As URICRA Softball Commissioner, I D Like to Share My Thoughts and Direction for the Program

As URICRA Softball Commissioner, I’d like to share my thoughts and direction for the program.

First and foremost thank you for your time and effort. Our program cannot grow and continue to be successful without the help of volunteers like yourself. Thank you.

URICRA is a recreational league, however, it is the beginning and continuing development of the athletes for our senior high program. URICRAhas reached out to our High School coach, Randy Creen, he is a solid supporter of our program and has offered to help assist to build our program. His top request it to make sure theproper fundamentals are being taught anddeveloped. Proper fielding, throwing and hitting fundamentals are the building blocks of the foundation of creating a positive beginning for each girl. We’ll get girls at different stages but each player deserves our time and commitment of making each one of themthe best player they can be. There are no short cuts, there not easy fixes, but plain old fashion hard work on your part and the girls. No one wants to win more than myself, but we cannot sacrifice taking the easy path to help these girl’s learn the game and have fun.

This is brings me to the first phase. I would like to have coaching clinics. We have access to top level coaching and instructors in the area. I want to give you the tools to help the girls establish the proper fundamentals and not feel you need to do this alone.

I would suggest starting with watching a podcast/you tube called softball fastpich.tv specifically

Episode 242 243 Hitting Clinic part 1 and 2.

Episode 168 Must have Outfield Drills.

Episode 192, 194,195 Base Running.

Episode 236 fielding

Episode 245,246 Organizing Practice

Episode 247, 248 Overlooked fundamental

Second part is to have continual drop in practices after the season. I’d like to add a pitcher/catcher specific practice, hitting and fielding. I haven’t worked out the scheduling yet, but was thinking of hitting

1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 8-?? depending on turn out.

Pee Wee would be tee work, soft toss, and coach pitch

Minor, Major, and Pony

Tee work

Grip

Feet

backside

Soft toss

Grip

Feet

backside

Machine.

4 buckets

Hit a bucket

Ten swings, ten swings top hand, ten bottom hand, and ten swings.

Hit a speed bucket

Situation and bunts

2nd and 4th Saturday

Pitching, Catching, infield, and outfield.

Pitcher Specific

Catcher specific

Fielding.

I feel obligated to address travel ball. We will lose girl’s to travel ball. There will be a few that will want more than we have to offer, and I encourage them to chase that dream. However, I feel if we offer open gyms and drop ins this will fill a need for a majority of the girl’s that want a little more without going “all in” on travel.

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas please contact me.

309-798-3390

There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” Derek Jeter

Thanks,

Gary