Throw the perfect Windmill or Slingshot just in time for Opening Day

One year ago this month, the American Journal of Sports Medicine published a study outlining certain risks associated with long-term use of windmill pitching by young softball players. Contrary to a long-held belief that windmill pitchers were less prone to muscle damage even when pitching long stretches without a rest, the study showed degenerative shoulder wear and many players reported anterior shoulder pain. The study also showed that, while both styles of pitching recorded about the same velocity, muscle force during windmill pitching is much higher.

But there is good news for the 2.5 million adolescent softball players nationwide. Doctors believe that, while windmill pitching can be harmful if pitchers go through entire weekend tournaments without a rest (a formerly common practice) and stick entirely to windmill-style pitches, there are ways to avoid this pain. With the right training, a few other softball-style pitches and a bit of rest mixed in, softball pitchers will be on the mound, ready to rock this spring.

At Zoned, our specialized fast-pitch softball instructors are experts at windmill and slingshot pitches of all types. There is much more to it than just throwing hard and fast. Softball has just as much complexity as baseball, and our instructors can show you the command, the form and the location you need to master all types of softball pitch. And since safety is most important, not only can we show you how to throw these different pitches, we can teach you how to safely throw them and how to tell when you have thrown a few too many.

As softball has spread to become one of the most popular female team sports, Zoned has expanded our instruction. We offer summer softball camps and lessons for players in NY, NJ and PA. Our batting lessons, baseball camps and pitching clinics are known nationwide.

The windmill is the most iconic move in the game of Softball. And even the AJSM study said it was safe to throw over the course of a game. But softball pitchers are often called on to go through more innings and more personalized instructors can help players safely and effectively prepare for these demands without damaging muscle tissue. Check out ZonedInc.com today for more information on our pitching strategies and training. And get In the Zone before Opening Day.

Benefits of Private Baseball Instruction

Children enjoy playing baseball, yet their enjoyment can be improved by engaging in little league baseball instruction. Instruction is available involving pitching, fielding, and batting lessons. Children have the choice of enrolling in baseball drills and baseball camps with other children, or their parents can opt for private instruction. There are plenty of benefits associated to group instruction including the improvement of social skills and learning teamwork, yet private instruction also has its benefits.

More attention to particular areas
Group baseball drills may focus on improving skills on a larger scale. Drills may be orchestrated to benefit any player regardless of their skill level, position, and age. Individual baseball lessons will focus on the individual rather than the group at large. The process can further a player’s skill level at a more rapid pace because instructors can focus on ‘problem’ areas. Private instruction can emphasize particular facets of the game and place less emphasis those areas where the player is already strong.

Keeps players better focused
As in the classroom, children may be less likely to focus and pay attention when in a group as compared to when they are individually addressed. The same is true for learning baseball fundamentals. Private baseball drills command the player’s full attention. Each second of the coaching is engineered to focus on the individual player; the process is more likely to maintain their attention and commitment.

Learn to play a position
As young players age, their commitment to a particular position is more likely to increase. Though baseball training programs of a general nature can benefit players of all positions, private instruction can improve a player’s performance at one, specific position. Each position has its own set of skills and nuances of defense. Private, youth baseball instruction not only promotes defense, but can mold a player into an infielder, outfielder, catcher, etc.

How to Choose a Baseball Glove to Use at Baseball Camps

Youth baseball instruction is a great way to improve skills and prepare for an upcoming season. Purchasing a baseball glove is one of the first things you'll want to do before engaging in baseball drills. Moms and dads can look online to find baseball gloves for their children or visit local, sporting good stores to find a variety of name-brand mitts. We would suggest the latter, because you'll be able to physically handle the mitt and try it on for size.

First, consider the child's position during baseball season. Pitcher's gloves and infielder's gloves are generally smaller than other gloves. In addition, catcher's gloves and first baseman's gloves are entirely unique. Outfielder's gloves are larger than that of infielders. Baseball camps usually train kids to play all positions in order for them to gain experience and hone their talents. In this case, it may be best to seek a 'utility glove', which is larger than an infielder's glove, and will enable the child to play most defensive positions.

Budgets can be a concern. The price of baseball gloves can range drastically. It is suggested to invest in a quality glove if the child has been playing baseball for some time and envisions playing for some time to come. The higher-end gloves will last longer and will respond better at baseball camp and in league play.

