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The first version of softball was was invented in Chicago Illinois on Thanksgiving Day, 1887 by George Hancock as a winter version of baseball. It was intended to be a way for baseball players to keep in shape and to practice during the winter. At the time, the sport was called "Indoor Baseball". Invented by George Hancock used a 17 inch ball it originated from indoor baseball
Julliard School of Performing Arts/ Julliard and Harvard alumni had gathered at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago to hear the score of the annual football game. When the score was announced and bets were paid, a Yale alumnus threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The other person grabbed a stick and swung at it. Hancock called "Play ball!" and the game began. Hancock took a boxing glove and tied it into a ball. A broom handle was used as a bat. The first softball game ended with a score of 44-40. The ball, being soft, was fielded barehanded rather than with gloves like those which had been introduced to baseball in 1882. Hancock developed a ball and an undersized bat in the next week. The Farragut Club soon set rules for the game, which spread quickly to outsiders. The game, under the name of "Indoor-Outdoor", was moved outside next year, and the first rules were published in 1889.
In 1895 Lewis Rober, Sr. of Minneapolis organized outdoor games as exercise for firefighters; this game was known as kitten ball (after the first team to play it), pumpkin ball, or diamond ball. Rober's version of the game used a ball 12 inches (305 mm) in circumference, rather than the 16-inch (406 mm) ball used by the Farragut club, and eventually the Minneapolis ball prevailed, although the dimensions of the Minneapolis diamond were passed over in favor of the dimensions of the Chicago one. Rober may not have been familiar with the Farragut Club rules. The first softball league outside the United States was organized in Toronto in 1897.
The name "softball" dates back to 1926. The name was coined by Walter Hakanson of the YMCA at a meeting of the National Recreation Congress. (In addition to "indoor baseball", "kitten ball", and "diamond ball", names for the game included "mush ball", "pumpkin ball," and "cabbage ball".) The name softball had spread across the United States by 1930. By the 1930s, similar sports with different rules and names were being played all over the United States and Canada. The formation of the Joint Rules Committee on Softball in 1934 standardized the rules and naming throughout the United States.
Sixteen-inch softball, also sometimes referred to as "mush ball" or "super-slow pitch", is a direct descendant of Hancock's original game. Defensive players are not allowed to wear fielding gloves; however, a 16-inch softball is actually soft, and can be fielded safely with bare hands. Sixteen-inch softball is played extensively in Chicago and New Orleans. In New Orleans, sixteen-inch softball is called "Cabbage Ball" and is a popular team sport in area elementary and high schools.
By the 1940s, fast pitching began to dominate the game. Although slow pitch was present at the 1933 World's Fair, the main course of action taken was to lengthen the pitching distance. Slow pitch achieved formal recognition in 1953 when it was added to the program of the Amateur Softball Association, and within a decade had surpassed fast pitch in popularity.
Softball was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1972 when the movie A Touch of Class was being filmed in London. The first British women's softball league was established in 1983.
In 1977, the American Professional Slow Pitch League (APSPL) became the first of three men's professional softball leagues to play between 1977 and 1982. The Detroit Caesars were the first team to win a professional softball World Series.
In 1991, women's fast-pitch softball was selected to debut at the 1996 Summer Olympics. The 1996 Olympics also marked a key era in the introduction of technology in softball; the IOC funded a landmark biomechanical study on pitching during the games.
In 2002, sixteen-inch slow pitch was written out of the ISF official rules, although it is still played extensively in the United States under The Amateur Softball Association of America, or ASA rules.
The 117th meeting of the International Olympic Committee, held in Singapore in July 2005, voted to drop softball and baseball as Olympic sports for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
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.
with John Tschida, University of St. Thomas Head Coach; All-time winningest Division III coach with a career record of 573-98, 3x national championship coach, 2x NFCA Division III National Coach of the Year
Develop better control and more explosion in your pitchers.
This extensive library of pitching drills features more than 90 exercises from three-time national championship coach - John Tschida. Coach Tschida demonstrates drills that will help you work with your players to correct common mistakes in their pitching form to develop effective throws.
