Scientific Proof – Medicine ball training alone won’t improve batting velocity for new players.

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In baseball and softball it is important to increase sport-specific power. This may allow a hitter to swing the bat and hit a ball with greater velocity. To examine the effects of 8 weeks of medicine ball (MB) training on bat swing velocity and batted-ball velocity of novice, college-aged students. Sixty male and female kinesiology students were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups. Group 1 was the control. Group 2 performed 5 rotational MB exercises for 1 set of 10 repetitions each (50 total MB throws per day) 3x/wk for 8 weeks (1200 total MB throws). Resistance began at 2 lb and increased by 2 lb each week until week 5 10 lb MB, then it decreased by 2 lb for the next 3 weeks. By week 8 the resistance was 4 lb. The protocol progressively became heavier in resistance in an attempt to increase force production, and then became progressively lighter to increase velocity of movement. Group 3 performed the same 5 rotational MB exercises for 2 sets of 10 repetitions each (100 total MB throws per day) 3x/wk for 8 weeks (2400 total MB throws). Instantaneous swing velocity and batted-ball velocity while hitting a ball off a batting tee. Dominant and non-dominant grip strength was measured. Rotational power was measured by a 2 lb Medicine Ball hitter’s throw and 6 lb MB side toss. Women also performed a 4 lb MB side toss since their mean body mass was significantly less than the men’s mean body mass. Leg power was measured. Instantaneous swing and batted-ball velocity did not statistically increase for any group after 8 weeks of MB training. MB side toss  and MB hitter’s throw significantly increased for all groups; however, there was no difference between groups. MB side toss performed by the women significantly increased for groups 2 and 3 after 8 weeks of training; however, there was no difference between the 2 groups. Although rotational power improved for all groups, there was no increase in swing velocity and batted-ball for novice college-aged, male and female novice participants after 8 weeks of training.

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Softball Workout – Core Workout #1

Having a strong mid-section is essential in a sport that uses rotational movement as its primary motion during skill execution.

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Scientific Proof – Injury Incidence of Female Collegiate Windmill Pitchers Studied

Illinois Pitcher Monica Perry, 4 of 5

Few studies have examined fast-pitch softball pitchers and associated injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate injuries occurring to collegiate softball pitchers and associated influential factors. A web-based survey of 181 Division I, II, and III collegiate softball pitchers was conducted. The survey involved self-reported data from the previous year that addressed Pitcher information, pitching and game data, training program information, and injury reporting. These information were not statistically significant in relation to injury. Descriptive statistics were used to report totals and percentages of pitchers surveyed. Among 131 reported injuries, 36 were acute, 92 chronic/overuse, and 3 unspecified. Of the total injuries, 80 were directly from pitching, with 33 shoulder-related and 16 related to the lower back. Among injured pitchers, 109 took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 140 used modalities, 11 received surgeries, and 95 saw additional specialists. Pitchers are at a risk for injury, with 72.8% of surveyed pitchers being injured.

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Online College Recruiting Library

We are pleased to announce a brand new resource for you as a Softball Peak Performance Member…

Dynamite Sports’ Comprehensive Educational System for College-Bound Student-Athletes.

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Softball Workout – Basic Free Weights Workout

Building a strong foundation base is very important to have a successful conditioning program

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Scientific Proof – Relationship Between Players Physique And Bat Swing Velocity Of College Softball Players

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To determine the relationship of various physiological characteristics to bat swing velocity, twenty female NCAA Division I softball players volunteered to be studied. All subjects were tested for height; body mass, lean body mass, body fat, and percent body fat; grip strength; and vertical jump using a vertical jump apparatus to assess leg power. Instantaneous their bat velocity and batted-ball velocity were measured. Subjects were instructed to hit balls between a zone set up on the softball field while batted-ball velocity was measured by a radar gun set up behind home plate. Statistical analysis indicated significant moderate positive relationship between bat velocity and body mass. These data suggest that significant relationships do exist between body composition and bat velocity, but one cannot interpret this to mean a cause and affect relationship.

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Special Report – A Strong Mental Game for Competition

A Strong Mental Game for Competition
by Dr. Patrick Cohn

the batterA strong mental game is crucial for all softball players. If you perform much better in practice than in games, then your mental game might need a tune up. Sports psychology experts often talk about the importance of a strong mental game to improve your performance. However, my 20 years of teaching the mental game to athletes reveals there’s much more to mental toughness….

To be successful with mental toughness training, athletes must learn how to apply it to games and practice. Why would I say this?

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Softball Workout – Power Workout For Pitchers

Explosiveness out of the plate is a sign of a dominant pitcher. The power of the pitcher comes from the muscles of her legs, core and shoulders. All need to be coordinated to achieve maximum power.

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Scientific Proof – Upper Body Exercises such as Push-ups, Pull-ups and Dips Improve Throwing Performances of Softball Players

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Exercises done having the feet or hands at a fixed position are know as Closed-kinetic chain resistance training (CKCRT). A study was done to see the effects of CKCRT of the upper body,exercises like push-ups, pull-ups,tricep dips, were used. It compared shoulder strength, power, and throwing velocity changes in athletes training the upper body exclusively with either CKCRT (using a system of ropes and slings) or Open-Kinetic chain resistance training (OKCRT)

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Softball Workout – Increase Your Running Speed

Every Softball player wants to improve in her speed and quickness. Here is a set of exercises that focuses on building muscles to help increase running speed.

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