It’s time to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. From now through December 23, we’ll be offering a special deal on one product every day.

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Get two quality pairs of softball pants for less than $30, today only at Softball Sales.

When you buy your first pair of Express Gear women’s softball pants, you can buy the second at half price. And when they already sell for a dirt-cheap $18.99 — it’s a heck of a deal.

But even though these softball pants cost next-to-nothing, you’ll be getting plenty of features.

Such as:

• A low-rise two-inch elastic waistband with “rubber grip” to hold your jersey in place
• Pro style belt loops
• Inset back pockets
• Reinforced double knees for durability

Remember, this deal is valid today only.

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Check back tomorrow to see the next deal in the 12 Days of Christmas.

It’s time to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. From now through December 23, we’ll be offering a special deal on one product every day.

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Need something to carry the softball gear you just bought?

We’ve got you covered.

If you spend $50 at Softball Sales today, we’ll give you a FREE Team Express sack pack bag.

Like a backpack but lighter, this sack pack is perfect for carrying just about anything.

Such as:

• Softballs
• Softball cleats
• Your softball accessories: Batting gloves, sweatbands, rosin, chalk bags, etc.
• Your training gear
• About a million other things

Use it for your schoolbooks or as a travel bag. The bag features a zippered pouch on the front with a holder for your mp3 player, so you no longer have to suffer in silence as you travel with your bag.

You can get this bag for FREE when you buy $50 worth of softball gear at Softball Sales.

But remember, this deal is valid today only.

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Check back tomorrow to see the next deal in the 12 Days of Christmas.

It’s time to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. From now through December 23, we’ll be offering a special deal on one product every day.

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It won’t be long until the snow melts, the days get longer and we’re spending our afternoons out on the diamond.

Softball season is coming up.

That means it’s a perfect to put in the finishing touches on your offseason conditioning. Attack the new season with force and step up your game for the new year.

But when you’re doing your offseason conditioning, there’s no reason to do it in pain.

Do your running in comfort with a pair of Nike Women’s Shox Turbo running shoes. These shoes have some of the best cushioning available in running shoes.

Today only, you can get a pair of Women’s Shox Turbo shoes for $79.99, which is $35 less than the retail price!

With the exclusive Nike Shox padding in the heel, you won’t be having any footaches when you prep for the softball season.

These running shoes also feature a light and breathable mesh, which feels great and will help keep your shoes dry.

Not to mention, they look fantastic.

Remember, the $79.99 deal ends at midnight tonight!

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Check back tomorrow to see the next deal in the 12 Days of Christmas.

It’s time to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. From now through December 23, we’ll be offering a special deal on one product every day.

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It won’t be long until the snow melts, the days get longer and we’re spending our afternoons outside.

Spring is coming up.

That means it’s a perfect to put in the finishing touches on your winter conditioning. Attack the new season with force and step up your game for the new year.

But when you’re doing your winter conditioning, there’s no reason to do it in pain.

Do your running in comfort with a pair of Nike Women’s Shox Turbo running shoes. These shoes have some of the best cushioning available in running shoes.

Today only, you can get a pair of Women’s Shox Turbo shoes for $79.99, which is $35 less than the retail price!

With the exclusive Nike Shox padding in the heel, you won’t be having any footaches when you prep for the spring.

These running shoes also feature a light and breathable mesh, which feels great and will help keep your shoes dry.

Not to mention, they look fantastic.

Remember, the $79.99 deal ends at midnight tonight!

—

Check back tomorrow to see the next deal in the 12 Days of Christmas.

It’s time to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. From now through December 23, we’ll be offering a special deal on one product every day.

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Buy the bat and get the bag for free today only at at Softball Sales.

The 2008 Mendoza -11 fastpitch softball bat from Louisville Slugger is an excellent entry-level softball bat.

With a composite construction of graphite and fiberglass, the Louisville 2008 Mendoza -11 fastpitch bat is built for higher performance than its aluminum counterparts.

This softball bat also features an exclusive Louisville Slugger end cap to reduce vibration and add more power to your swing.

Today only, when you buy the bat, you can get a stylish Louisville Slugger Kozmo equipment bag for free.

Normally retailing for $59.99, this bag can hold up to four softball bats.

It also has a ventilated compartment for your cleats or wet clothes, in addition to two “J” style fence hooks, a cell phone pocket, two additional valuables pockets and a bonus sack pack.

Oh, and by the way, it looks awesome.

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Check back tomorrow to see the next deal in the 12 Days of Christmas.

