Projecting Average

Projecting a player's ability to hit for average can be difficult at times.  The task becomes harder when you're watching a swing, trying to figure out how exactly it will relate against the type of pitching a player will see at your level.  If you're a college coach in the PAC 10, SEC, Big 12, Big 10 etc. you have less of an opportunity to see potential players compete against pitching of that caliber.

When I became involved in scouting a term that I heard a lot was "hitters instincts."  It became highly  important for me to define this term, not only for myself, but for others as well since I have become relied upon by so many others to help evaluate hitters.  I don't believe in the notion of "You'll know it when you see it", because not all of us think that way.  I also believe this helps the process because coaches can't only rate players at a high hitting ability, only when they see a player go 3-4 with a double and an opposite field jack.  They have to be able to identify the things that will allow a player to hit elite pitching, even when a player is having a bad day.

Here are 5 of the most basic concepts in identifying a players ability to hit for average.  We can obviously take this ability much more in depth, but I use these 5-Instincts to filter out players ability to hit at the highest level.

Staying in Rhythm

Scouts often talk about an effortless swing.  Many of you have heard me speak about  my theory that hitting coaches are MADE on their ability to teach the transitions of the swing.  A player that moves roughly from position to position in the swing is much less consistent than a player that flows through each important position by having smooth transitions that eventually add up in the hitting zone.  When I evaluate hitters I like to see an ease of motion which is represented by constant, flowing motion up until contact (See "Moment of Silence" below).  What a hitter does after contact or just before, in regards to rhythm, isn't of great importance to me.  Hitters that get in the flow of the at-bat with rhythm are usually in rhythm and in the flow because of a consistent approach.  Seeing a hitter in rhythm shows me that the hitter has a plan and when the pitch agrees with their plan, they have a great chance to square it up with bat speed.

On-Time Swings

Timing for elite hitters is usually less challenging than other parts of the swing.  In evaluating hitters, I can't rate a hitter very high if she consistently can't make on-time swings.  Timing is a broad range concept.  .300 hitters in college softball live in the gaps, .400 hitters spray it foul line to foul line.  If I see a hitter get jammed on a screw ball and then hit a curve ball off the cap of the bat, then timing is a huge issue.  In softball, reading inside/outside is much easier than reading high/low (see http://www.softballhittingonline.com/ - backdropping).  If a hitter struggles in making on-time swings, then arsenal of pitches they'll see in college will make them "guess only" hitters.

Early Bat Speed

Quite simply, the later the bat head starts (given it will get to the ball on-time) the better.  The more information we're able to obtain about the incoming pitching before a decision is made, the better chance we have to predict the pitches destination.  Hitters that are able to maintain maximum separation until the time a decision has to be made will have more initial bat speed, which will 1.) Allow them to wait longer to pull the trigger and 2.) Be in a position to generate bat speed, compared to a hitters that drifts to their slot who is trying to restrict their motion because of said drift.  The way I see this in hitters is watching the action of the bat head.  When a hitters hands react, what happens to the bat?  Can you see the whip start?  Is it a sudden change of direction? Does the back elbow move, but not bat motion?

Lag Above the Ball

Not all swings can happen in rhythm, that's just the nature of the sport.  Pitchers try to get hitters off balance and out of rhythm because they have success when they do.  When a hitter is able to get to the Bat Lag position, with the barrel safely higher than the path of the incoming pitch, then a hitter has a chance on every ball that they see.  Lexi Bennett from the University of Texas is a hitter that can get off balance and out of rhythm, but almost always gets to Bat Lag above the ball.  This effects her power rating, but her ability to hit for average will always be there because of this instinct.

The Moment of Silence

I use the term "Moment of Silence" in the swing to refer to the moment when the bat head enters the hitting zone, until it leaves.  The top hitters in the game will have extraordinary movement up until this moment with their entire body, but for hitters to 1.) Allow the proper flow of energy to reach the bat head and 2.) Keep the bat head on plane and on path during the hitting zone, a "Moment of Silence" has to occur.  This simply means that hip rotation, torso rotation and shoulder rotation must STOP in the hitting zone.  A hitter that doesn't get their body to the point of full rotation on the pitch they chose to swing at, is most likely not athletic enough to square the ball up consistently.  Hitter's that reach full rotation, will achieve this moment of silence which allows the bat head to accelerate because the kinetic chain is working and keep it on plane and on path, due to the uninterrupted path the hands can take now that the body is not working to pull the barrel off path.  If we're talking about projecting power, we would want to talk about what the body does to show us this silence is happening with maximum force.  You can see actions in a hitters front foot and shin that clearly show maximum force, but that's about hitting for power.  If a hitter can't stop, it's because they are not in sequence to begin with, which makes hitting for average too difficult to being with and they'll rate lower.

