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
