CNYFastpitch Class Descriptions
Hitting at CNYFastpitch!
Level 1-5 Hitting Classes are designed with one goal in mind-THE INDIVIDUAL PLAYER. Each level requires a player to meet certain prerequisites to move on to the next level. All softball movements are a “domino effect” of mechanical and/or mental steps. CNYFastpitch will teach an individual player advanced mental and mechanical skills through level specific training, without having to repeat training already learned. Players can enroll into any level specific training they prefer. However, if a player cannot perform Level specific prerequisites, then CNYFastpitch will place that player accordingly. It is highly recommended that players take a very conservative approach to their Level placement-as it is detrimental to confidence when one does not meet expectations. All new players will be required to start in Level 1 and move up according to CNYFastpitch’s recommendation. Many players must repeat classes a couple of times before they are ready to move to the next level. This is a perfectly normal part of the process! There will only be 6 players per class. Classes will fill up quickly! Act now to reserve your spot!
HITTING LEVEL 1-THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SWING (BEGINNER)
Softball athletes will only get so far without proper basic hitting mechanics. Many young athletes gain a false sense of security with their swings by “bullying” the ball through the zone. Unfortunately, this tactic will later be exploited as pitching gets better in more advanced levels of play, often leading to frustration and anxiety in the softball player. The drills presented in this class will focus on the core requirements of a strong fundamental swing while introducing the early principles of the mental approach to hitting. This class is REQUIRED to move on to levels 2-5 of our hitting program.
HITTING LEVEL 1-THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SWING (INTERMEDIATE)
Proper hitting mechanics can quickly be learned but take a lot of time and work to master. This class serves as an extension of Hitting Level I (Beginner) in that it provides those who have recently learned the proper hitting mechanics the opportunity to better tune their recently learned skills. The drills used during this session reinforce the principles needed to develop a strong fundamental swing while challenging the young hitter to rise to a higher level.
HITTING LEVEL 2-DIFFERENT PITCH LOCATIONS
Pitching is a dominating force in the game of softball. Hitters must be capable of handling several different pitch locations in the hitting zone. This cannot be achieved without a thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the swing. This class will focus primarily on pitch recognition and reaction time mechanics. Elementary approaches and adjustments to at-bats and specific pitch counts will also be introduced. Level 2 hitting offers advanced mechanical training that is catered to the individual player’s style, strengths and weaknesses, ability level, and approach.
LEVEL 1 HITTING IS REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN THIS CLASS! 6 players maximum.
HITTING LEVEL 3-TIMING AND RHYTHM
Softball is not a “try harder” sport. Far too often, young athletes are taught to swing as hard as they can when up at the plate only to find the end result to be a weak ground ball or pop-up in the infield. If this is typical of you as a hitter, it is imperative you take this class! You will learn how to stay loose throughout your swing which will ultimately create quicker hands and better bat speed and snap through the zone. We will teach you how to be a looser, more relaxed hitter at the plate. LEVEL 1 HITTING IS REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN THIS CLASS! NO EXCEPTIONS! 6 players maximum.
HITTING LEVEL 4-ADVANCED HITTING DRILLS
Do you feel like you have the basic fundamentals of hitting mastered? If you do, THIS is the class for you! These advanced hitting drills will put your mechanics to the test and offer hitting challenges like you have never seen before! There is no doubt that hitting drills can become monotonous and very boring over time. Due to the level of difficulty, the drills in this class will provide athletes the opportunity to work on the mental and physical aspect of hitting. These drills will force athletes to work through mental barriers by the immense level of difficulty and focus required to execute them successfully. Non-competitive athletes need not apply for this class! Pre-requisites include LEVEL 1 HITTING and an intense desire to be challenged! NO EXCEPTIONS! 6 players maximum.
