ChicaSoftball.com

There's two pieces to Softball, Batting (offense) and  Fielding (defense) Everyone has their strengths and preferences in softball. Yet it is important to have a good understanding and the ability to execute both. For softball players with many years of experience there are minor aspects to batting which gives you greater power, and a higher chance of hitting the ball more consistently. Batting Position : Stand in the batter's box with your feet shoulder-width apart . Your knees should be slightly bent , your body relaxed , and your weight balanced . Keep your dominant hand lower on the bat handle and the other higher up touching each other. Your grip needs to be firm but don't squeeze the bat too hard. Eye on the Pitcher : Keep your eyes focused on the pitcher. This allows you to track the ball from the moment it leaves the pitcher's hand until it reaches the hitting zone. Keep your back shoulder high (seen below), this prevents your ball from being a "pop-u...

You are the Pitcher. This is one of the most crucial positions in defense, as well as the most physically taxing. These positions take years of practice and dedication. If you choose this position, you are likely going to dedicate your softball career to pitching. The pitcher is a leader on the field and plays a significant role in team dynamics. Your mentality on the field has immense effect on the game. There will be many moments when you, the pitcher, will be in high pressure situations. Runners on base and the deafening cheers from the opposing team in your ears. It is your job internally to maintain composure , confidence , and focus on the batter. As a pitcher, you are a strategist . Working with your coach and catcher to execute your pitches in the correct locations. You need to have a variety of pitches such as fastballs, change-ups, rise balls, drop balls (curveballs and screwballs are used less). Mastering different pitch types with good control is crucial. In a regular ...

Softball in Spain? In October 2023, I chose to come to Valencia, Spain because I wanted a new adventure. I had lived in the province of La Rioja two years ago and fell in love with the country and with a man who lived in the capital of Logroño.  We tried a year of long distance while I was back in the States, but eventually between work, love, and the distance, it became too much. I wanted to explore my early twenties in Europe, not behind a computer screen.  I applied for the same exchange program known as NALCAP, it's a perfect way to gain an 8 month student visa to the Spanish province of your choice. Then I came to Valencia, situated in the south of Spain on the coast of Mediterranean Sea. My boyfriend and I discovered that you can play softball in Valencia, not just for fun, but real competitive fastpitch. Valencia had two leagues at the highest division of Spain, this was a fantastic surprise. Since I was 6 years old, I have played softball in California. In America it i...