This Season

This season I encourage you to watch players that you face.  The players that can end the game with one swing of the bat; how do these 5 habits differ from the players that you attack in the strike zone?  I hope that you can see these instincts and that this helps you identify impact players for your program on the recruiting trail this summer.  These are basic concepts but they will help you quickly filter and process player's in a short amount of time.

Mark Mulvany

Turn the Pressure OFF!

New situations breed pressure. Recurring situations without results allow pressure to multiply.

Great players have an incredible ability to perform in situations that are entirely new to them in many cases. They also don't let failure in small amounts in areas they normally succeed in effect their confidence level. Their confidence level is so high that they don't need direct proof that they had success performing an action, they draw from such a wide range of positive experiences that they know this new challenge is just another one they'll over come. Pressure seems to elevate their game, but what about the other 99% of players who struggle when the pressure is on?

Teaching players to excel in new situations is simple in hitting. Let's say the new situation is hitting a drop ball. A player may face a pitcher who has a drop ball unlike one they have ever seen before, but this doesn't excuse a hitter from success at the plate. The player should identify that the drop ball is tough to hit based on it's downward movement. The challenge is, "How do I get to the drop ball?" A player can draw on the work they've put into becoming ready for this challenge. Have they worked in their Airplane Drill ? How can they apply the Airplane Drill to this new situation? Now they're on the road to a solution, which distracts them from feeling pressure. The pressure becomes: "Repeat an action you have performed hundreds of times" instead of "Do something entirely new when the game is on the line."

Old challenges are the same but with a different twist. If the hitter has failed at hitting the drop ball in the past, then they must face their fear. Most young hitters will walk to the plate hoping to avoid the drop ball. A smaller percentage of hitters will want to see the benefit of their hard work and want the challenge of the drop ball. These hitters will walk to the plate begging the pitcher to throw the pitch so that they can finally over come this old challenge. Coaches must encourage players to face their fear, or in this case the pitch they might rather avoid.

In all situations, there is relevant experience that will help a player draw on their ability to meet a new or old challenge. Coaches should use drills in practice and communicate the specific situation the drill is working towards. Let your players know they'll be able to tap back into their hard work and find confidence in a tough situation.

If you struggle with a drop ball, then I suggest using the Airplane Drill. On the other hand if you struggle with the Rise Ball, I suggest the Lag & Stop Drill.

The SoftballHittingOnline.com library of resources has a wide variety of drills, lessons and videos that will help your players become more equipped to meet the vast number of challenges they meet every day with the swing.

Hitting The Outside Pitch With More Power

Ever wonder why hitter's sometimes feel less powerful on an outside pitch, or what they could do better to gain an advantage on an outside pitch. What the video below for more information. If you like this video and would like to learn more about hitting, visit www.SoftballHittingOnline.com to learn everything about hitting you would ever want to know.

Update

I am going to include an update of all the videos recently uploaded:

Adjusting to Height of Pitch

Hitting Lesson - Adjusting to Height of Pitch

This lesson demonstrates the adjustments that should be made to adjust to the height of a pitch, and how to stay on plane.

Frame by Frame with Manny

In this video I put my swing from last night side by side with Manny Ramirez. This is a follow up from the lesson yesterday. I worked with Abby on getting to a more athletic position at heel plant, so I figured I should work on feeling my way to this position too. I'm happy with my lower half, however, my lead arm is slightly off here. I should get better lead arm extension away from the pitcher at toe touch, instead of such a steep angle downward with my shoulders and lead arm.

Analysis at Heel Plant

Shelby Batting Practice

Just an example of one of our 2010 kids hitting BP with me.

Caitlin Lowe Slap Analysis

Here is my 2-part slap analysis of Caitlin Lowe.