Starting with wrist snaps to build the throwing motion, Tschida demonstrates drills that encourage your players to maintain a loose wrist and loose arm. These drills will eliminate restrictions in your pitchers delivery, which will give you top velocity. Tschida moves to drills that will help keep your players balanced and develop a consistent stride to maximize the effectiveness of their pitches.
From there, Tschida shares drills that focus on the rotational part of the pitching motion and the follow through that work on finishing off pitches properly. Tschida closes with drills to increase velocity and build control. He also includes some competitive drills that bring all of the elements together and force your players to focus on the entire motion to throw a quality pitch.
Many of these drills presented provide your payers with immediate feedback so they can adjust their mechanics as needed. With these drills you will be able to work with your players to develop their pitching mechanics and fundamentals.
Featuring: Mike Candrea, Head Coach of the USA Softball Womens National Team
How does the USA National Team hone thier defensive skills? We'll show you. In this volume, you'll see how the team prepares to defend against the best players in the world. With thier gloves, arms and voices, you'll see how each player is in tune with their teammates, and learn the proper techniques to make the tough plays and execute an error-free defense.
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.
with Donna Bonebrake, former Assistant Coach, Indiana University
Coach Bonebrake presents an in-depth hitting video, and has players demonstrate 25 drills to improve all areas of hitting. Areas discussed include stride, pivot, proper swing, balance, strong finishing with the hands, and hitting different pitch locations. Drills are demonstrated to improve techniques in all areas and include soft-toss drills and drills using the T.
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.
with Patty Gasso, University of Oklahoma Head Coach; 2000 National Champions, 3X Big 12 Coach of the Year
Patty Gasso loves coaching defense and believes that championships are won with great defensive effort. And, good team defense will lead to a high level of confidence. In this excellent clinic-setting presentation, Coach Gasso takes a detailed look at positioning for all infielders to successfully defend against slap hitters. The player with the most responsibilities in Gasso's system is the second baseman. Key strategies discussed are the Boomer play, bunt coverage and double plays. Gasso includes a number of situational drills that focus on throwing/quick release and accuracy. In addition, Gasso covers some of her favorite team building strategies.
with Tim Walton, University of Florida Head Coach; 2009 Women's College World Series runner-up; 2009 & 2008 SEC Coach of the Year; 2008 Women's College World Series semifinalists
Coach Walton knows how to maximize his fielders' performance and has a record setting 70-win season to prove it. With the help of his Assistant Coach Jenny Gladding, Walton shows you an extensive list of drills they use to get the most out of their infield and outfield. Ground balls, short hops, double plays, bunts, plays at the plate, deep fly balls, drop steps and plays off the wall are just some of the skills and exercises Walton delivers. He also covers the importance of good communication, working with other fielders, getting every player involved and being prepared for any defensive situation. A great team starts with a great defense, so prepare your team with these proven drills.
The Little Things that Win! Infield Fundamentals, Footwork and Drills
with Eugene Lenti, DePaul University Head Coach; Coach Lenti ranks 10th all-time among DI coaches with 983 wins, and is a 2008 inductee to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Before hitting the field for practice, Coach Lenti lets players know that practice is done at game speed. In this clinic-setting presentation, Lenti begins with the proper throwing grip as well as correct fielding technique and footwork. From there he moves into special tosses and flips, including backhand flips and the underhand toss. Lenti believes that situations must be worked on each day - he includes the pitchers' technique to execute a 1-2-3 double play. Lenti demonstrates a number of his favorite drills to use during practice. He also talks about the importance of the mental side of the game to good defensive teams.
52 minutes. 2008.
The Little Things that Win! Diving, Outfield Drills and Bunting
with Eugene Lenti, DePaul University Head Coach; Coach Lenti ranks 10th all-time among DI coaches with 983 wins, and is a 2008 inductee to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Three essential skills of defensive softball - diving, bunting and outfield drills - are presented by Coach Lenti in this excellent clinic-setting session. In the diving segment, Lenti discusses diving "rules," fundamentals, techniques, pre-game preparation and more. Coach Lenti explains a dozen drills that prepare athletes for competition. Lenti's third part is devoted to bunting - keeping the ball fair and squaring up to the ball are fundamentals touched on by Lenti. He also explains in detail the sacrifice, push and drag bunts as methods of advancing runners.