TRACEY’S 15 WEEK HITTING SCHOOL
Covering the complete hitting curriculum offered at CNYFastpitch, this program is designed for hitters that are ready to commit to making serious and lasting change over the off-season. Hitters will be video taped at the beginning and at the end of the class so they can see the progress they have made throughout the 15 weeks of consistent training. Aside from the physical mechanics of the swing, a tremendous focus will be placed on the mental aspect of hitting which ultimately dictates whether or not an athlete will have on field success. We will work to bridge the gap between those hitters that have success in practice, yet struggle in games. The difference between the practice arena and the performance arena is that in a practice situation, distractions are minimal and real consequences are virtually non-existent, so an athlete can stay relaxed and comfortable. But when an athlete is in actual competition, he or she tends to "try harder", "do more", so that his or her performance becomes studied, mechanical, contrived. "Letting it happen" turns into "forcing it to happen". Getting into the flow, can easily be replaced by doubt, stress, and over thinking. The irony is that our very intention to perform well actually inhibits our performance. Extra effort impedes natural effort, and we find ourselves getting in our own way. The goal of the 15 week hitting school is to train athletes both physically and mentally so they can achieve the highest possible level of success on the softball field. Attendance is critical for this class. Class size will be limited to 6.
TUNE-UP WITH TRACEY
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Do not let your hitting fundamentals rest during the season! Tee work and a focus on the basic fundamentals of the swing is absolutely necessary year round including during the season! Coaches have way too much to get through at practice and often times, the basic fundamentals of the swing are neglected during the competitive softball season. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR SWING! 1 hour a week can make a HUGE difference in your swing and is preventative medicine for mechanical breakdowns that typically occur for most hitters by the end of the season. Don’t wait to have a slump before you check back in with the fundamentals. This class is recommended for ALL hitters. 6 players maximum. Instructed by Tracey Roman. Prior participation in Level 1 hitting, private or team instruction at CNYFastpitch required to take this class
OPEN HITTING TIME WITH TRACEY
This class is run on a weekly basis and will accept 10 participants compared to the 6 player maximum in the level 1-5 classes. You will be put through a hitting circuit and given feedback by Tracey Roman in regards to what you should focus on during the week at your team practices. Hitters will see front toss every session of this class allowing them to work on their decision making skills, along with the timing and rhythm mechanism of their swing. This class concept is designed for players that want to stay on top of their mechanics while being challenged by a competitive hitting circuit. Prior participation in Level 1 hitting, private or team instruction at CNYFastpitch required to take this class. Must call 299-5126 one day prior to register or sign up at the facility.
SLAPHITTING-THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SLAPPING
Often times, slap hitters start out by mimicking someone they’ve seen slap hit in a game without any type of formal instruction. This 6-week class is for slaphitters ONLY! This course will educate these “specialized” softball players into recognizing and understanding their role on the team and work on drills that will make them highly successful in that role. Athletes will learn how to be explosive out of the box, while using different techniques to place the ball successfully in various locations on the field. Speed kills…let us show you how! 6 kids maximum per class.
SOFTHANDS FIELDING & THROWING
A big part of the game of softball is having the ability to stay loose under pressure. This high paced class will give athletes 100’s of ground balls to field per hour, and break down the mechanics of the throw. Class curriculum includes learning how to charge the ball, cut quickly in different directions, all while staying composed and under control. This class will also have a strong focus on throwing and arm maintenance. Arm injuries are the #1 leading injury among softball athletes. Many of these injuries could be prevented if proper mechanics are taught at a young age. This class will address proper arm maintenance along with strengthening exercises specifically for the fragile shoulder girdle. It doesn’t matter if you are 8 or 18, this class will kick your butt!!!
THROWING MAKEOVER CLASS
This class should be mandatory for EVERY player at least once a year! Pitchers practice throughout the year mastering different pitches and consistently hitting their spots, yet overhand throwing remains under stressed. DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOUR ARM HURTS TO WORK ON YOUR THROW! This mistake can end careers or make playing the game more painful than it needs to be. This class focuses EXCLUSIVELY on proper overhand throwing mechanics. Thera-band exercises will be introduced to strengthen the fragile shoulder girdle. Strongly recommended for ALL age groups.
