won the battles that made a difference. The crossing of the Delaware will never be forgotten. Many were sick, fatigued, and their feet were wrapped with cloth to protect them from freezing weather. George Washington knew the Continental Army was outnumbered, but he was inspired to take his army across the Delaware in a terrible blizzard. He suspected the Hessians would be drunk from the Christmas festivities.
In the early hours of the morning, the surprise attack was a never-forgotten battle of victory that shocked the Hessians, who were German mercenaries, skilled fighters, paid by the British to cut down the patriots. After a count was taken, it was discovered that not one patriot had been killed in that battle. This victory turned the war around.
The British were stunned at what had happened. They looked down their noses at the Americans and considered them as untrained and uneducated rabble. When they found the Continental Army to be so strong and stubborn, they changed tactics. They moved a part of their forces to the south with the idea of moving northward, capturing one state at a time.
In August of 1780 in South Carolina, a great and terrible battle took place. The British were gaining an advantage. When all seemed lost, General de Kalb and his men continued to valiantly fight for freedom. He believed in the cause of liberty so much that he refused to give up even though he knew they had lost the battle. He received eleven wounds, both musket ball and bayonet, before he collapsed and fell to the ground. British General Cornwallis had been watching from a distance and when he saw the courageous General finally fall to the ground, he sent his aides to retrieve him with a stretcher. Three days later he died in the name of freedom. General Jean de Kalb was the most courageous and valiant man Cornwallis had ever seen in the face of battle, fighting until he dropped, not giving up his cause for liberty. Even though he was the enemy, Cornwallis paid him the highest military honor at his burial.
Most of the victories in the south came from Francis Marion and his men because the northern armies were not familiar with the territory. Colonial Francis Marion knew how to deal with the enemy in his own homeland. He was known as the Swamp Fox and had the deadliest fighting command in the whole revolution. He had trained his men to disappear into the thick forest and swamps of South Carolina without a sound. Hidden from sight, they would strike and then quickly move through the woods like silent shadows, fading into the forest and undergrowth. Francis Marion and his men tormented the British army with one ambush after another. This frustrated the British officers because they were helpless in the woods and swamps.
After eight long years, the patriots beat the greatest military power in the world. Have we ever thought about the tremendous price these men paid for our freedom? The next time we look at our flag, remember the cost as you pledge your allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and remember that we are "one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all." That’s what helps us stand out as a great nation. Without God’s help, we would never have won the war.
Alexis de Toqueville, a French Statesman, visited our country in the early 1800s. He said that he looked for the "greatness of America." It was not until he witnessed the faith of the American people in their churches that he found the true greatness here. He said, "America is great because she is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
Samuel F. Smith wrote, "My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring! Our fathers’ God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing; Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light. Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!"
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the mystery series The Adventures of John and Julia Evans: Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue. Visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
The short game in golf can be the most challenging aspect of the sport for many players. While hitting long drives off the tee may seem impressive, it's the finesse and precision required for chipping and putting that can truly make or break a golfer's game. Mastering the short game demands a great deal of skill, touch, and concentration.
Unlike the full swing, which allows for some margin of error, the short game requires a high level of consistency and control. Ultimately, success in golf often comes down to proficiency in the short game, and those who can excel in this area are likely to see significant improvements in their overall performance on the course.
And when done well, the short game can be golf’s most satisfying aspect. Successfully executing a delicate chip shot to get the ball close to the pin or sinking a long putt can bring about a sense of achievement that is hard to replicate in other aspects of the game. The short game also offers opportunities for creativity, as players can employ various techniques and strategies to navigate around hazards and onto the green.
Additionally, the short game often plays a crucial role in determining a player's overall score, making every successful chip, pitch, or putt feel like a significant accomplishment.
All of which is to say that it’s worthwhile to try and improve your short game. And online golfing coach legend Gary Wiren is here to help you do so.
Coach Wiren is a member of six Golf Halls of Fame, including the PGA Hall of Fame and the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, and has honorary memberships or distinguished service recognition from Sweden, Italy, New Zealand, and Japan. Wiren was a collegiate conference champion, won the South Florida Seniors PGA title, and the South Florida long-driving championship, played in the USGA Senior Open and the PGA Senior Championship and has won the World Hickory Championship.
Coach Wiren’s ‘Great Golf Drills Vol. 2 - The Short Game featuring Dr. Gary Wiren’ course will teach you which shots to play in different situations, how to develop the touch necessary for a great short game, and will help you to learn the correct principles of practicing the short game and dramatically lower your scoring average.
Dialing For Distance
The first (and most crucial) point when deciding which clubs to use when attempting to land a shot on the green is knowing how far away you are from the hole.
The best way to do this is with experience. The more you’re out on the golf course, the better you’ll be at gauging distance. But if you’re relatively new to golf, a great way to know is by using the yardage markers placed along the length of the hole. Better yet, if you have access to a yardage book for a template for the gold course you’re at, this can be an incredibly useful tool.
Once you calculate an estimated range from your ball to the hole, you’ll want to have a good understanding of how far back you want to take your swing. For example, if you’re ten yards away from the hole, you’ll want to swing so that your club head goes about parallel to your knee during your backswing. If you’re about 20 yards away, your backswing will be around parallel to your hip. A 35-yard chip shot will make your backswing go about to your bicep, and so on.
Again, repetition is paramount when it comes to deciding which club to use. This is where getting reps in on the driving range is vital because you can test shots and distances with each club to see which best suits you at each distance. It would also be wise to keep a notebook, telling you which clubs you like at certain distances.
The Right Direction in Chipping
One drill that Coach Wiren loves to utilize when helping students with their chipping direction is placing a club on the ground next to their ball that can help them line their shot up, so they can see where the club of their swing goes through to the target.
After doing this for enough repetitions, students should be able to envision that imaginary club on the ground while they’re playing, which will be useful in lining up a straight shot.
Coach Wiren suggests that, when it comes to knowing where the ball should be positioned between your legs when taking a shot, what you can do is stick a tee in the tops of your club’s grip, place it in front of your sternum, and look downwards. The tee should be about ½ inch in front of where you see the ball on the ground beneath it. If that’s where it is, your ball is in the correct position.
Principles For Putting
Coach Wiren explains how there are main principles for putting success:
1. Stroke Mechanics
This is essentially learning to swing the putter smoothly, like a pendulum swing. This can be learned in a week.
2. Reading the green
Learning how to accurately read a green can take a lifetime, but some tips Coach Wiren is to imagine that every putt is a straight putt in your mind. In other words, if the green has a slope, you should be still executing a straight putt that accounts for the slope and any other factors that will affect how the ball travels.
He also goes on to note that reading the green is also about pace, which means gauging how hard to hit the ball. While this will take time and experience, imagining a straight line in your head can improve how well you’re able to read the green.
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Good day Warriors Of Light.
This
Christmas story, one of the greatest in the history of Earth and
beyond, is greatly told by the youngsters once again on today's show.
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Merry Christmas season Warriors Of Light.
This
season is our Super Bowl. No better time to be more loving, more kind,
stronger, better, more fit to serve the King of Kings! Pray, commune
with Jesus, do what he tells you to do. Watch the amazing and often
miraculous results! Let's Rock!
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