Below is a handout that I gave to prospective players during an off-season meeting. I drew it up about 6 years ago. Simply, it describes the types of players needed to have a successful program.  I also like to share this at the pre-season parent meeting. I guess it would be similar to the classic, John Wooden “Pyramid of Success”.  The link below has a great printable version of Wooden’s “Pyramid”.

http://www.coachwooden.com/

Bulldog Baseball Player Types

Mountain- a champion, dedicated student, serious about weights, encourages others, involved in other sports, + leader, goes to camps, always relaxed & focused, wants to do extra, bottom line is “will help the team”

Rock- good student, does lift weights, occasional detention for tardy, sometimes satisfied with performance, plays summer ball, could be a leader but sometimes chooses not to be, bottom line is “won’t hurt the team”

Gravel- up & down student, very seldom in the weightroom, In School Suspension, frequent detentions for preventable reasons, leadership is limited to weekend party locations, plays summer ball, bottom line is “if things are going well he’s fine; if things get rough he may jump ship and point fingers”

Dust- MUST BE ELIMINATED, poor student, no weights,  In School Suspension, Out of School Suspension, constant detentions, KO of classes, talks a good game, may be very athletically gifted (not willing to be coached), party scene is central focus, nothing extra beyond the season, bottom line is “he will destroy team concept”

 Where do you fit?

We’ve got a new take on an old Christmas carol.

It’s time for the 12 Days of Christmas.

Instead of French Hens, Turtle Doves and other assorted birds, we’re going to give you want you really want: the best softball gear on the Internet.

Every day, we’ll post a exclusive offer on a piece of softball equipment good for that day only.

You’ll have to act fast to take advantage of the deals.

They won’t be around for long, but the good news is in addition to our daily deal from the 12 Days of Christmas, you can also use the coupon code from the deal of the week to save even more money!

Check back tomorrow to see our first deal.

Related: Get started on your gift giving with our holiday shopping guide.

A pretty simple explanation of how to slide in softball?

Do you agree with his take? Are there any more tips, tricks or pointers to remember when you slide.

Here’s a behind the scenes look at the making of ESPN’s Body Issue, featuring USA Softball players Natasha Watley, Lauren Lappin, Cat Osterman and Jessica Mendoza.

The video also has several other athletes featured in the magazine, some of whom immediately embraced the idea and others who… didn’t.

Related: Check out the USA Softball players in the ESPN Body Issue.

Kaci Clark, who helped pitch UCLA to the 1995 national championship and is now a member of the ProFastpitch X-Treme Tour, talks about some of the “red flags” of developing pitchers.

Make sure to keep your windmill tight and your pitching game in tip-top shape, and check out some of our instructional softball pitching videos.

Related: Check out all of our instructional softball videos.

At first glance, the new DeMarini 2010 Vendetta fastpitch softball bat looks pretty mean.

The sleek orange, red and black graphics on the barrel let you know that this isn’t a bat for people just playing around. While we’re sure you can use it for goofing around in the backyard or low-key beer leagues, this bat is built for big-time fastpitch.

It’s serious business.

Let’s take a look at all the 2010 DeMarini Vendetta has to offer:

• An exclusive SC4 aluminum alloy barrel, specially designed with thin walls to increase the size of the sweet spot and give the DeMarini Vendetta 12% more power than comparable fastpitch bats.
• A two-piece handle construction with a four-piece composite interior, designed to maximize power transfer and minimize bat sting.
• A reinforced frame for improved strength and stiffness.

The DeMarini Vendetta is approved for all levels of play and includes a 12-month limited warranty.

Check out the DeMarini 2010 Vendetta Fastpitch softball bat at Softball Sales.

Related: Browse our entire selection of softball bats.

If there’s one thing we can say about the Team Express Softball Backpack, it’s that it’s deceptively small.

It’s not huge and bulky like so many other equipment bags out there. You won’t need to wrestle it into the dugout, and this softball backpack is not going to take up half of your closet. In fact, at 14″ x 7″ x 19″, it’s downright small.

But don’t let that fool you. This softball backpack can hold a lot of stuff.

Let’s take a look at all of the features:

• Plenty of backpack space for uniforms, batting practice jerseys and accessories.
• Two bat sleeves.
• Two valuables pockets — on the outside and inside
• A water bottle pocket.
• A side pocket for extra storage.
• A special holder for your Mp3 player, and a port hole to feed your headphones through.
• A zipper shoe pocket at the bottom.
• A removable cell phone pocket.
• Team Express pull tabs.
• And an exclusive Team Express luggage tag.