As previously stated, it is important to try the glove on for a good fit. If the glove does not feel natural, then the child may not use it well during baseball drills or in live games. Manufacturers attempt to fashion gloves so 'one size fits all', but their aspirations do not always come to fruition. Make sure the child understands that the 'stiffness' will subside once they get a chance to begin using the glove and 'breaking it in'.

Gloves are measured from their heel (the edge of the glove located near the wearer's wrist) to the top of the glove on the palm side (near the wearer's fingers). Youth gloves range from about 8" to about 12". 12" gloves are probably too large for most youths, yet some children in their preteens may use them.

Baseball gloves feature several types of backs and webs. Open-web backs are usually for outfielders and third baseman. Closed-web backs are preferred by infielders and pitchers. Catcher's mitts are heavily padded and are entirely unique to that position; you cannot use a catcher's mitt in any other position. Similarly, the first baseman's mitt is unique to that position. It is shaped very much like a catcher's mitt, yet is less padded and affords the wearer more mobility. Infielder's gloves are smaller than outfielder's gloves because in baseball drills and games, it is important for the infielder's to get the ball out of their gloves quickly; a larger mitt could delay the process.

Cure Summer Boredom at a Sports Camp

The summer time is what every child looks forward to. “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks.” We have all heard this phrase before. As parents, it can be difficult to adjust when your kids are home all day. You are used to entertaining them for a few hours after school, not a full day. A perfect solution to summer boredom is sports camps. They offer an active and engaging way for your children to spend their days.

Whether your child prefers baseball, soccer, tennis, or another sport, camps provide your children with a full days worth of activity, lesson, and fun. For example, Baseball camp will not only teach your child the baseball fundamentals and baseball drills, it will also build their confidence and social skills. Besides these, there are a number of benefits that we feel a child has the opportunity to experience from attending a sports camp…

- Motivation
- Team Work
- Social Interaction
- Exercise
- Fresh Air and Sunshine
- Advanced Skill Development
- Discipline
- Routine
- Structure
- Self Esteem

Zoned Inc Sports Academy offers baseball summer camps, as well as many other clinics. Check out their website, www.zonedinc.com, to get your child registered for an active and entertaining summer!

To Play or Not To Play - There Is No Question

Parents and players alike are under the belief that playing baseball or softball year round is the way to develop the athlete's abilities. Only through focused and dedicated muscle-memory training can an athlete make adjustments in their mechanics that will allow them to succeed; thus playing playing games in order to train often becomes futile and frustrating with little or no improvement.

The ice-cold reality of our winter months is that it is our opportunity as players to do one thing - get better. It is our time to re-invent ourselves by confronting the bad habits that inevitably developed over the long haul rigors of the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Winter is the training time when athletes must assess their season and find ways to hone strengths and strengthen weaknesses. Players must take this time to look in the mirror and make the commitment to becoming a better ballplayer through proper training.

Baseball and softball, for the most part, are reaction sports. We train to make our playing instinctive, reactive, and enjoyable. Playing indoor games during the winter is not the proper time to make mechanical adjustments, correct flaws, or strengthen and condition the body for another grueling season. Learning is impractical at game-speed and under game pressure. Skills must be learned and nurtured in the cage, bullpen, or practice field with knowledgeable guidance and quality repetitions.

Zoned is committed to helping all players maximize their potential and make wise use of their off-season to rebuild and better their game. Our staff of baseball and softball professionals bring extensive experience and are dedicated to making your goals our goals. Come train and be prepared for the upcoming season!

GET IN THE ZONE!

$10,000 Zoned Inc. Baseball Scholarship Available - View our Web site for details

Stretching Is a Part of Baseball Fundamentals

Baseball pitching coaches, baseball hitting coaches, and any kind of coach agree that stretching is very important. The motions involved in baseball cause your muscles to contract and flex. Before and after any physical activity, it is good to stretch to facilitate safety and the body's maintenance.

Consider the following benefits of stretching in regards to before and after baseball drills:

- Baseball training programs call for stretching because it increases flexibility. Having flexible muscles can increase your performance in baseball. Associated motions can gradually become easier and less tiring when stretching becomes a regular part of your regimen.

- Baseball instruction involves stretching because it improves the range of motion in your joints. Having a good range of motion improves balance. Improved balance makes you a better baseball player and leaves you less prone to falling and getting injuries.

- Baseball camps implement stretching because it improves circulation. Stretching increases the blood flow to your muscles. Having improved circulation facilitates recovery time in relation to muscle injuries.

- Baseball coaches encourage stretching because it helps to relieve stress. Stretching relaxes tense muscles, which are often associated with stress.