with Jacquie Joseph,
Head Coach, Michigan State University;
2003 Big Ten Coach of the Year

Coach Joseph gives a detailed account of what it takes to play the catching position. She covers the important characteristics and skills needed to be a successful catcher. Areas covered and demonstrated include throwing mechanics, framing pitches, blocking pitches, picking off runners, and fielding drills covering pop-ups, bunts, wild pitches, double play, and tag coverage.

27 minutes. 2000.

This item also belongs to the following series!

• Softball Drills Series

with Linda Wells,
former Arizona State University Head Softball Coach,
Dutch National Softball Team Coach (2008 OlympicS),
2004 Head Olympic Coach - Greek National Team

Catching is one of the most important positions on the softball field. In one of the best video presentations on the position you will ever see, Coach Wells shares every facet of how to develop your catcher into the leader they need to be. Coach Wells covers all aspects of the catcher position, beginning with equipment and basics of calling pitches, then blocking pitches, framing pitches, snap throws, pitch outs and intentional walks. Wells works into more complex situations - covering of 1st and 3rd situations, defensive coverage, and slap hitting defenses. Applying tags, backing up bases, and communicating with the defense are all also covered in detail. An excellent video appropriate for any player or coach at any level looking for an instructional video that covers every aspect of catching.

70 minutes. 2003.

This item also belongs to the following series!

• Linda Wells 3-Pack

with Carol Bruggeman,
University of Louisville Associate Head Coach;
2X Big East Champions;
2006 Big East Conference coaching staff of the year;
former Purdue University Head Coach

In this comprehensive video, Bruggeman explains and demonstrates the basic positioning for each player on the softball field. She demonstrates the correct ready position for both the middle infielders and corner positions. In addition, Bruggeman highlights the importance of good footwork, good throwing technique, and proper base positioning. She demonstrates footwork for the cross over and drop step along with correct positioning at the bases for force plays and tag outs.

45 minutes. 2001.

with Karen Linder,
Head Coach, Kent State University,
2X MAC Champions; 2X MAC Coach of the Year;
over 600 career victories

This video examines techniques to create offensive production. Linder explains what it takes to develop an offensive philosophy, how to put together a strong line-up and how to use a sign system. She discusses and demonstrates offensive strategies like: bunt and slap strategies, stealing, and base running which will help your team put more runs on the scoreboard. Linder also includes methods for getting the most out of your players in practice.

2001. 55 minutes.

with Henry Christowski,
Head Coach, Simpson College, NCAA Division III National Champs 1997, 1999

As a former high school coach and now one of the most successful Division III Coaches, Christowski knows all of the key foundations to developing a successful pitcher. This video provides the young pitcher with step-by-step instruction on the importance of ball size, grip, wrist snap, release, stride and footwork. He also discusses foot placement on the pitching rubber, presentation of the softball, weight transfer and the delivery.

2001.40 minutes.

with Henry Christowski,
Head Coach, Simpson College, NCAA Division III National Champs 1997, 1999

Henry Christowski was once a catcher himself and has successfully coached the position at both the high school and college level. He explains all the basics of this critical position such as the importance of protective equipment, the strength and accuracy in a catcher's arm, gripping the ball, releasing the ball and the follow through, how to frame the pitch, blocking the pitch in the dirt, catching pop flies, how to handle runners on base, fielding bunts, dropped third strikes, plays at home plate and wild pitches. Finally, he covers other important areas such as the stance behind the plate and which stance to use based on the situation.

2001. 40 minutes.

with Carol Bruggeman,
University of Louisville Associate Head Coach;
2X Big East Champions;
2006 Big East Conference coaching staff of the year;
former Purdue University Head Coach

Carol Bruggeman, whose teams are known for their aggressive and assertive play, explains the importance of good baserunning and proper sliding technique. She demonstrates drills for proper running form, how to get out of the batter's box, lead-offs, turns at the bases, tagging up and sliding. Bruggeman also explains proper technique for the straight in, pop up, hook and headfirst slides, and shows drills for each type of slide.

