Fundamentals

The fundamentals of softball are so important to have in order to play the game and really enjoy the game of softball. It stings me sometimes to watch a team practice and none of the fundamentals of the game are being taught or at least implemented with a team.  This weekend we (Gamespeed softball)  and some of the FSU softball girls went to run a camp in Bainbridge, GA with the 10U Merchants team. The clinic lasted 3 hours and all we worked on was the fundamentals of the game. Yes, of course we had some fun because who wants to do drills all day? During the clinic we worked on the fundamentals of fielding, throwing, hitting, base running, catching and pitching. It turned out to be great a clinic and the girls loved it! It was awesome to see the parents into the game as well. What pains me the most is seeing kids playing the game of softball and not having ever been taught the fundamentals of the game. Don't get me wrong I think this game is about having fun however, I believe kids have more fun when they play the game with the right fundamentals. This past weekend I was talking with a 14U team and I was explaining that the game is all about having fun and enjoying time however, nobody likes to lose or fail, it is a crappy feeling. So, why not learn the fundamentals and win a couple games? If you should lose the game, at least lose the game playing it to the best of your ability. It drives me a little crazy when I watch a practice and coach who yells at a kid to catch a ball or field the ball and clearly the kid has no fundamentals to whatever skill(s) she is trying accomplish. I just want to walk out to the practice field and be like "HEY! Maybe we should break down fielding or catching a pop fly and that might give the kid a better chance at performing the skill."Now, I am not totally blaming the coaches but that's where it starts in my opinion. I could go on about this but I will stop for now. I am sure you hear me talk about this later on down the road. Check this video out by the UCLA head coach and I think you will understand where I am coming from.

http://www.coachesdirectory.com/new/coachesinsider/softballv.php?videoID=1173409700001