CATCHER’S ONLY PLEASE
The only workout most catcher’s get in practice is with their pitcher, with the focus typically being on the pitcher. This class focuses on framing pitches, getting rid of the ball quickly, blocking, and becoming an explosive leader behind the plate. This one hour session will spend time on catching skills and position specific strength and conditioning exercises. Catchers must supply their own equipment. Be prepared to work hard in this class!
SOFTBALL PITCHING BASICS (BEGINNING PITCHERS)
This class focuses on the beginning fundamentals of pitching for pitchers in the first 1-2 years of pitching. We will work on beginning drills to help compliment the overall fundamentals of the fast-pitch mechanics in order to create the proper “muscle-memory.” As pitchers, it is important to begin by focusing on mechanics so that we can progress and keep getting better without injuries or improper mechanics that may hold us back. This class will provide drills that the girls can do at home individually so that they can work on becoming the best pitches they can be. NO CATCHERS NECESSARY!
BACK TO BASICS (INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED PITCHERS)
Has your child hit a plateau because their mechanics are holding them back? Do they have a flaw that is causing pain or have they lost control of their pitches? This is the class for you. We go back and break down the mechanics of the motion. Through video analysis I will record their motion during the first class and create drills for them to work on, both at the class and during the week when we are not meeting. By the end of the class the girls will begin developing the correct muscle-memory and have drills that can correct it. The more they work on the correct mechanics the good muscle-memory will feel like second nature to them. Then, when the begin doing something incorrect, they will know how to fix it through the drills that I provide. By the end of the class sessions they will receive their video from the first day and the progress we have made. I will also provide detailed drills for the girls to continue to work on to keep their good muscle-memory in line. CATCHERS REQUIRED!
PITCHING SHAPE (ADVANCED PITCHERS)
Do you want to get in great pitching shape and condition? Well, this is the class for you. This class is a pitcher’s conditioning boot camp focusing on pitcher specific training that will get them in the best shape of their lives. The conditioning workouts will consist of actually throwing the ball and actions that will promote great pitching strength in the motion without throwing.
**Note: This class will be held during the next session as an extension to this class called Pitching Shape II. In order to take this class you must be enrolled in this one to get in the appropriate shape to participate in the intense class. NO CATCHERS NECESSARY!
CONQUERING THE CURVE (ADVANCED PITCHERS)
Most pitchers believe that throwing a pitch means moving their arm in a certain direction to it to where they want the ball to go. That is only a small amount of the throwing a pitch. You have to get the ball spinning in order for it to actually get movement and fool the hitters. This class is for girls that want to learn a true curveball with break. During this class girls will begin learning how to throw the curveball. During the first class I will begin teaching the girls how to use their fingers to spin the ball (what makes the ball move/break). We will break down the motion to throw the curveball correctly. Learning a spin pitch takes time so each week we will have a different focus. By the end of the class we should make it to full motion and try to throw the pitch. Now, this takes practice outside of class as well. I will give drills each week to work on so that we can progress. At the end of the class the girls will receive information on curve specific drills and a video to know exactly what it should look like when thrown.
Just a reminder: You need to be patient when learning a NEW pitch. Learning to spin a ball is difficult and takes a lot of time and practice. If by the class you feel you need more work on the pitch I will be holding a new session for the curve at the end of this one. Girls that have taken the class prior will begin where they left off. **Note: You must take the curve class in order to take the rise-ball class being offered next session. CATCHERS REQUIRED!
OPEN PITCHING TIME WITH KIM
This class is designed for athletes that are looking for a little extra throwing time, with some “less structured” assistance. These sessions are paid for as you go, but you must call to reserve your spot at least a day ahead of time as space is limited to seven pitchers. Kim will help identify any immediate concerns that may be problematic with your pitching motion but will not be teaching any formalized agenda of instruction during the hour. These sessions are targeted for pitchers who need throwing time and tweaking here and there. Call 299-5126 to reserve your spot, or sign up at the facility weekly.