62 minutes. 2008.
See all the items in this series!
The Little Things that Win! Infield Fundamentals, Footwork and Drills
The Little Things that Win! Diving, Outfield Drills and Bunting
with Eugene Lenti, DePaul University Head Coach; Coach Lenti ranks 10th all-time among DI coaches with 983 wins, and is a 2008 inductee to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Before hitting the field for practice, Coach Lenti lets players know that practice is done at game speed. In this clinic-setting presentation, Lenti begins with the proper throwing grip as well as correct fielding technique and footwork. From there he moves into special tosses and flips, including backhand flips and the underhand toss. Lenti believes that situations must be worked on each day - he includes the pitchers' technique to execute a 1-2-3 double play. Lenti demonstrates a number of his favorite drills to use during practice. He also talks about the importance of the mental side of the game to good defensive teams.
with Diane Stephenson, former Head Coach, Indiana University
Coach Stephenson covers two important defensive areas: Throwing techniques and outfield play. In the throwing techniques segment, Stephenson covers the important fundamental areas of throwing from the young player to the collegiate player. The drills included will help teach the techniques she discusses. In her discussion of outfield play, Stephenson demonstrates angles to the ball, charging the ball, the use of crow hops to generate power behind the throw, fielding balls hit on the ground, catching fly balls near the fence, and when balls are hit in the sun.
Featuring: Mike Candrea, Head Coach of the USA Softball Womens National Team Andrea Duran,Infielder for the World Champion Women's National Team and NCAA Division 1 All-American
Follow these tips from legendary head coach Mike Candrea as he guides you through the keys to becoming a better hitter. Nothing makes a player better than hard work. Candrea's pilosophy on hitting has been proven successful at every level of softball from the youth ranks to college and all the way to the Olympic podium.
with Linda Wells, former Arizona State University Head Softball Coach, Dutch National Softball Team Coach (2008 OlympicS), 2004 Head Olympic Coach - Greek National Team
Add or develop a dynamic component of your offense by utilizing and maximizing the slap-hitter. Coach Wells, with over 900 wins, has developed lethal offensive teams and has successfully utilized the slap-hitter as an offensive threat. In this video, Coach Wells has a former player and slap hitting specialist demonstrate and explain what it takes to become a successful slap hitter. They first discuss the process of converting and developing a slap hitter, advantages of slap hitting, and bat selection for slap hitters. Next, they discuss and demonstrate the sequencing of slap hitting by walking through the box positions, footwork, hand motion, body movement, types of slaps, making adjustments, and utilizing the fake slap and bunts. Coach Wells then shares multiple progression drills to develop and perfect the mechanics and timing of slap hitting using tee work, toss drills, and pitching machines. Slap hitters will learn how to effectively read the defense, gain bat control, put the ball down, and get down the line for team success!
with Ricci Woodard, Southwest Texas State University
During the 2001 season, her first at Southwest Texas State, Ricci Woodard led the Bobcats to their best record in school history and a number 17 ranking nationally. In this video, Woodard unveils her techniques for slap hitting and shares important tips on other areas of hitting. For coaching the slappers, she focuses on placement of the hitter in the batter's box, hand placement on the bat, footwork, and getting out of the box. She includes five essential drills for teaching a slap hitter and perfecting these techniques. In the bonus hitting techniques section, Woodard zeroes in on the point of contact and the stride as the keys to driving the ball. Seven great drills bring these techniques into focus. Using these same hitting techniques, the 2002 Bobcats set the NCAA single game home run record hitting eight home runs in one game!
Featuring: Mike Candrea, Head Coach of the USA Softball Womens National Team
Cat Osterman, Pitcher for the World Championship Women's National Team and one of only two NCAA pitchers ever to throw more than 2,000 strickouts
You'd be hard pressed to find a better softball picher than Cat Osterman. This Olympic gold medalist owns four of the top six seasons for the NCAA's best strikeout ratio. In this DVD, Cat shows you how she became an elite player and shares what you can do to train like a champion and improve your pitching.
