We already know that there are certain self-evident softball truths. Faster and stronger is always better. Power is a great thing. But without accuracy, strength is wasted. We want our players to be able to throw the ball harder but we must also develop great accuracy if we want to take our game to the next level.
Improving accuracy is not really all that complicated. It must be practiced — every day!
There is an old standard that is used when discussing the art of target shooting. Whether you are using a rifle or a bow and arrow the mantra is the same:
Aim small – miss small!
In American Sniper, the instructor states that if you aim for the head you may miss completely but if you aim for a button you are much more likely to hit the target.
This same thought applies to the skill of throwing. We need to train our players to throw to much smaller targets. Ask any young player where they are throwing and you will hear something along the lines of, “I’m throwing to Sally.” They don’t understand the idea of aiming small.
We need to teach our players to throw to a much smaller target. The can’t throw to a person they need to throw to a person’s nose!
Aim small – miss small!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Contact fastpitchprep@gmail.com.