35 minutes. 2001.

with Donna Bonebrake,
former Assistant Coach, Indiana University

Bonebrake explains and demonstrates proper overhand throwing and catching techniques. She covers the proper grip, wrist snap, release and follow through. She demonstrates proper catching techniques and explains the importance of proper footwork, use of two hands, and catching above the waist and below the waist. Bonebrake also discusses how to alleviate the fear factor of catching a thrown ball. This video also includes demonstrations of more than a dozen drills for all aspects of throwing and catching.

2001. 40 minutes.

with Karen Linder,
Head Coach, Kent State University,
2X MAC Champions; 2X MAC Coach of the Year;
over 600 career victories

Linder breaks down the mechanics of the swing into three categories: lower body, upper body and head/eyes. The lower body consists of the stance, load, stride and pivot. The head and eyes consists of stillness and a focal point. The upper body consists of bat position, the load, swing, pivot, extension and the follow through. She explains and demonstrates the different pitch locations and how to make the necessary adjustments to hit the pitch. Includes dry swing, tee and soft toss drills.

2001. 46 minutes.

with Karen Linder,
Head Coach, Kent State University,
2X MAC Champions; 2X MAC Coach of the Year;
over 600 career victories

In this video, Linder details what it takes to develop a defensive system that fits your team. She diagrams and demonstrates all the possible bunt coverages, steal defenses, and 1st & 3rd base defenses. She discusses passed balls, fly ball priorities and relays. All demonstrations and drills are shown clearly using youth softball players.

2001. 40 minutes.

See all the items in this series!

• Defensive Positioning for Infielders and Outfielders
• Team Offensive Strategies
• The Complete Guide to Beginning Pitching
• The Complete Guide to Beginning Catching
• Baserunning, Stealing and Sliding
• Essentials of Throwing and Catching
• Hitting Drills and Mechanics
• Team Defensive Strategies

with Linda Wells,
former Arizona State University Head Softball Coach,
Dutch National Softball Team Coach (2008 OlympicS),
2004 Head Olympic Coach - Greek National Team

The pitcher/catcher duo is the most important defensive aspect in softball and requires great communication to function successfully. Coach Linda Wells, along with Stacey Farnworth (assistant coach, former Sun Devil player, and starting catcher for the 2004 Greek Olympic Team) give an in-depth presentation on catchers calling the game. Coach Wells begins by discussing the main requirements for both pitchers and catchers to effectively work together. They discuss in detail how to understand and manage the strike zones, multiple factors to consider in pitch selection, identifying and knowing pitcher and hitter strengths and weaknesses, and calling signals. In addition, Coach Wells shares how to enhance the progress of a young catcher and maximize their ability and skill level. She also shares foundational principles that should be applied between any pitcher and catcher, as well as how to study pitchers and hitters using pitching charts. This video clearly defines the role of the catcher in calling the game and how to create a dynamic pitcher/catcher relationship!

59 minutes. 2005.

featuring Ken Eriksen, former assistant coach of the USA Softball Women's National Team

The catcher's position is arguably the most important position on the field in fast pitch softball, and by following Coach Eriksen's trademarked tips, you will be on your way towards anchoring your team's success.

30 minutes. 2008.

This item also belongs to the following series!

• 2008 USA Softball Series

with Henry Christowski,
Head Coach, Simpson College, NCAA Division III National Champs 1997, 1999

Henry Christowski was once a catcher himself and has successfully coached the position at both the high school and college level. He explains all the basics of this critical position such as the importance of protective equipment, the strength and accuracy in a catcher's arm, gripping the ball, releasing the ball and the follow through, how to frame the pitch, blocking the pitch in the dirt, catching pop flies, how to handle runners on base, fielding bunts, dropped third strikes, plays at home plate and wild pitches. Finally, he covers other important areas such as the stance behind the plate and which stance to use based on the situation.

2001. 40 minutes.

This item also belongs to the following series!

• Foundations for Successful Softball Series