With a rugged ripstop nylon exterior, it can take a pounding. The Team Express Softball Backpack also has oversized, heavy-duty zippers and hardware, because we know you’re going to beat this thing up.

It has a layer of soft foam on the back to protect your back and a hook to hang on chain-link fences.

If that’s not enough, the front pocket is perfect for screenprinting. Personalize it with your team name, your logo, your nickname, your boyfriend’s name — we’ll do it for ya.

Related: Browse our entire selection of softball bags.

Did you miss out on our Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials?

No problem.

We’ve got a deal that’s almost as good, and it’s going all week long. You can get free shipping and 15% off your order at Softball.com through Sunday.

Just enter the coupon code JGEBAQ7 at checkout.

This deal can save you some serious cash. Order $100 worth of softball gear, and you’ll save $15 on the the softball equipment and an additional $14 in shipping.

Ready to get started with your holiday shopping?

Check out our brand-new holiday gift guide! It has tons of suggestions, including the ever-popular Softball Sales gift card.

Get started soon. The deal of the week is only good through Sunday, Dec. 6.

Related: Check out more discounted softball equipment in the discount dugout.

It’s Cyber Monday, which means it’s time for another big coupon code!

Today only: Take 20% off your order and get free shipping. There is no minimum purchase.

Enter the coupon code JGEBAQ4 at checkout.

Related: Save even more money when you do your holiday shopping at the discount dugout.

This drill has three purposes:

1. Get as many ground balls as possible in a 15 minute span
2. Incorporate a cardio conditioning aspect by running the balls to the bucket after successfully fielding it
3. Be a low arm intensity drill (great for mid-season)

 Equipment and personnel needed:

• 2 coaches with fungoes or regular bats
• Line of players at each infield position
• 4 buckets (1 with each coach (2), 2 placed on opposite sides of mound or circle)
• minimum of 50 balls (25 on each side)

Drill Process:

1. Coach #1, standing on the 3rd base side in foul territory, hits a ground ball to a player in the line of 2nd basemen.  That player fields the ball, runs to the bucket on the 1st base side of the mound, drops the ball in the bucket, and then sprints to the end of the line. Without hesitation, Coach #1 hits another ball to a player in the line of 1st basemen.
2. Coach #2 does the same as Coach #1 except he hits to the lines at 3rd base and shortstop.  The only difference is that those players will drop the balls in the bucket on the 3rd base side of the mound.
3. It is important for the coaches to call, “Last ball!!!” when he/she hits the last one in the bucket. That signals the player that fields it to switch buckets. The bucket nearest the mound should now be full. It needs to be carried to the coach. The empty bucket nearest the coach should be taken back to the area near the mound.  The whole process starts over again.

Hints:

• I recommend keeping each line to three or four players at the most.  Any more than that and the players aren’t moving enough to get their heart rates up.
• Be careful that you don’t hit the players that are carrying in buckets.
• Mix up positioning of the coaches. On occasion place one coach at home plate hitting to the corners and the other coach just in front the rubber in order to hit to the middle infielders. This allows the middle infielders to work on double play flips after fielding ground balls (the receiver of the flip runs the ball to the bucket).  It will also allow the corner infielders to work in fielding bunts.
• Make it a game. Each coach starts with the same amount of balls in his/her bucket.  A missed ball stays in the outfield.  After 15 minutes the side of the infield with the most balls left in their bucket wins.
• Have players alternate lines in order to experince new positions.
• Add 10 pushups for those that miss a ground ball.

If you enjoyed this post, you will also enjoy:

http://coach5150.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/team-hitting-drill-the-octopus/

http://coach5150.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/7-point-drill/

In case you missed it earlier this week:

If you’re in the neighborhood, head down to a Softball Sales retail store this Friday.

Shake off the turkey hangover and visit one of our stores in San Antonio or Laurel, Md., to take advantage of some serious Black Friday deals. You can get a Louisville Slugger Omaha Bat — which usually retails for $199.99 — for just $49.98 this Friday.

Get an Accupitch Pitch Trainer — normally $199.99 — for just $24.98!

Here is an e-mail flier with some of the details:

Click for bigger

Both stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit us in San Antonio:
1003 E. Nakoma Ste 104
San Antonio, TX 78216

Or Laurel:
9375 Washington Blvd.
Laurel, Maryland 20723

Related: Didn’t get the flier? Sign up for e-mail updates at the Softball Sales homepage.