Mark Mulvany
coach@fastpitchtrainer.com

Part 1



Part 2

Hitting Lesson - Shoulder Rotation

This lesson covers shoulder rotation. The shoulders will work more North (Lead shoulder)/South (back shoulder) while the hips begin to rotate East/West or West/East depending on RH or LH.

2010 Gradute Shelby VanMaanen - Coppell, Texas

I've had Shelby as a student since 7th grade. I actually have a video from her first year of hitting sessions. We may look at a before/after over the course of 4-years this month.



Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Vonnie Martin - 2010 Plano Texas

Vonnie is starting to be heavily recruited by schools here in Texas, on the West coast and East Coast.

Congrats Rob

Rob is featured on a RVP analysis below. See Robs comments and picture of his award

Mark,

just thought I would give you some feedback. I was first team all
american this past weekend im the ASA Men's Class A Nationals IN
Cummings, Georgia and I attribute it to your help. My swing felt more
comfortable than ever with 2 slight adjustments. Thanks again!

Rob

Another RVP Evaluation

Part 1 -
I'm not sure why the audio didn't sync, but it's lagged a second or two. If you can make it through an old Kung Fu movie, you can make it through this delay!



Part 2 -

RVP Analysis Example

Here is a 2 part example of a swing clip sent to me for analysis. www.Fastpitchtrainer.com is now up and running, check it out.

NTX Shockers Infield Workout

Right View Pro Evaluation

This is a sample hitting evaluation for a hitter that attended the 3-day camp earlier this week. It's about 16-minutes long, and it covers some before and after footage of the hitter as well as a working plan on where we would like to see her swing go in the future. She really improved during the 3-days, I was really pleased with her progress.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Part 1


Part 2

Abby Moore * 1B * 2010 * Grapevine, Tx

Here is a clip of one of my kids, Abby Moore. She is graduating from Grapevine High School in 2010. Abby is the real thing. Well above average power, good size, 65 MPH overhand, Exit speed of the ball 70 MPH off bat (off a tee). You can see why this kid routinely hits balls 240+ feet. She's still in her early phase of learning to hit for power and average. She's hit 7 homeruns this year, and that number will grow each and every year from now on. Right now we are working on her having a more athletic front leg at heel plant to help rotation happen quickly with as naturally as possible. We are also working to stay on the front heel longer, and to give her swing more of weight shift prior to rotation. I would say she's using 80% of her lower body right now, it's scary to think how the ball is going to leave the yard over the next few years as well address these problems and she's still got 2 full years of ball before she ends up on someones college campus in the Fall of 2010. There are a lot of college coaches that view the blog and e-mail with me, I am sure you've been waiting to see this kid, and as always if you have any questions about the video or the kid in the video let me know.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Back With More - Bat Drag and Weight Transfer

In this video I look at one of our 18U hitters. Maggie Jones, a 2009 graduate from Sanger, Texas hit 4 homeruns during HS ball this season, and Maggie joined our travel ball team this Spring. Looking at Maggie's swing, I think you'll see there is more potential for power than 4 HR's a season. Maggie is really letting her upper body dominate the swing. Using the theory of addition and connection during the swing Maggie is going to be able to really use her lower body to put her bat on plane at the right time, and really use her hips to accelerate her bat head. Check back in a few months and see what we can get out of Maggie to turn her into even more of a prospect at the collegiate level.

With Maggie we will be working on, allowing more weight to come off the back leg, sooner, that will allow her to move into rotation easier. Once the lower body is really doing a nice job, then we'll really see what the upper body can really do during the swing. We try to establish the lower half first, because the habits of the upper body are dictated by the lower body. If the lower body prevents the upper body from working, then we must first fix the lower half so that the upper body can work efficiently. For example. If a hitters lead elbow drops during the swing, I can have her do 10,000 lead arm swings a day, but that will only help if her lower body leads and helps. The first priority for us is always to fix the lower body, and then see what habits our upper body really has when the lower body works well.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Rotation Explained - Or at least it's a start!

