Fastpitch Softball : The Windmill Pitcher [Paperback]

Barry Sammons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 1997

"The Windmill Pitcher is the most comprehensive book on fastpitch pitching that I have read. It is an excellent reference for both coaches and pitchers." -- Ernie Parker, world-renowned pitching coach "I now have a comprehensive reference book to offer the people who contact me about pitching. The chapter on increasing ball speed is outstanding. There was an incredible need for this book and I thank Barry for writing it." -- Sherry Werner, PhD, lead researcher, International Olympic Committee's Submission on Biomechanics and Physiology "One of the most comprehensive fastpitch instructional books on the market today. A must addition for any coach's library." -- Art Certosimo, DuPage County, Illinois Barry Simmons has been a pitcher in men's fastpitch softball leagues at all levels for 35 years. Also a student of art and design, Sammons used his knowledge to develop many of the illustrations used in the book. He is an attorney for the Milwaukee, Wisconsin firm of Quarles & Brady.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Barry Simmons has been a pitcher in men's fastpitch softball leagues at all levels for 35 years. Also a student of art and design, Sammons used his knowledge to develop many of the illustrations used in the book. He is an attorney for the Milwaukee, Wisconsin firm of Quarles & Brady.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (January 11, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570281408
• ISBN-13: 978-1570281402
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Softball

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The single best fastpitch softball pitching reference book., February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fastpitch Softball : The Windmill Pitcher (Paperback)

Barry Sammons book is a must have for anyone who is serious about fastpitch softball.Pitching is the heart of the game,and this reference demonstrates the basics better than any other.Prior to this,windmill pitching was a mystery to all but the most experienced players and coaches,especially those trying to crossover from baseball.The reason for this was the confusion of two very different styles of windmill pitching which look similar to the untutored eye.Mr. Sammons is very experienced as a pitcher and coach of both styles - the "leap and drag" and the "stepping" style.With the aid of line drawings reduced from actual video,he is able to demonstrate the detailed fundamental mechanics of both styles.Once the player or coach understands this,they are able to analyze mechanics,correct flaws and communicate about what is happening.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best pitching book for fastpitch softball...period!, February 7, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Pendleton, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fastpitch Softball : The Windmill Pitcher (Paperback)

This book is a "must have" for all fathers who want to be involved in helping their daughters to become successful pitchers in fastpitch softball. (I also think it would be an excellent resource for most softball coaches to have in their library.)

While I own 8-10 different video training tapes on pitching, Barry Sammons book is my most often used reference. It was originally recommended to me by one of the top pitching coaches in the Pacific Northwest.

The book does an excellent job of covering pitching mechanics and how to teach them. It also describes how to correct problems, and offers several excellent drills.

Other topics include: excellent descriptions and diagrams on throwing the various pitches; sections on strategy and the mental aspects of pitching; fitness training; and how to coach the pitcher.

If I could only have one book or video to use in working with my daughter, this book would be it. Even though my daughter also has a pitching coach, Barry Sammons book has allowed me to be more helpful as an "assistant pitching coach".

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Bible of fastpitch - First Edition, December 6, 2001

By 

Shmuel Goldstein (Revava, D.N. Lev HaShomron Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fastpitch Softball : The Windmill Pitcher (Paperback)

This book covers just about everything you'll need to know about fastpitch softball pitching, including mechanics, control, speed, power, physical conditioning, getting batters out, and real-time game considerations. The section on mechanics, from explaining the two types of movements (leap and drag and stepping style), to breaking down the pitching motion into its parts will prove to be, I believe, Biblical in importance for the sport of fastpitch softball. Included are appendices that provide excellent drills for each stage of the pitching motion, and excercises for power and conditioning. The diagrams were very helpful, and there are plenty of them. No photos.
Criticisms: Very wordy, and makes many cross references, especially when you are on, say, page 45 and are sent to Figure 1-18, which is on some previous, unreferenced page. You have to flip back through the book to find it.
Noteworthy: Actually treats men as qualified to pitch fastpitch, and doesn't assume this is a women's game.
Prognosis: I hope Sammons will take into account the criticisms, and produce an even better Second Edition, perhaps with photos, higher quality figures, tighter cross-referencing (just reproduce the relevant figure at the appropriate place) and more quotes from softballers.
Bottom Line: If you want to pitch fastpitch softball, and you will work at it, get this book. I did, I worked with it, and now pitch MUCH better. Had I not gotten this book, I would not be the pitcher I am today.