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    <title>Recent FPD Posts</title>
    <link>http://www.fastpitchdrills.com</link>
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <lastBuildDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:39:25 -0500</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: Hitting for power]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=180]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[I use a drill I got from Lau's Laws on Hitting where he uses a supported one-hand swing.  For a righthanded batter the top hand is placed palm-down over the bottom hand between the batter's body and the bat.  This allows a pretty normal swing, gives enough support for the bat weight and the hand automatically slides off after contact with the ball.  I have observed a definite increase on pop on the ball.  It makes a number of things automatic; such as staying inside the ball and staying long through the hitting zone.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#180</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:55:06 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Striking out]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=179]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[When players on my daughters 16U team strike out the are understandably not happy.  However they tend to toss the helmet, gloves etc.  They know this does not show the good sportsmanship that is expected but in the moment they just don't keep composure. How do you teach restraint without destroying the intensity of the players?]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#179</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:38:58 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Affiliate Programs]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=178]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The SportJunk Affiliate program is a great way to earn cash for your team, or yourself. Earn commission on sales made on  sites in the SportJunk network through links, or banners from your website.

Set up is as easy as signing up, and then placing either text or banner links with your specific affiliate code on your teams website (your unique link will be provided to you when you sign up). Every time a visitor on your website clicks on a banner, and goes to one of our websites from the affiliate links on your site and places an order, you earn a commission on the sale. It’s that easy! Just add the banners and sit back!

The SportJunk Affiliate network is already the largest network of affiliate programs dedicated to softball, and new affiliate sites are being added every week. So what are you waiting for sign up, and start making money today.

To sign up and start earning commission, [url=https&#58;//www&#46;sportjunk&#46;net/idevaffiliate/signup&#46;php:3hpa4ci1]click here[/url:3hpa4ci1]!
Already an affiliate? [url=https&#58;//www&#46;sportjunk&#46;net/idevaffiliate/login&#46;php:3hpa4ci1]Click here[/url:3hpa4ci1] to login to your account.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#178</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 29 May 2008 12:04:49 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Lefty catcher on play at the plate]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=177]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[My new catcher is a lefty.  I know, I know.  Lefties aren't supposed to catch, but this kid is probably in the top 3 catchers I've ever seen.  She has a rifle for an arm and is absolutely fearless behind the plate.  My question is this... where should I train her to set up for a play at home plate that both enables her to make the tag and also ensures her safety.  She came to me from another team, and I guess the coach there never really worked on it with her.  She pretty much just sets up behind the plate and about a step towards third base.  I've thought about it for a while and I just can't seem to come up with a defensive position for her to take that makes any sense to me.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#177</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 19 May 2008 22:20:25 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Time]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=176]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[What is a good time fo a 12 year old to run to first base?]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#176</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 10 May 2008 11:50:00 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: just cant seem to hit it]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=174]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Hey
I've had that problem too...Some drills you can do to help it get a lot of little wiffle balls...preferably 2 different colors. Like an orange and a white. Have someone throw both of the balls up at the same time and once they do that theyll automatically pick a color and you have to try and hit only that color ball. You can also soft toss...have a coach toss them out on front of you. Another good tip to to watch the release point of the pitcher...dont watch her wind-up (its intimidating) watch her hip and watch the threads spin. Have your pitcher color different colors on different balls (just a small spot) and randomly pitch them at you without you seeing which color it was. Then you have to tell her what color she pitched to you when your done. This causes you to focus on the ball a lot. You can also write something on the ball and try and read it. Remember to have soft hands, a good relaxed stance, and always step toward the pitcher. I hope these help you out. Let me know if you need anything else. Im only a sophomore in high school but my coaches are pretty smart and they taught me these so hopefully it'll help you out. Good Luck.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#174</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:57:44 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[great blocking drills]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=173]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[ok well heres the drill:
its called rocket fire. my private coach taught it to me.
this is what u do....
1. first of all u need to put on ur catchers gear. obviously.
2. have the coach stand about 10-15 feet away from u with a bucket of at least 20 softballs
3. get into ur catchers stance
4. have him keep throwing balls at the ground (so they roll) and you will have to keep getting into a blocking position* and up again. its an extremely hard workout, but believe me its worth it. 
5. do it at least 2 times.


