CANORA – “Hopefully the players will have fun, and learn some useful softball skills,” said Zara Dickson.
Instructors Dickson and Ainsley Bryka led the 36 girls registered through all aspects of the game at the Softball Sask Basic Skills Camp held in Canora on May 23.
Players from Canora, Preeceville, Sturgis, Norquay, Kamsack and Yorkton were split into two groups. They younger group, with players in the U9 to U13 age group, were instructed by Bryka, presently in Grade 11 in Yorkton with experience at the provincial softball level in multiple age groups.
Dickson, a former member of the University of Regina Cougars softball team, was the leader of the U15 to U19 players.
Assisting the instructors during the day were adult helpers Neil Abrahamson, Brigitte Herriges, Tara Romanchuk, and Chris Simon.
Dickson emphasized the importance of stretching, both before and after practises and games, which helps prevent injuries.
“An increasing number of young players around your age are needing surgery because they’re not stretching properly,” she said.
Of course, a big part of preparation is warming up the arm. During warmups, players were instructed on the importance of proper technique. Just to make things a bit more fun, Bryka challenged the young group to “see if you can make 10 consecutive throws to each other without a drop.”
Offence
In the base running drill, players practiced following the ball as they rounded first base, and then making a quick decision on whether to continue on to second, or put on the brakes and head back to first.
Participating players worked on all aspects of hitting.
“I love hitting,” said Dickson. “Hitting’s my thing so I’m very picky about it.”
A drill gripping rubber chickens were used to emphasize proper positioning of the hands. Another drill had the players pair up, with one in her batting stance and the other holding the top of the bat for a few seconds, and then letting go to allow for the completion of the swing.
“At some point, pitchers will be giving you stuff that curves,” said Dickson. “If you keep your hands back as long as possible, you will be able to track the ball better.”
Players were able to get plenty of swings both in hitting from a 'T' and also getting soft tosses from the instructors.
The girls also had the opportunity to learn about bunting.
“You don’t want to show that you’re bunting too early,” said Dickson. “Turn your body as late as possible and follow the pitch up or down with the bat. Then try to catch the ball with your bat.”
Defence
The players were guided through bunt defence drills, where third and first baseman crash down toward home plate to field the bunt, with the shortstop and second baseman covering the bases according to the base runner situation.
Other aspects of fielding were taught as well. Players performed cutoff drills where they caught a throw, and then turned and quickly threw to the proper base.
Players practiced picking up a batted ball from both the forehand and the backhand sides.
Then the players formed two lines. The ball was hit between the lines, where the closest player would go after the ball
“On popups you’ve got to first find the ball, track it, and go made the catch,” said Bryka as she encouraged the younger group. Then the player from other line was in charge of backing up the play in case the first player missed the ball.
They also went through short throw drills, where the fielder might be only five or 10 feet from a base and there’s no need, or time, for a full windup and overhand throw.
Scrimmage
After working on all the different skills, players had the opportunity to put what they had learned into action with modified scrimmages that included hitting, fielding and running the bases.
Pitching
The day ended with practise for pitchers. The instructors started them with just pitching from the hip, then starting with both hands in a T position roughly at shoulder level. From there they progressed to starting with the hands higher, in the K position, and finally pitching from a full windup.
Good day
Overall, the day went very well, according to Brigitte Herriges, who is also Canora Minor Ball Association secretary.
“The weather co-operated and the girls all said they had fun. They learned a lot of new skills, and most importantly, many made some new friendships.”
In addition to teaching softball skills, the instructors created a fun atmosphere as the players worked their way through the drills. Girls who were quiet early in the day were making lots of noise and encouraging other girls by the afternoon.
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