We’re giving you our Black Friday coupon code a day early.

It’s good for free shipping and 20% off your order at Softball.com. There is no minimum purchase.

Just enter the coupon code JGEBAP6 at checkout.

Remember, this coupon code is only good on Friday, Nov. 27.

Related: Head over to the Softball Sales homepage to start shopping.

If you’re in the neighborhood, head down to a Softball Sales retail store this Friday.

Shake off the turkey hangover and visit one of our stores in San Antonio or Laurel, Md., to take advantage of some serious Black Friday deals. You can get a Louisville Slugger Omaha Bat — which usually retails for $199.99 — for just $49.98 this Friday.

Get an Accupitch Pitch Trainer — normally $199.99 — for just $24.98!

Here is an e-mail flier with some of the details:

Click for bigger

Both stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit us in San Antonio:
1003 E. Nakoma Ste 104
San Antonio, TX 78216

Or Laurel:
9375 Washington Blvd.
Laurel, Maryland 20723

Related: Didn’t get the flier? Sign up for e-mail updates at the Softball Sales homepage.

The holiday season is creeping closer and closer, which means there is less time for shopping.

Get a head start on your gift giving this week.

For 48 hours only — from today through Tuesday — you can get free shipping and 10% off your order at Softball.com. There is no minimum purchase.

Just enter the coupon code JGEBAN8 at checkout.

Speaking of discounts, the biggest shopping day of the year is coming up at the end of the week. And we’ve got a heck of a Black Friday coupon to pass along to you.

And we’re going to post it a day early.

Check the Softball Sales blog, our Twitter page or our Facebook page to see the coupon code on Thursday.

Related: Get the New York fan in your life some Yankees gear.

“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.”

-H. Jackson Brown Jr. 

The first time I saw this drill, or something similar to it, was in Dixon, IL. My friend Dan Crawford was using it as part of his team’s pre-game routine.  Whiffle balls were flying in every direction. Players were placed all over left field. Jokingly, I said, “Dan, it looks like a octupus exploded out there. What’s going on?” He told me it was a drill.  I liked it so much, that night I scribbled something similar to it on paper.

Equipment needed:

• 1 bucket
• 4 dozen whiffle balls
• 4 bats

Purpose: The purpose of this drill is to get each of your players 24 purposeful swings with in less than 8 minutes. It makes a great pre-game hitting routine. I especially like it on the road.  It also makes a good practice drill when time or space is limited for hitting.  Lastly, it’s a good indoor drill when a cage is not available.

Set up & Grouping: Take your team and divide them into three or four equal groups. I recommend no more than 5 in a group.  4 in each group is just about perfect. Place the bucket of whiffle balls in the center and one group on each side of the bucket. Each group needs a hitter, pitcher, and shaggers.  The hitters are nearest the bucket.  The pitchers are throwing towards the hitters standing by the bucket.

After a hitter gets 6 cuts, he or she rotates to become the pitcher of  his group. The pitcher rotates to shagger. A shagger comes to the bucket and becomes a hitter.  Make one of the groups “the lead group”. When all of the hitters in the lead group have hit, that group yells “ROTATE” and all of the groups rotate clockwise.  It should take a little less than 2 minutes for a group of 4 to hit at each station. Each station has a purpose. See below:

• Station #1: Pulling inside strikes
• Station #2: hitting up the middle
• Station #3: hitting outside strikes
• Station #4: I like to use this one as a wildcard station in order to mix it up.  You can make it a bunting station, top hand drill, 2 strike hitting, etc. Most often, I like to use a paddle drill.

Hints:

• The first time you run the drill, it will take a bit longer than 8 minutes due to explanation. It will get to be more fluid each time the drill is run.
• For younger players, eliminate the rotation. As the coach, call out a new hitting purpose every 2-3 minutes.
• Monitor your pitchers. Make sure that they are throwing the balls hard enough and trying to hit locations.
• Monitor your hitters make sure that they are swinging at strikes. Much to often, when the whiffle balls come out, hitter start swinging at everything.
• Emphasize no pop-ups.
• Make sure your hitters are not getting to close to one another. Safety first

For some quality Friday timewasting, here is another USA Softball video.

We’ve showed you video before of Team USA’s gold-medal game against Australia and its exhibition game against Stratford University.

Here’s another, from USA Softball’s game against Virginia Tech last year. Hokies pitcher Angela Tincher throws a no-hitter in the victory.

