Month: January 2019

Softball Tips & Tricks: Is Your Catcher Doing These 3 Things?

Playing catcher can be tough.

There is a lot of weight on the shoulders of a catcher. The catcher has a unique advantage of handling the ball more than anyone else on the field (except the pitcher) and has the ability to see everything that is going on out on the field. D-BAT Sports recommends getting your catcher ready for the Spring softball season by making sure she masters these 3 things:

Loud, Steady Communication with her Teammates

Again, the catcher has the ability to see everything as it happens on the field. She will know if a base runner is stealing a base before any of her teammates. She is also right next to the umpire, which keeps the count fresh in her mind. Make sure your catcher is yelling information to her teammates as she sees necessary, and that the communication continues effectively until the end of the game.

Strong Relationship with the Pitcher

Over time, a catcher will get to know her pitcher and understand the ins and outs of how she pitches, strengths, weaknesses, etc. This depth of relationship is built through practice and repetition, but once it’s there, your catcher can talk to the pitcher in tough situations and guide her in how to make the next throw count. Have your catcher and pitcher practice together often to see this relationship flourish.

Get Behind the Ball When Catching

It’s too easy for a catcher to rely on her glove to catch and forget to get her body into it. Instead of relying on her glove to stop the ball, she should shift her body left and right to entirely block the ball from getting past her. This is a common catching mistake that can be corrected through repetition and steady softball catching drills.

Need a little extra softball training before the Spring season? D-BAT would love to help you take your softball game to the next level. Find the nearest location to you and give us a call today to get started!  

The Smart Way to Strengthen Your Pitching Arm

At D-BAT Sports, we know all too well the risks associated with overusing your throwing arm and the motions that make it susceptible to injury. “Tommy John” surgery has been on the rise, and our goal is to reduce that risk to young players. Strength training and repetition are key to improving your game, but how do you do it safely? Here are some tips from D-BAT – the top baseball and softball training facility in the country:

Use Conservative Weight Loads

The more weight, the stronger you’ll get, right? Not necessarily. The elbow – and the UCL within it – are only as strong as the muscles that support it. Strengthen those muscles the smart way by lifting enough that you’re pushing yourself, but not so much that you are overextending your abilities. Manage the risk vs. reward. Gradual improvements in load will give you the strength both your muscles and elbow can support.

Don’t Forget Shoulders and Wrists

Strengthening the throwing arm isn’t just about the arm and elbow. Shoulders and wrists are also a vital part of the strengthening process. Find exercises that focus in on these areas with a good combination of weight, stability training, and endurance.

Get Mechanics Right First

Many pitchers are tempted to get reps in – which are a good thing – but without the intent to keep their mechanics in check. When pitching without proper mechanics, you are more prone to injury and pain. Instead, slow down and get it right. Your body will thank you.

Don’t Go on Low Carb Diets

When you’re perfecting that pitch, your body needs calories! When your body is chock full of calories, it equates to high levels of glycogen. This sugar this is stored in the muscles and gives the energy necessary to perform your best. Without ample calories, your body and pitching arm will feel it.

Ready to improve your pitching skills? Bring your baseball or softball player into D-BAT and be prepared to see the difference the best baseball training facility can make! Find the closest facility to you HERE!