*blocking position:
1. first get into a catchers stance
2. then drop straight drown so u are on ur knees, lean slightly over in front of you and make sure ur chin is down so that ur catchers mask is touching the chest padding. also, flip ur glove around so that the ball could roll into it (make sure its kinda tucked into ur bottom frontal .....private area (if u know what i mean). 
3. u may have to drop down in different places in order to &quot;block the ball&quot;. 
4. u also cannot be scared to let the ball hit u. it hit me in my thighs, wrists, forearms, upperarms, chest protecter, and of course, the glove.

believe me u will improve a ton!!!!!]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#173</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:44:12 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[just cant seem to hit it]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=172]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[hi...
ive only been playing softball for two years but i have gotten really good over this short time period. my only issue is i really have trouble just hitting the ball. last year i hit 14 foul balls in the FIRST INNING! i really dont know what to do. do you know any drills that may help me with this????
thanx =]]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#172</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:33:52 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: styoung]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=171]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[[quote=&quot;styoung&quot;:2isywspi]My daughter has been pitching for now 3 years during practice she does fine, but when we put a batter in front of her she either short hops it or just tries to keep from getting near the batter.  Does any anyone know any drills to help her with this in practice she is fantastic but explodes during a game? Any suggestions?
Todd[/quote:2isywspi]

You need the bullpen buddy.  You can find it on ebay.  Your problem is a very common problem.  The bullpen buddy is a life size blow up player.  You can hit him all you want.  I use it on all my pitchers...Also make sure your girl is really focusing on the cathers glove.  She also needs to understand that hitting batters is part of the game.  As cruel as it sounds new pitchers will hit batters from time to time.  This will really be far a few between as they get better.  
Coach Rick]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#171</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:06:50 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: New Pitcher]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=170]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The left side is very important.  Speed is ceated from arm speed, leg drive, wrist snap, and resistance from the left side.  Her left arm needs to snap down as she releases the ball. try doing some butterflies.  Start in the open position.  Feet shoulder width apart, left foot at a 45 degrees.  in this open position she should be facing third base.  Have her start with both hands at her waist.  both arms start at the same time.  Left arm with glove on points towards batter, right arm points towards secondbase.   Start this slowly at first then build some speed to it.  Make sure she snaps the left arm down at the same time she releases the ball.

Rick[quote=&quot;Jennas dad&quot;:9b75ahjg]my daughters been pitching for 2 seasons she has really started to come around to pitching she can throw about 45 to 50 mph now still has some control issues but nothing to bad, my question is she does not complete her full sissor effect with her pitch, she will point the glove hand at the batter then finish her pitch still pointing at the batter, what kind of tips can I give her to get the full pitch, she plays in a 10 and under team[/quote:9b75ahjg]]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#170</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:54:02 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: speed]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=169]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Yo,

Pitching is not all about speed. I had a daughter pitch about only high forties and low fifties and no one could hit her and she had lots of success with strikeouts because she KNEW HOW TO PITCH (best curve ball I have ever seen and could use all her pitches no matter what the count). Look at Greg Maddux-----he knows how to PITCH and is more concerned about getting the batter off balance---------and guess what-----he is going to the hall of fame because HE KNOWS HOW TO PITCH and is not just concerned about speed. Intelligence gets batters out not just speed. Lots of major league pitcher throw very hard but there is always someone that can hit it. Be smart and keeps batters guessing with a variety of pitches and savy and you will be very successful. As far as speed training, work with various types of weighted balls and do some resistant training and that will help. Also, bowling is extremely helpful for arm strength if you do it right, but that is another subject all in its own.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#169</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:22:01 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Need some help/advice]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=168]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Perhaps someone out there can give us some advice/help, suggestions, etc.  We have a 7 year old daughter that plays for a select 8U team.  She has been taking catching lessons for a while and appears to be doing well in lessons, she has times she is off on her throwing but for the most part she does pretty good we have her take lessons 2 times a week there and then of course she does practices with her team as well.  However, what we have noticed is that when it comes to practicing with her team she has great difficulty making good throws, what we noticed today is that after everyone left she was throwing with another girl on the team and she was making good solid throws and getting them to the exact location they needed to be at!  When we asked her why she is having such difficulty landing the throws in practice she has often said that all the people around her distract her, yet she appears to play in games fine.  We want her to succeed and we realize that a 7 year old girl can retain so much information and has a high level of distractability about them, but can anyone make some suggestions as to what we can do to help her when she is working with her team in this area.  How do you get a 7 year old to focus?  Is there some trick, some advice, help....

