Q & A – Should You Use Heavy Bats On-Deck?
People often witness MLB players use heavy bats or commerical donuts when they are on-deck preparing for their next at-bat. Most would assume this helps you. However, the latest research has shown it does not. Watch this video for more details.
Scientific Proof – Pitchers Experience Strong Impacts From The Ground When Landing With The Stride Foot
Landing with the stride foot is important in pitching given that the only external contact a pitcher has is between the foot and the ground. Windmill softball pitchers are routinely seen clinically for injuries to the lower extremities, and lower-extremity mechanics have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the impact of the stride foot and throwing mechanics in youth windmill pitchers and to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of preventive and rehabilitative protocols. Fifty-three youth softball pitchers were tested in an indoor facility. High-speed video and force plate data were collected for fastballs from each pitcher. Average ball speed was 25 m/sec. Peak vertical (coming from the top) ground reaction force averaged 139 % body weight (BW), peak anterior (coming from the front) force averaged 24 %BW, and the medially (coming from the side) directed component of the ground reaction force averaged 42 %BW. Loading rates to peak force in all 3 directions were high. Preventive and rehabilitative protocols for windmill softball pitchers can begin to be improved on the basis of knowledge of the magnitudes and times to peak forces under the stride foot.
Scientific Proof – Resistance Training Can Improve Sports Performance Of Young Athletes
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently updated a study they did in 1985 and last updated in 1996. The NSCA’s current recommendations suggest that school-aged youth should participate daily in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is developmentally appropriate and enjoyable, and involves a variety of activities. Research increasingly indicates that resistance training can offer unique benefits for children and adolescents when appropriately prescribed and supervised. The NSCA recognizes and supports the premise that many of the benefits associated with adult resistance training programs are attainable by children and adolescents who follow age-specific resistance training guidelines.
It is the current position of the NSCA that:
Scientific Proof – Swinging a Heavy Bat on-Deck Is Counterproductive
It’s very common to see professional baseball players or elite softball players use a heavier bat or a commercial donut ring while warming-up and preparing for their next at-bat while in the on-deck circle.
The idea behind this practice is that by swinging a heavier bat, your regular bat will feel lighter when you step in the batter’s box and will help you swing faster.
Speed Ladder Drills for Softball
The speed ladder is one of the best tool softball players and teams can use to quickly and easily improve speed, agility and quickness – It’s fun, super effective, and can be done anywhere.
Join Coach Marc as he walks you through innovative and highly effective speed ladder drills to help you get quicker and faster.
Performance System – High-Performance Baserunning for Softball
If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions on how to become greater offensive threat and score more runs, you’ve come to the right place.
Join Coach Marc as he shows you how to become a more aggressive and smarter baserunner and explains how to properly and effectively explode out of the batter’s box, make good turns at the bases, take great jumps, read game situations, tag up, and more.
