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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
The single best fastpitch softball pitching reference book., February 9, 1999
By A Customer
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.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
The best pitching book for fastpitch softball...period!, February 7, 1999
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".
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
The Bible of fastpitch - First Edition, December 6, 2001
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.
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
The "bible" of windmill pitching, August 4, 1999
By A Customer
Mr. Sammons uses his practical knowledge of pitching to educate the coach and player about the mechanics of pitching and most importantly the mental aspects of pitching in an easy to read format. He personally illustrated the book to show the proper grips and forms to assist the reader. I rate it a classic. By the way, at the age of "50 something" Mr. Sammons pitched a perfect game in the competitive Milwaukee WI mens fastpitch league. So much for them that can't play.........teach........he does both.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Best material I've used, February 19, 2002
I have a collection of tapes from various people. It would seem that video would be the best medium for this kind of instruction. Maybe it's because I viewed and re-viewed the tapes so often, but I honestly got more detail out of this book than anything else I've used. The discussion of each piece of the mechanics along with drills I haven't seen on any tape was very, very helpful.I would strongly recommend this book. It's straight-up, no hype instruction. Excellent for beginning or intermediate pitchers and/or coaches.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent introductory and reference., May 7, 1999
By A Customer
Barry's book is a wonderful source of fundamental windmill fastpitch information. It is valuable to the beginning pitcher or coach. For the more experienced it is an excellent reference work. I return to it again and again, and always find something useful and new.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
A most comprehensive resource., April 7, 1999
By A Customer
Barry Sammons breaks down the windmill pitching motion in a manner that is easy to understand, yet completely thorough. The structure of the book helps you learn the entire motion, or go directly to a specific area of concern. The discussions, drills, and diagrams give you a level of detail you don't get from most videos. I highly recommend this book for anyone serious about fastpitch.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent and Informative, December 19, 2001
I keep this book with me all the time during softball season ! I have been coaching for 9 years and and have learned quite a few things from this book. It's nice to be able to go back to it and review. It covers the windmill pitcher from A to Z. Very Very Good !
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
The "bible" for fastpitch pitching coaches., March 17, 1999
As I said below, I reviewed a draft copy of Barry's book before it was published. Now that it's been available for a few years, it's become the most-referenced book on the Fastpitch Forum...the top website for girls' fastpitch softball. If you coach, or if your favorite player is a pitcher, you NEED this book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent Parent Source for Learning Sound Windmill Form, February 14, 1999
This is a must book for parents that want to learn and follow the windmill pitcher. The book is written in simple terms with good graphics to explain essential windmill methods. My only criticism, is that when the book has been read, you want just one more chapter. Great Job, Mr Sammons !! How about a sequel?
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