OK everyone, rotation rotation rotation. That's what people talk to hitters about these days. What is rotation? Why is it important? What does it look like? Have you seen any today? Well, I have. I saw plenty today and I'll see more tomorrow. This particular swing I believe will help a lot of hitters out, as it's a common swing flaw that our kids struggle with: Taking the energy that they have from the linear move and keeping their body in constant motion into rotation. Check out the video below to see what I'm talking about. By the way when you see the video, you HAVE to understand that Kristin has been hitting left handed since September 2007, and WHAT A SWING! She works hard and is coachable. She's a 2009 graduate that somebody is going to be lucky to have in their program in the Fall of 2010. This is her swing at 9-months....Give her another 15-months, she'll be ready. Understanding where a player is, and what you can project her to be is going to make some college coach look really smart taking a chance on a kid that has only been on the left side for 9-months. I'm glad to help you contact Kristin if interested.



Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Can Our Kids HIT????? You be the judge

The video below is an example of some of our students swings and drill work. I'll try and get video from the kids in the next few weeks and get everyone added.



Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Right View Pro Hitting Camp June 23-25

We will be hosting a RVP Hitting Camp June 23-25 in Southlake from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm. RVP is the hitting system used to measure and compare our students swings to the best in MLB and Fastpitch today. You've seen plenty of examples on the blog of how the system works, now it's time to see how it can help your daughter. Please contact me for more information on attending the camp. Cost is $150.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Hitting Lesson - Posture Through the Hitting Zone

In this lesson, we look at one of Allison Kennewell's students. This student came to Alli less than 2 months ago from another hitting coach, and it's taken hard work, but the hitter is making some big strides towards having a more consistent swing. Very rarely do we see hitters that have too much of an "up-swing" in their motion, but that's what the hitter brought to Alli, and she's been able to get her on track with a swing that will allow her to hit at a higher level. By the way, did you know it's only $45/hour to work with Alli at the Southlake Softball Academy, WITH Right View Pro? You can't beat that. The best hitting system in the world, with a former Big 12 player who is becoming an outstanding teacher of the game. You can stay with your coach who never had to swing the bat at the collegiate level and doesn't use the same hitting system and analysis program used by UCLA, Arizona, Michigan and oh by the way, the US Olympic Team , but why would you? You probably are paying more and receiving less right now. Use my contact information below to get in with Alli this summer!


Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Tipping Pitches

Tipping pitches means that you give away what type of pitch you are about to throw to a batter before it comes out of your hand. In the lesson below I look at a pitcher who doesn't tip off the pitch until just before release. While she tips the pitch late, it can be devastating when a pro hitter knows you're coming inside or outside one them before the ball is release. That's how you turn a pitch with good movement and speed into a batting practice pitch!



Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Middle Infielders Camp - June 16-18

Southlake Softball Academy is hosting a camp for SS's and 2B's June 16-18 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. You need to e-mail me to sign up. This will be a very detailed camp where MIF's will learn the following techniques:

- Proper footwork and set up on ground ball
- Proper hand position and soft hands technique for catching ground balls
- Exchange/transfer/deflection (great middle infielders don’t catch the ball in the pocket)
- Situational defense
- Cut off and relay throws
- Decoy
- Communication
- Feeding double plays
- Turning double plays
- Bunt coverage
- Applying tags
- Picking out a hop to improve fielding percentage
- Taking a good angle to the ball
- Backhand
- 1B and 3B (runners on those bases) defensive strategies
- Pick off plays
- Fly balls
- Picking short hops
- Defending short game

And much more!

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Catchers Camp June 9-11

I will be holding a catcher's camp June 9-11 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Southlake. Cost for the camp is $125. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to sign your daughter up for the camp in Southlake. You will need to e-mail me for the link to pay your deposit and to secure your spot in the camp, spots are filling up FAST!!!!

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Short Game Lesson - Contact

In this lesson I look at what happens during contact.



Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Lesson Pricing and Availability

I've had a lot of inquires about lessons and pricing etc. so I am putting it on the website. Lessons at our indoor facility are $30 per half hour. The first lesson is always an hour ($60), and your hitter is evaluated in the Right View Pro system (what I use on the lesson videos). There is no extra charge for Right View Pro. Yes, I know a lot of other places charge $70+ for private lessons and then an extra charge on top of that for Right View Pro (if they have it). We have 2 full-time instructors who can help.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Hitting Lesson - Extension and Spin

What does spin to the softball? Spin helps the ball maintain speed and cut through the air. Back Spin makes the ball carry and Top Spin will make the ball drop. Whether you hit a back spin line drive, or a top spin ground ball, you want the ball to spin as many times as possible and it will find more holes. In this lesson we look at how to accelerate your bat to make the ball have more spin on the ball. Remember, a knuckleball thrown from 60 feet at 70 MPH will lose speed at a greater rate than a ball with tight back spin at 70 MPH. When the bat slows down at contact and through the hitting zone the ball loses spin, and you lose power! Check out the Video below.



Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Drop Ball Lesson - What Does it Take?

In this lesson, we examine the drop ball of Alicia Hollowell. Younger pitchers are taught a lot of the time to pick the ball up by the hip and then roll it over. When the ball doesn't move, then it's sitting waist to mid thigh height, which is a beautiful pitch to swing at for a batter. So what does Hollowell and the other great pitchers do differently than your daughter? Watch the video to find out.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Short Game Lesson 5 - Bat Lag

When the back foot releases, the hips begin to aim to the target (5-6 hole etc.).

Mark Mulvany

Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Short Game Lesson 4 - Alignment

Alignment is critical in the short game. Most coaches agree that the shoulders and hands should maintain a good hitting position during a slap. The main thing that a lot of coaches seem to be missing is when the hips open up on the bunt or the slap. A lot of coaches seem to think that the hips open up on the cross over step, which you'll see in the video isn't accurate. Since cross over is the position we run from, we still have to keep the hips closed a little bit to make sure that we can react to all pitches. The tension created in the body by keeping the hips and shoulders somewhat closed while we are beginning to run, will create more force when released, which gives a hitter better foot speed out of the box. In tomorrow's lesson of "Bat Lag" you will see how our short-game player's aim their hips when their bat is parallel to the ground which allows them to aim the ball. The key, however, is that a hitter shouldn't aim the hips until they know speed, spin and location. The cross over step takes place before we have to decide to swing or not, so the hips have to remain closed slightly. Enjoy.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Short Game Lesson 3 - Cross Over Step

In today's lesson we add in the Cross Over Step. This is where speed is generated and tenths of seconds can either be added or subtracted to your home to 1B time. The most common flaw that I see with amateur short game players takes place in the Cross Over Step. The tendency is for the Cross Over to be too long, due to the fact that most girls are too far back in the box, and when they step the knee is behind the ankle putting them in a very weak running position. Watch the video and you'll understand more.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Short Game Lesson 2 - Hand Set Position

The Hand Set Position is the position I check our short game players in, that begins their process of either adding or subtracting bat speed during their slap move. This is a transitional step in between the Drop Step and the Cross Over step.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Short Game - Drop Step Lesson

Like anything else in fastpitch, if the very first move you make in a particular motion isn't correct, then the entire motion will break down and be incorrect. In this lesson I use Natahsa Watley as an example from Right View Pro to show the details of how to take a proper drop step.

I really feel the short game is used by a lot of ball players, but it is really not taught well, just due to lack of information. Check out the video, and you can see how the elements of a good bunt or slap start from the drop step. It is much more difficult than just picking up your front foot and stepping back. Most hitters are either out by a step or safe by a step depending on how well their drop step is executed. Need short game training? We have instructors who can help!

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

972-345-2474

The Linear Move

A lot of people talk about the linear move, but I've found in fastpitch, that a lot of coaches are afraid of it. The first issue I see is when hitters add in pre-swing movement, and really prepare to swing the bat with the entire body coaches are turned off by excessive movement. If a hitter doesn't practice, then they won't know how to use their linear move to make their body strong during rotation. Often I see hitters being taught a linear move, and then they're late on the ball for a tournament. Is that reason to panic? Absolutely not!

Now let me put that is perspective. If you're worried about your daughter being late on the ball in 6 out of the 2,000 games she'll play between now and when she's done playing ball, then you're living in the short term too much. If you live in the short term, then you're not going to make difficult adjustments that allow you to have a swing that can hit Gold or Collegiate level pitching. At some point you've got to make the transition into an upper level swing. It's easier to do it now than when you're a 19-year old college freshman.

Hitter's don't be afraid to swing the bat like the best hitter's in the world. It wasn't easy for them and it won't be easy for you. But don't be fooled. The pitching you see at the younger levels of softball, you can get away with poor mechanics by being a good athlete. Make the swing changes now and have a more successful career. Here is a video about the linear move.
Please e-mail with questions.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Pulling Off the Ball - What do you Mean?

