WYS Coaching Clinic
WHS Varsity Softball Coach
Jonas Sherr
Organization of this Presentation
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
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Points of Emphasis
● SKILLS over Strategy
o Throwing
 Progression:
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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)
Points of Emphasis
● SKILLS over Strategy
o Catching
 Bend the knees, go to the ball
 Turning the glove
 Forehand / Backhand
Points of Emphasis
● SKILLS over Strategy
o Hitting - Free & Easy!
 Weight back
 Small stride
 Hands inside the ball
 Barrel through the ball path
 Follow through
Practice Structure
An effective practice….
● emphasizes fundamentals
● involves all players at all times
● has an efficient pace
● is competitive
o Make it fun!
Infield Drills
● Pancake Drill (stance, hands & footwork)
● Short-hop Drill
● Positional Drills
o 1B / 3B footwork
o SS / 2B pivots
o P / C bunt fielding
Outfield Drills
● Drop Step
o One step (L&R)
o Back and In (2 Hands)
● Single Line
● Double Line Communication
● Grounder & Bucket Drills
Hitting Drills
● Tee Drills
o Small Ball / Large Ball
o Happy Gilmore strides
● Soft Toss
o Side toss (fence or fielders)
o Back toss
o Front toss w screen
Pitching/Catching Drills
Pitching
● Wrist snaps
● “T” Drills
● Arm circles
Catching
● Framing
● Blocking
● Pop Time (one leg balance drills)
Identifying pitchers - Things to
look for:
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Good overhand thrower
Overall athleticism
Individual work ethic
Willingness to be in the circle
Competitive Team Drills
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Baserunning: H-1B, 1B-3B, 3B-H
“Last Fielder Standing”
Relay Drill
Circle Drill
“9 Outs”
Pressure Play / Foul Line Sprint
Growing Westwood Softball
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WHS / WYS Mentor Program
Youth Clinics (WYS & WHS)
Youth Teams at WHS Games
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