Paul Petricca draws on his experience as a coach, player, blogger, and student of baseball and softball to share what hes learned about hitting in this essential guide for players seeking dramatic results at the plate. The author presents easy to understand hitting mechanics highlighting how the engineering concept of torque can be applied to hitting and is often the difference between a weak groundball or a long home run. Topics covered include understanding where hitting power really comes from and the importance of increasing bat speed through the fundamentals of a repeatable and powerful rotational swing. Hitters of all ages who adopt his eight hitting keys will enjoy a dramatic increase in bat speed and power almost immediately. Hitting with Torque is more than a set of hitting mechanics---its a mindset. Readers will be challenged to look past the worn-out hitting theories and myths that have been holding back hitters from reaching their full potential. With an open mind and practice, all hitters can unlock the power and consistency that is Hitting with Torque.

Improve your play at the plate, on the base paths, and in the field by mastering the essentials of the game. Softball: Steps to Success offers a comprehensive, progressive approach that combines in-depth instruction, crisp illustrations, and 127 drills. Any player can become fundamentally sound and be ready to take the field. You'll find detailed instruction on every individual skill necessary for success in the game: catching, throwing, fielding, pitching, hitting, and baserunning. This updated edition also includes these features: -Responsibilities of each position on the field and every batter in the lineup -Offensive and defensive tactics for specific game situations -Emphasis on the short game, covering five types of bunts and the running slap hit -An expanded section on pitching that includes seven types of pitches for modified-pitch, slow-pitch, and fastpitch games -Skill-development drills with assessment scoring systems to gauge progress along the way Hits, runs, putouts, and double plays are at your fingertips. With Softball: Steps to Success, part of the popular Steps to Success Series that has sold more than 1.5 million copies, your performance on the diamond will shine.

Offers an introduction to the history, techniques, equipment, and rules of softball.

Discusses the two types of softball, how the game is played, the rules, equipment, and safety.

The first softball game was played in 1887, and while it didn’t even include a ball, this sport has been gaining in popularity ever since. This instructive book teaches readers the basics of the fast-pitch game, including the differences between it and slow-pitch ball. Readers will learn all about rules, equipment, field positions, and more. Handy tips will help players play their best game. Featured players in fast-pitch offer insights for anyone, whether they just want to read about the game or are eager to get out on the field and into the game.

SWAG 101 by Rob Crews "The trajectory of learning has changed, therefore the trajectory of teaching must change as well. Be innovative in player development." "I love talking the game with Rob Crews, especially when you talk about hitters. The insight that Rob has given me when it comes down to his perspective on hitting has been very beneficial to me as a hitting coach. You are not going to find another hitting coach as passionate as Coach Crews." -TIM WALTON Head Coach, University of Florida Softball "Rob breaks down teaching and learning not only for athletes but for the common everyday citizen. I recommend SWAG 101 to everyone interested in becoming more knowledgeable of the teaching and learning process no matter your intelligence level." -ORV FRANCHUK Hitting Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers "SWAG 101 teaches hitting and the mental game from a player's perspective. His innovative ideas and strategies are straight forward and keep the game simple. I'm proud to call Rob a teacher and a friend." -HOWARD DOBSON Hitting Coach LSU, Team USA Softball "This book is an absolute must read for those players aspiring to reach the top level game! SWAG - the secret weapon all great hitters possess but are reluctant to share." -LAUREN GIBSON 2013 SEC Player of the Year, Team USA Softball "Rob knows hitting and more importantly he knows hitters. In SWAG 101, hitters learn to know themselves through his teachings - perhaps the most critical piece to the performance puzzle." -KRIS HERMAN Head Cpach, Williams College Softball "The book does a great job of tying in the various components of learning and how important each aspect is to an athlete in their own development. Rob is world class when it comes to showing the countless ways there are for an athlete to improve -not just with the physical, but more importantly the mental facet." -MIKE STEUERWALD Head Coach, Chicago Bandits, NPF The bottom line is most athletes with great swings and great form, aren't even that good! So what makes them good? SWAG 101 is about Invisible Mechanics -the mechanics that we can't see. What goes on under the hood. Most of which precedes the swing. Its about perception. Organzing your thoughts. In this book, the author digs deeper into the athlete's operating system. Invisible Mechanics is the brain working together with the eyes to create a faster, more efficient response from the body. The COMPLETE GAME instructional model, as narrated by Rob Crews, combines mind/body research outlining and how effective teaching is continuing to evolve.

Step to the plate and swing for the fences! Softball has grown from a spontaneous game to serious business. What began as an indoor ballgame is now one of the most popular women’s sports. Stars like Joan Joyce and Jennie Finch helped it get there. Now players such as Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott are leading the charge. Grab a ball, bat, and glove and get ready to join them! The history, the rules, and the heroines: these nonfiction accounts of women's sports relate the interesting insights of each sport, including the rules, game play, and standout athletes. Girls looking for role models as well as the "hows and whys" of their favorite game will find the answers in these fresh, accessible titles. Part history, part biography, and part instruction, Girls Play to Win allows readers to access "everything they want to know" about the game. More than an introduction, this series takes what is likely an existing interest and allows the reader to delve deeper. Content consultants are real-world experts that include Olympic athletes and coaches. Library Media Connection's Editor's Choice

This book looks back at the great sporting moments in the history of baseball and softball to celebrate their return to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

It's the biggest game of their lives--and only one can win Liam and Carter's teams are on the verge of winning the greatest championship of all: the Little League Baseball World Series. Cousins and best friends who grew up playing baseball together, Liam and Carter must now play against each other to achieve their dreams of winning the Series title! One cousin will win, and the other will lose.

The road to a championship season begins long before the first pitch of the opening game. It begins before a player even steps onto the field. In Practice Perfect Softball, the game’s premier coaches share their approaches, experiences, and philosophies of every aspect of practice. This authoritative guide goes beyond the stretches and drills, straight to the heart of winning—effort and attitude. From structuring sessions to evaluating practice performance, you’ll find proven and practical recommendations from the all-star lineup of contributors: • Julie Lenhart • Rachel Hanson • Beverly Smith • Rachel Lawson • Lisa (Sweeney) Van Ackeren • Dot Richardson • Ken Eriksen • Connie Clark • Celeste Knierim • Bill Gray and Melissa Chmielewski • Lonni Alameda • Jo Evans • Jen McIntyre • Donna Papa • JoAnne Graf (editor) Inside, you’ll identify and establish practice ethics; assess team strengths; and develop players’ skills in the field, on the mound, and at the plate. Developed by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, Practice Perfect Softball is your guide to developing champions on and off the field.