It’s in a bunch of parts. Here they are:

We have no idea what they’re saying, but we know this is pretty crazy.

Two-time USA Softball Olympian Michele Smith recently made an appearance on a Japanese TV show.

We’re not sure exactly what’s going on, but it looks like Smith and Japanese Olympic softball pitcher Ueno took turns pitching to various contestants. It runs the gamut from comedians and children to professional baseball players.

Smith currently plays for the Toyota Shokki.

We think if they got a hit, they won some money. But your guess is as good as ours.

Check out the video:

USSSA Florida Pride to be based out of Kissimmee, Fla.

NASHVILLE –- The National Pro Fastpitch League announced today that the USSSA world’s largest amateur sports association has finalized their purchase of an NPF franchise. The USSSA Florida Pride will be at home at the Association headquarters in Kissimmee, Fla.

During the 2009 NPF Season, the USSSA managed the team entity known as the Pride, but yesterday finalized their commitment to women’s professional fastpitch softball by inking the deal. USSSA became involved shortly before the NPF season last year and saw their Pride team go all the way to the finals of the Championship Series, finishing second to the Rockford Thunder.

“The involvement on the ownership level of the USSSA is a game-changer for women’s professional fastpitch softball,” commented NPF Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “For an organization of this size and influence to join the National Pro Fastpitch team is a great day for the future of this game at the professional level.”

The USSSA Pride had a star studded line-up last season that included former Olympians Kelly Kretschman, Caitlin Lowe and Monica Abbott. Kretschman and Abbott both cut their teeth on highly competitive SEC softball, while Lowe was twice an NCAA National Champion at the University of Arizona.

“The USSSA has taken a very important step in the transition from being involved with the NPF and the USSSA Pride as a managing partner to actually owning and operating the team. We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity of managing and running the franchise prior to making the decision to permanently acquire it,” stated Don DeDonatis, Chairman/CEO of the USSSA. “Clearly, I was very impressed with the League and the foundation on which it is built, along with the talented group of players that are playing in the NPF as a whole. Top to bottom it is showcases the best talent in the world,” continued DeDonatis. “The NPF & USSSA are both striving to expand and grow the interest in fastpitch softball. We are very excited and are looking forward to the 2010 season.”

The 2010 NPF Season runs from June 3rd through August 29th. The Season will culminate in the 2010 with its hallmark Championship Series event hosted in Sulphur, La August 26th-29th.

USSSA is headquartered in Kissimmee, Fla. Offering over 13 primary sports programs, including baseball, slow pitch and fastpitch softball and basketball, USSSA has over 3.7 million participants nationwide.

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The League, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL).

Related: Visit the Softball Sales homepage.

Take 20% off any order of $100 or more this week at Baseball Express.

Just enter the coupon code JGEBAN5 at checkout.

Use it to save some serious money.

For example, we ordered $100 worth of stuff: A spray bottle of Rawlings glove oil, some low-rise softball sliding shorts, a Tee Stackers hitting trainer, a mini softball keychain, a Reebok NFL long-sleeved t-shirt, a box of eye black strips, a pair of Mueller Slider G2 batting gloves, a Schutt one size fits all batting helmet and a set of Nike Sparq resistance bands (which we’ll need to build the strength to carry the box inside.)

Our total comes out to $108.90.

But when you enter the coupon code JGEBAN5 at checkout and take 20% off your bill — it shrinks down to $87.12!

Not a bad deal, but it doesn’t last for long. This deal is only good through Saturday.

Related: Save even more money when you shop the Discount Dugout.

Mizuno’s Women’s Finch G4 Molded Cleats are equal parts flashy and functional.

They look great and they play great.

Endorsed by softball queen Jennie Finch, these softball cleats are equipped with Mizuno’s patented 9-Spike configuration, designed to give you the best grip and traction possible on the field.

You’ll be able to take off in a flash and stop on a dime.

Even better, the Finch G4 Molded Cleats are comfortable.

They feature Parallel Wave technology in the midsole, set above a full-length, molded EVA footbed for superior shock absorption and cushion. Not only will it feel great to run, it will reduce the shock and stress on your joints so you’ll have less of a chance of injury.

The upper part of the Finch G4 Molded Cleats is made of synthetic leather to provide excellent ankle support.

Get it in a variety of colors, including our favorite: Flashy red.

(Order the Mizuno Women’s Finch G4 Molded Cleats today and get them shipped to you for FREE. Just enter the coupon code JGEBAN2 at checkout.)

Related: Take a gander at our entire selection of softball cleats.