Pulling off the ball is something we talk to our hitters about. Pulling off the ball means that just before making contact with the softball or baseball, a hitters bat will begin moving towards the direction of 3B too soon. The action of the bat is actually a circular path, so naturally the bat can't move in a perfectly straight line back towards the ball, but we can elongate that circular motion and keep our bat tracking towards the ball for the greatest possible distance if we do some things right.

Below, I look at a 14-year old hitter VS Jim Edmonds and how the swings are very similar until 3-frames from contact. This is a lesson on proper positioning of the back elbow while the bat releases (or snaps) through the zone and how if the back elbow doesn't remain working back towards the pitch, you can start pulling outside pitches and turning doubles into ground ball outs. Enjoy.

This is one of my favorite angles to take video of with Right View Pro. This is the view I have of hitters when I'm throwing to them, so it really helps me understand what I'm seeing in real time when I have seen it frame by frame.

As always, if you have questions or comments feel free to e-mail me.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Take the Knob to the Ball? Is it true?

Everyone has heard it: Take the knob of the bat to the ball. Is it true though? For half of the swing it works well, however, as the hands pass the body towards the softball there is a quick change in the direction of the knob that either determines if you hit in a big zone, or if you've got one small fraction of a second to make perfect contact. Watch the video I put together below to see what I'm talking about.

This video was created using Right View Pro. RVP allows our students to compare and measure their swing next to the best hitters in the world. To set up a Right View Pro evaluation and see where your game stacks up e-mail me:

Mark Mulvany

Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Kristin Anderson featured as Spotlight Player in Star Telegram

Kristin Anderson (NTX Shockers Gold) is featured in the Star Telegram today as the Spotlight Player. The link for the article is:

http://www.star-telegram.com/758/story/627035.html

We are extremely proud of Kristin. In the past year, we've seen Kristin improve her game at a rate that is almost unheard of. She's becoming a very good outfielder, her arm is still improving, and let's not forget that she switched to the left side of the batters box and hit over .350 in the Fall playing Gold ball. Below is the photo from the Star Telegram article. Below that you'll find a video clip from Kristin from a showcase last Fall.

Kristin Anderson is an unsigned 2009 graduate who would like the opportunity to play collegiate softball. If you would like more information on Kristin, please contact me.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

US Olympic Team Coming to Fort Worth

The 2008 Olympic Softball Tour is coming to Gateway park in Fort Worth, Texas. The game will be played at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5th. The game will be a part of the Bound 4 Beijing tour, and a group of collegiate all-stars will challenge Team USA.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling: 817-871-7690

There will be a free autograph session and fireworks after the game.

I am very excited for my students to see first hand, the players that we use as examples with the Right View Pro system each day. It should be a very exciting evening of softball.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com

Can Your 8-Year Old Hit Like This?

Below is a video of Taylor E. (8-years old) from Georgetown, Texas. Taylor came up to work with me on Right View Pro. She is going to have a real special swing in a few years. Don't get me wrong, it's got a lot of great parts right now, however, when Taylor knows how to use and adjust the different parts of her swing she'll be a very dangerous player. Just imagine what that swing will look like in 10-years!

Want to learn to swing the bat like this?

Get in touch with me.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

10 Years Ago

Well, with the HS playoffs now if full swing, I thought I'd go back and see if I could find any pictures or video of myself playing. I came up with one picture of myself as an 18-year old HS senior. I hit a double down the left field line on this swing, but now I look at it and just see a ton of things that could have turned that double into a ball that left the yard!

Where was Right View Pro during these days?????? Anyway, I thought it might be fun to let my students pick on my swing for a little while. I'm curious what they come up with.

It was a nice run we had that year. Ended up the only baseball team in UIL to finish with a perfect record in the regular season at 24-0. Finished ranked 6th in the state in the last THSBCA poll. I hit .558 with 5 Homeruns, 10 Doubles, 43 RBI's on 43 Hits and finished 9-0 on the mound with a .80 ERA. Our team had 2-players, myself and Adam Delaughter named to the All-State team. As a side note, you may have heard of Adam's brother, Tim, who is the leader of the band the Polyphonic Spree. I dare anyone to listen to a Polyphonic Spree song and be in a bad mood, I think it's impossible!

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

Out By a Step?

