Fast Pitch Softball Fundamentals [Paperback]

Dick Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

Written for fast pitch softball coaches and players of both genders and ages, this book is like no other softball book currently on the market. While other softball books focus merely on the broad "how-to's" of the game, Smitty's book looks at the details that transform strong skills into great plays and good players into great team members. From discussions of making the most of practice and preseason through the ups and downs of the season to the best way to approach post-season tournaments, Smitty's insights and tips will help any coach or player maximize their team's performance. Smitty was a popular contributor to Women's Fastpitch World throughout the eight years of it's publication.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Smitty was a popular contributor to Women’s Fastpitch World throughout the eight years of it’s publication. This book is based on the columns and articles he wrote.

About the Author

Dick Smith (Smitty) has been active in softball and baseball as a player, coach, and umpire for over sixty years. He has coached all ages of girls and boys from tiny tots to women’s teams. From the fall of 1984 to the spring of 1994, he guided the Lady Saints softball team from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois to national prominence. From the fall of 1994 to the spring of 1996, he was head coach at Valparaiso University. He returned to St. Francis as an assistant coach in the fall of 1996 and has since taken over the helm of the team. Smith is a popular clinic speaker and a noted instructor, having appeared at several national and local clinics. Softball represents a full-time pursuit for Smith since his retirement from government service. He and his wife, Ruth, reside in Illinois. They have two children, Ernie and Tracy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Wish Publishing (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930546688
• ISBN-13: 978-1930546684
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,510,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Softball

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very strongly recommended, August 8, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fast Pitch Softball Fundamentals (Paperback)

Drawing upon his more than 60 years of experience and expertise as a player, coach and umpire, Smitty Smith has written the definitive instruction guide for players of fast pitch softball. This is an invaluable guide to developing young men and women into seasoned players and winning team members. From making the most of practice and preseason games, to the best way to approach post-season tournaments, Fast Pitch Softball Fundamentals is a very strongly recommended compendium of insights, advice, observations, tips, and techniques will material assist any coach and any team member to maximize their performance and do their best!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A world of softball knowledge, June 10, 2004

By 

Hopefully Helpful (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fast Pitch Softball Fundamentals (Paperback)

You'd have to go to hundreds of clinics to get the information and ideas nicely encapsulated in this little book. Easy and enjoyable reading. Called "fundamentals" of fastpitch - the ideas are both fundamental and advanced. Highly recommended for beginning as well as advanced coaches, players, parents.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best insight to coaching I've ever read!, May 1, 2010

By 

L. Daniels (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fast Pitch Softball Fundamentals (Paperback)

This book has helped me as a parent and a coach. It is a useful tool for up and coming softball player, ages 12 and up. I gave it to my 13 year old and she really understands now, the why's of what we expect as coaches. She is more motivated and driven, less attitude on the field and more leadership.

I recommend this to anyone who has a child that plays fast pitch softball and for their child. ALL coached should read this book just before their season starts and again half-way through, when things get tough or parent issues arise.

Enjoy!