WYS Coaching Clinic

WHS Varsity Softball Coach Jonas Sherr

● Points of Emphasis for Young Players● Structuring an Effective Practice● Drills for Improving Player Skills● Identifying Positional Skills - Pitching● Strategies for Growing Westwood

Softball● Q/A

Organization of this Presentation

● SKILLS over Strategyo Throwing

Progression: ● One knee - Wrist (grip, snap, ball rotation) ● One knee - Arm extension, high elbow, & follow● Standing no step - rotate hips/shoulders● Standing step (closed, open, closed)

● d

Points of Emphasis

● SKILLS over Strategyo Catching

Bend the knees, go to the ball Turning the glove Forehand / Backhand

Points of Emphasis

● SKILLS over Strategyo Hitting - Free & Easy!

Weight back Small stride Hands inside the ball Barrel through the ball path Follow through

● d

Points of Emphasis

An effective practice….● emphasizes fundamentals● involves all players at all times● has an efficient pace● is competitive

o Make it fun!

Practice Structure

● Pancake Drill (stance, hands & footwork)

● Short-hop Drill● Positional Drills

o 1B / 3B footworko SS / 2B pivotso P / C bunt fielding

Infield Drills

● Drop Stepo One step (L&R)o Back and In (2 Hands)

● Single Line● Double Line Communication● Grounder & Bucket Drills

Outfield Drills

● Tee Drillso Small Ball / Large Ballo Happy Gilmore strides

● Soft Tosso Side toss (fence or fielders)o Back tosso Front toss w screen

Hitting Drills

Pitching● Wrist snaps● “T” Drills● Arm circles

Catching● Framing● Blocking● Pop Time (one leg balance drills)

Pitching/Catching Drills

● Good overhand thrower● Overall athleticism● Individual work ethic● Willingness to be in the circle

Identifying pitchers - Things to look for:

● Baserunning: H-1B, 1B-3B, 3B-H● “Last Fielder Standing”● Relay Drill● Circle Drill● “9 Outs”● Pressure Play / Foul Line Sprint

Competitive Team Drills

● WHS / WYS Mentor Program● Youth Clinics (WYS & WHS)● Youth Teams at WHS Games● Watch on TV!

Growing Westwood Softball