I wanted to share a screen capture from last Summer's Elite Showcase held in Plano that I took from Right View Pro with one of our lefties. Kristin, per NFCA guidelines, is a sub 3.0 to 1B. What I mean by that is that from the RH batters box, when her foot lands on her first step it takes her about 2.95 seconds before she reaches 1B. For a HS Junior, this is very acceptable speed. So now let's take into consideration that when she plays the short game from the left side of the plate she is trying to gain an advantage and drastically reduce the 2.95 time. The first key is to build momentum with good Attack Posture and footwork to generate the potential for speed. The second key, and the one I see very under utilized even at the Gold level of amateur ball is to reduce the 60 foot run down to about a 58 foot run. Beginning lefties please understand that your pre-swing movement consists of A.) Drop Step and then B.) Cross Over Step. We don't want to take a cross over step from the back of the batters box to the front, it would be way too big and impossible. The goal is to land the back foot as close to the front of the batters box as possible. In our picture above, if Kristin is out by one step, then we can attribute being out by one step, to being too far back in the box at Cross Over.

The solution is very simple. You should stand in the same spot in the batters box if you play the short game whether you are going to swing away, bunt or slap. Begin in a position where you can reach the front of the batters box on your cross over step with the back foot. The cross over, if done properly, should see your back leg land in a position where you're on the ball of the foot, and the knee is forward of the ankle to create a good position to accelerate from on your back leg. By the way, the back leg is very important since it's the only foundation at the time of contact since the front (right) leg will actually be in the air at the time of contact on the better slappers/bunters.

In the coming weeks I'll be sharing a lot of information regarding the Left Side Speed Game.

Mark Mulvany

Coach@Fastpitchtrainer.com

27 Homeruns and Counting - Bekah Shockey 3 hits in last 2 starts

My kids have now hit 27 over the fence Homeruns since January 1, 2008. Congrats to a few first timers, Brittany Perkins (7th grade), Victoria Anthony (9th grade LD Bell) and Shelby VanMaanen (10th grade/Coppell High School) for their recent accomplishments.

A few note worthy performances have Plano High School's Vonnie Martin (2010 grad) with 8 homeruns since the start of the new year (7 in high school and 1 in the RR pre season tournament). Abby Moore (2010 Grapevine High School) began the HS season with 2 consecutive 2-homerun games during pre-season, hitting 4 homers in her first 8 at-bats of HS ball this season.

Also, I want to recognize Bekah Shockey (2009 Euless Trinity High School), for allowing 3 hits in her last 2 games this season. Prior to her 3-hitter, Bekah threw her first no-hitter of the season 2-weeks ago in a key district win.

On the Right Track

I was sent a picture by one of my 12-year old hitter's this week. It's a great photo and I love the angle that it was taken from. We talk a lot to our hitters about the lead arm in their swing, and the 2-pictures I will show will include the photo from last weekend with the 12-year old hitter and then a picture of one of the kid's I've worked with from The Woodlands, Tx. Audrey (12U pictured below) is having trouble keeping her barrel below her hands. Becuase of the tightness in her top hand, it prevents her from achieving a proper angle with her bat as she enters the hitting zone, and then it doesn't allow her to effectively put her top hand and wrist in the most effective position to really release that angle back along the line of the incoming pitch. If you'll notice in this photo, the barrel and hands are almost level with each other.

(Click on pictures to enlarge for a better view)

(Jayme is a 2010 Graduate. Collegiate coaches may contact me for more information)

In the photo above , Jayme has created a much better launch angle of her bat. By allowing the barrel to work below the hands, the back arm is in a stronger position and the lead elbow has climbed to the same height of the shoulder, creating a much more solid upper body position to transfer energy into the bat. In our 12U hitter's case, she needs to keep the lead elbow even higher than the ball, allow the barrel to have more of an angle through the contact zone, as well as allow the top hand to properly release the stored energy of the bat, by allowing the weight of the bat to move into the fingers instead of the palm. Our12U hitter's posture can also be corrected, during rotation to allow for her proper lead arm position to be achieved.

The picture of Jayme is a screen capture from the Right View Pro professional system that we use at the Southlake Baseball & Softball Academy. I will be posting some of our research from the RVP system in the near future.

Visit the Right View Pro link on the page for more information about Right View Pro. Contact me if you want to set up a Right View Pro evaluation.

Mark Mulvany
Coach@FastpitchTrainer.com