The Softball Pitching Edge (Paperback)

by Cheri Kempf (Author) "Throughout this book you will notice an emphasis on correct fundamentals and basic mechanics..." (more)
Key Phrases: stride foot, towel drill, stride leg, Pre-Motion Presentation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Cheri has captured cutting-edge information on fastpitch softball and has provided the instruction protocols to improve skills at all levels of competition."
Dr. Tom House
Founder of Bio-Kinetics
"Cheri Kempf has spent more time seeking all available resources and applying them to her already excellent foundation of knowledge and experience than any other pitching coach I have met. Her students reap the benefits of her personal diligence and dedication to providing them with information that is nothing short of cutting-edge. Cheri now shares the results of that knowledge, experience, and research with you through "The Softball Pitching Edge," I hope you enjoy it and appreciate its content as much as I did."
Teresa Wilson
Head softball coach
University of Washington
"Written by Cheri Kempf, the best pitching instructor in the country, this book will educate you and equip you. You will find yourself referring to this book over and over again. A must-buy for any serious softball coach and player."
Yvette Girouard
Head softball coach
Louisiana State University


Product Description
Throw faster, improve your technique, learn new pitches, lower your ERA, and experience the thrill of winning more often with The Softball Pitching Edge.

This book offers an in-depth look into the art and science of softball pitching that will help you develop elite-level fastpitch skills through drills and expert technical advice. As the owner and pitching instructor at Club K, author Cheri Kempf has been teaching and training thousands of fastpitch softball players since 1987 and is widely recognized as one of the best softball pitching coaches in the country.

The Softball Pitching Edge shows the correct way to deliver the ball from the rubber to the plate to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury. It’s the first book on fastpitch softball to dissect the pitching motion through pictures and drawings of the correct mechanics. It also explains how to master those mechanics so that you can throw with greater control and speed.

The text covers all the essentials: presentation, feet, legs, arms, posture, sequence, timing, consistency, location, and speed. You’ll find a breakdown of the fundamental mechanics, with details of common mistakes and plenty of drills to help develop the proper mechanics. You’ll also find specific instruction on developing a variety of pitches, including the drop, the change-up, the rise, the curve, and the screwball. And the special tips for coaches provide insight into the pitcher’s psyche, background, mental make-up, and motivation.

The Softball Pitching Edge presents the best information based on the most modern technology and resources available. Use this book to improve your technique and add new pitches to your arsenal for more strikeouts and greater success on the mound.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736038256
• ISBN-13: 978-0736038256
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #191,772 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mechanics for the fastpitch student, December 6, 2003

By	Marvin L. Medcalf (Ballwin, MO United States) - See all my reviews

Without a doubt, the finest book I have ever read dealing with the accurate approach for the fastpitch female pitcher. By follwing the detailed analysis that Cheri brings from her many years of experience, one can see the kinetic breakdown of the pitching motion in step by step form. I have picked up many ideas and pointers to use with my daughter, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone serious about the proper mechanics of fastpitch softball pitching.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for an established pitcher, October 29, 2004

By	Lady on the Left "Leftist" (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

Cheri Kempf has written a fine book for the established female pitcher. She also makes a few attempts to relate her wisdom to the coaching of the beginner, but that is where I find this book most lacking. My daughter just began pitching this year, and I'm really searching for something that gives instruction from day one. Kempf gives numerous drills that are wonderful for correcting mistakes in the established pitcher's form, but I just felt that it lacked the beginning steps that I was looking for.

While the book did correct a number of things that my daughter had been taught--like worrying about "opening the gate and closing the gate" with the hips, which Kempf says is worthless and can lead to knee injuries--I wanted more for the beginner. However, if you, your daughter or a girl you coach IS an established pitcher who is looking to correct bad habits, learn new pitches, learn how to mentally prepare for games and the like, I doubt there is a better book out there. It just didn't fill all of my needs.

One thing in an earlier review that I must comment on: why on Earth would someone criticize this book because there is a picture of Amanda Freed on the cover? There are also pictures of Michelle Smith and Lisa Fernandez within the book which are put there to give the reader an idea of correct form. Do I know what Kempf's connection is to any of these women? No, but I do know that those photos could not have been used without permission from each woman. The women concerned obviously don't have a problem with their likenesses being used in the book, so how could anyone else complain about it?

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Softball Pitching Edge, January 19, 2008

By	Lisa Oconnor (Cape Cod,MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent resource for the serious softball pitcher. Everything in it is useful and well written. Mostly geared toward High Scool age pitchers, but all ages could benifit from it.