Thx
Saugor]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#168</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:53:23 -0500]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Pitching Lessons Available]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=166]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[[color=#8000BF:2y8umiaz]Former Division One College Pitcher giving pitching lessons. I am currently an assistant coach (Pitching coach/assistant coach)for Newbury Park High School Varsity Team. Players age 7-18 who want to become pitchers or who want to become better pitchers. Please email me at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:danielle_ellement@yahoo.com">danielle_ellement@yahoo.com</a><!-- e -->.[/color:2y8umiaz]]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#166</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:30:40 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Openings for lessons]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=165]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Back from Vacation and ready to go. I have a few openings for lessons starting next week. I do pitching lessons on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights and hitting lessons on Wednesday nights.

As far as what “style” of hitting I will teach, I really don't like labels as words such as linear, rotational and hybrid really do not accurately describe the swing used by the players that have reached the top of their respective game, be it MLB or Hi level fastpitch players. All these terms have been bandied about and have so many different interpretations that all it is does is serve to confuse the issue.

The main focus of what we will work on is the elimination of inefficiencies in the swing. The best hitters are the best because they have figured out how to move the bat in the most efficient way, while also being quick and powerful, by using the big muscles of the body, from the upper thighs through the shoulder complex (the Torso) vs how most hitters try to move the bat using some combination of the arms/hands and/or the legs/feet.

The best hitters do not stand tall, squish the bug and throw their hands or extend their arms to the ball. Average hitters swing the bat using their arms, independently from the torso. Some allow the arms to get ahead of the turning torso, a lot of hitters allow the arms and the bat to be dragged behind the turning torso and in the worst cases, some hitters utilize very little turning of the torso at all.

The best hitters do get in the proper position,a loaded posture, along with the proper angles which allow them to unload on the ball, quickly and powerfully. Mind, body and nervous system all working together to unload the body/bat into the ball. They have learned how to connect the bat to the body.

I have been seriously studying the swing for about the past 8 or 9 years and I have gathered info from sources such as Ted Williams, Mike Epstein, Jack Mankin, Don Slaught (who has heavily influenced Mike Candrea and Sue Enquist and is the inventor of the Right View Pro material), Paul Nyman and Steve Englishbey. It is my opinion that the info from Steve Englishbey and his methods for developing the swing are by far the best I have seen.

I look forward to the opportunity to be able to pass on what I have learned and the opportunity to learn from working with the kids as well, as any good teacher must be a student as well as a teacher. Every athlete will have unique problems and that requires unique solutions.

All I ask is that the athlete as well as the parent/s come in with an open mind, a can do attitude and a willingness to get outside their particular comfort zone.

Thanks for listening and look forward to hearing from you.

Dan Carter
<!-- e --><a href="mailto:dcarter149@tx.rr.com">dcarter149@tx.rr.com</a><!-- e -->
972-897-4865]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#165</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:04:17 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[SOFTBALL INSTRUCTION]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=164]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Fast Pitch Softball Instruction Staff at the Ball-Yard in Sherman (232 Meyers Drive, Sherman, TX 75092) has 87 years playing and instruction experience.

CHECK OUT OUR SITE: <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ball-yard.com">http://www.ball-yard.com</a><!-- w -->

To insure best individual results, we only instruct one on one unless requested to do small group or team lessons.

The Ball Yard has helped 31 softball players receive college scholarships in the last 4 years and hundreds more have taken their skills to a higher level.

Ball-Yard specialties are Pitching, Hitting, Catcher's Position and Left Side Slap Game.

PITCHING - We currently work with 84 softball pitchers - we teach all phases of pitching - from advanced to beginners (beginners at a reduced rate) - 3 of our pitchers have gone to or committed to D1 colleges and several more have gone to other colleges.

CATCHERS - We develop top level Catchers - presently, 4 of our catchers are playing college softball.

