Allison Bennett asked:

looking for a 16 and under team in Arlington Texas. I am a pitcher and play 3rd base but can also play the outfiled.

Barb’s answer:

you can also go to virtual team director and place an add on there as well. www.vtd.com

Sydney! :D asked:

Who is or has been your biggest role model in your softball career?

Barb’s answer:

My grandmother was my inspiration. She traveled with me to all my games and practices when I was playing on multiple team. As a catcher, I watched alot of MLB since there wasn't professional softball back then.

Kaylin Eagar asked:

how do you keep for dropping your back shoulder while batting?

Barb’s answer:

I will tell you some of the best techniques I have learned being a high school coach as well as a rec ball coach, is the ones taught by the olympic head softball coach, Mike Candrea. Watch some of his clips online. My girls batting has improved so mu... Continue reading »

Keith Burchell asked:

Dealing with the parents

Barb’s answer:

I hate to say it, but if you are a head coach, you are in charge of alot of various duties, teaching these children how to play ball appropriately with discipline, sportsmanship and positive attitudes. In turn, we also have to keep our parents positiv... Continue reading »

Trever Wagner asked:

Looking for a drill that will help 8u players fielding move their feet on ball contact, especially outfielders.

Barb’s answer:

Well actually... technically, the player should be moving before contact is made. baseball wise, boys in outfield should be moving back at least 2-3 steps from the time the pitcher brings the pitching arm back to release. With girls same amount of st... Continue reading »

Heather Mannion Lewis asked:

How do i express my dissastisfaction to my daughters u12 rec coach when he asks girls to not come to games so that others can play more.....

Barb’s answer:

I agree Lisa, I am on the softball committee in my league and we also have the same rule in our bylaws for rec that states, the starting lineup must rotate with the bench. A player shall not sit the bench in two consecutive starts. He must start every... Continue reading »

Brandon Gonzalez asked:

How do i get faster?

Barb’s answer:

One way to increase speed is by making sure you are staying conditioned and well hydrated, but one thing I do with players when training is to have then purchase 2lb and 5 lb ankle wts. They have to practice running in them by first walking slow, then... Continue reading »

Elizabeth Winans Hertensen asked:

My daughter recently joined a softball team, she is 7 playing on a 10+ team. How do I find what size bat is right for her?

Barb’s answer:

also it isn't just the size that matters, you need to make sure you check wt as well. when the child swings the bat he/she must have complete control with a direct motion forward. If it bobbles in any way... up...down... looking like waves... whateve... Continue reading »

Scott Turner asked:

Coaching U16 girls softball and looking for rule-book, can I find it on-line?

Barb’s answer:

depending on what league you coach. Most likely it is best to go to the type of league you play such as ASA, PONY, USSSA and order one directly. Also, most of your local sporting goods stores will have them, you may just have to ask.

Terri Minetti asked:

Coach U12 and need to get the girls throwing harder, no rainbows. Any suggestions?

Barb’s answer:

I am a former high school softball coach and now I coach a 14u team. What I do is start out with just controlled wrist snaps and have the partner catch with soft hands (no glove). Then when accomplished this task, you scoot the girls back further and... Continue reading »