THE LEFT SIDE SLAP GAME is a top priority at The Ball-Yard - three of our slappers have gone to D1 colleges. Our Left Side Instructors have extensive experience teaching basic and advanced skills in the left side game.

HITTING INSTRUCTION is done to fit the player - no cloning - we take the hitter's best attributes and build on them to get a quick, powerful swing with balance and confidence that fits the individual hitter.

OTHER SOFTBALL SKILLS - we also instruct in all the other softball skills, ie: Fielding all Positions, Throwing, Base Running, Sliding, Increasing Speed, Quickness, etc.

GROUP, TEAM &amp; ORGANIZATION INSTRUCTION -- we do small group and team instruction, especially in hitting. And we do instruction and/or clinics for complete organizations, for example, in the Left Side Game, Hitting, etc.

TEAM &amp; GROUP CAGE RENTAL FOR HITTING - only $30 per hr. _ have Jugs machines &amp; dimple balls

Check our site: <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ball-yard.com">http://www.ball-yard.com</a><!-- w --> - and email: <!-- e --><a href="mailto:rexsports@aol.com">rexsports@aol.com</a><!-- e --> or call 903.892.0009 or 903.870.0733 for scheduling and other information.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#164</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:02:43 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Credible Fort Worth-Grand Prairie Batting/Fielding Instructo]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=163]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Chelsea Stoughton: 817-266-9203
<!-- e --><a href="mailto:chelseacie@hotmail.com">chelseacie@hotmail.com</a><!-- e -->

Former University of Texas 1st baseman
Current medically/scientifically based instructor
Ties to major universities and professional sports teams
Ongoing hitting studies and research

All ages, all skill levels

Mon-Wed (&amp; Thursdays until 3/13) @ Westside Baseball
Westside Baseball Academy
2501 Weisenberger
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-332-7440
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.west-ball.com">http://www.west-ball.com</a><!-- w -->

Thursdays (starting 3/13) @ Texas Metroplex Institute of Sports Performance in Grand Prairie
2044 N Hwy 360
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
817-266-9203
division of <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.tmisportsmed.com">http://www.tmisportsmed.com</a><!-- w -->

Friday-Sunday at either location by appointment

$75/hr
$45/half hour]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#163</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:01:06 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Team Auto Decals]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=162]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[You can order team decals for your car at wholesale, and sell them at retail [url:js9orehe]http&#58;//www&#46;teamdecal&#46;com/display&#46;php?c=fund[/url:js9orehe]]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#162</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:28:58 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Skratchers]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=161]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Skratchers are a quick and easy fundraising tool.
Click [url=http&#58;//www&#46;skratchers&#46;com/cgi-bin/link&#46;pl?affiliate=134:w0ovfti0]here[/url:w0ovfti0] for more details.]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#161</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:21:28 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re: PITCHING]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=160]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[[quote=&quot;CALHOUN COUNTY CUSTOMS AL&quot;:1gbk20rq]OK WELL IM 12 YEARS OL AND I HAVE BEEN PITCHING FOR 5 YEARS AND I HAVE A SPECIAL TRAINNER WHO TOUGHT ME TO PUT MY FINGERS AROUND THE THE C OF THE SOFTBALL AND IT WILL GIVE GURLS A LOT OF SPEED CAUSE I CAN TROW A BALL 75 MPH[/quote:1gbk20rq]

Honey, you need to push that little orange button in the center of the gun again.  Sounds like you're measuring in kilometers! <!-- s:mrgreen: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mr. Green" /><!-- s:mrgreen: -->]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#160</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:30:47 -0600]]></pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Re:]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://fastpitchdrills.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&p=159]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[[quote=&quot;Guest&quot;:3mwc4ulm]hiii i am 11yrs old and my pitchign coach tells me to practice hard but do not try to over throw the ball and u should go threw all of ur pitches before a game.rite now i am throwing about 58 and i play wit a 16u travel team and a team called total kaos,which is 12u. =)[/i][/quote:3mwc4ulm]


I am calling BS on this one  <!-- s:roll: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" title="Rolling Eyes" /><!-- s:roll: -->]]></description>				
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.fastpitchdrills.com/#159</guid>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:35:34 -0600]]></pubDate>
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