Cat Osterman Experience

Cat Osterman Experience
2010 COE

MP3 Clips

Monday, March 7, 2011

Fastpitch Softball Is Not Baseball

By: Scott Hamilton
Fastpitch softball is not baseball. Fastpitch softball is action packed, a surprise at every pitch, strategy at every breath…..this is fastpitch softball. Players, coaches, and fans must pay strict attention or they will miss the action.
Coaches relay signals at every pitch. Signals to the pitcher telling the pitcher the type of pitch and the placement of the pitch. Signals to the batter, telling the batter to swing or not, to bunt, to hit and run. Signals to the base runners, telling them to steal a base, to draw a throw. Signals to the fielders, telling them where to place themselves, or where to concentrate the defense. The coaches even use signals to indicate whether or not to use the signals! This is done to make sure the signals are not intercepted so that the opposition may gain advantage.
Fastpitch softball is so fast that teams can devise strategy to win even if they are over matched by superior pitching. This strategy is called “small ball”. This strategy involves bunting at nearly every pitch. This forces the defense to move in and is necessary because the bases are close together, only 60 feet, and can be reached rapidly by the runners. If a small mistake is made (a ball bobble, or a slow throw) the runner will be safe and opens the game up for more like strategy.
The difference between winning and losing can be very small. The equipment used by the players and coaches is key to success. Players and coaches can network to offer advice to one another to ensure that the best equipment is being put to use. These ideas can be shared at www.lets-talk-softball.com
This web site was established for fastpitch softball participants so that advice can be shared freely. Please visit the site and share your experiences with other so that they may become better.

Softball Pitching – Effective Off-Season Workouts for In-Season Wins

By Cheri Kempf, Club K
Winter off-season training for pitchers should include drills and workouts that enhance and improve the pitcher’s repertoire or ammunition and will have a direct effect on their performance from the outset of the season opener. Too often, pitchers and coaches have a goal to maintain abilities through the winter and try to ensure that skills do not decline through the decreasing number of total absence of pitches. Off -season training is prime-time to make corrections and improvements in form and pitches while also increasing strength and stamina in preparation for a demanding spring and/or summer schedule. The following are focus points of off-season training.
Form Adjustments and Corrections
Throughout the season of competition, pitchers will often times pick up bad habits (as a result of fatigue or pressure situations), that will stick with them. To prevent these bad habits from carrying over into another season, the pitchers and their coaches should do a slow-motion video analysis to check form and look for areas that could improve efficiency and/or speed.
To improve or correct form after identifying weaknesses – Start slow and close with warm-up focusing on troubled area(s) and make sure correction is obtained before progressing further or faster. Sometimes this will take an hour and sometimes weeks, but the pitcher should continue to incorporate the correction into the warm-up. Eventually, it will stick into the full-speed pitch.
A good drill that will reflect form problem is “distance pitching.” To distance pitch, the pitcher should start at normal distance and gradually back up. The catcher should stand up and receive a chest high pitch at about 75% effort from the pitcher. Average distances are: Ages 7 – 9, 50’ to 60’; Ages 10 – 12, 60’ – 70’; Ages 13 – 14, 70’ – 80’; High School ages 80’ – 110’; College ages 110+. If form problems occur such as tight follow through, lagging drag, or posture change, the ball will not carry the distance. Distance pitching is also a good warm up drill.
Control Work
A pitcher’s biggest asset is to be able to throw the ball where she needs to. Off-season is the perfect time to polish and perfect location pitches without the pressure of game situations. It is important that the control become a habit, so by spring when the pressure is on, it will not affect accuracy. It is important to note that most pitchers overestimate their abilities in accuracy and fail to give ample attention to improving.
To improve control, use stationary targets such as 8” X 8” taped targets on a wall or net so that a hit or miss is not in question. Set a specific group of targets such as up & in, down & in, and down & out and have the pitcher throw 10 to each target. Once a week or once every two weeks have a “target test” and check for improvement. Pitchers should be 80 to 90% accurate at each target. Pitchers should practice target pitching 3 – 5 times/week. Catchers can be used in the practice sessions also.
Another control drill that is helpful is to place a dummy batter (ie football dummy, plyometrics box, or Lisa Fernandez cardboard stand-up) at the plate in different batter locations and work tight and away pitches depending on location of batter. This builds confidence without the risk of hitting a live batter with a mistake.
Movement Pitches
Going into the off-season workout, a pitcher needs to evaluate each pitch and its effectiveness last season. (For instance: Did the change up work? Did it get hit? Did it get hit hard? Could it be thrown for a strike? Was it a strike-out or go-to pitch?) An honest evaluation by pitcher, catcher, and coach should show clearly what pitches need work and what that work should be. Also, it is a great idea to try and add one useful pitch to the repertoire. This requires skill work in mastering the basic form and technique of the pitch as well as development to the point of use in a game situation. The development of a new pitch or improvement of an old one requires a good steady commitment by the pitcher.
To improve or add movement pitches, the pitcher should first understand totally what needs to be accomplished. With rise, drop, or curve, the spin is the first area to master. Pitchers should start close (2 – 3 ‘ from catcher) with a taped ball – or better yet, a Spin Right Spinner from Club K! – at any distance. If necessary, start learning to spin even without the arm circle, using a gentle rock back motion. With the rise and drop, there are also posture and weight shift changes to master. These should be practiced through shadow pitching without the ball. With the change-up, the emphasis in off-season should be on perfecting the mechanics as well as matching the pitch effort and form to the effort and form of the most thrown pitch.
Speed Work
It is always nice to pick up a few miles per hour over the winter. This can be achieved through a proper and effective strengthening program, but also requires the pitcher to push herself harder within the speed improvement area of her workout to call up the newly developed strength.
To improve speed while pitching, the pitcher should block 10 – 15 minutes towards the end of a workout when they are completely warmed up, and focus just on increasing the speed of the arm circle and body together. This part of the workout should leave the pitcher physically tired (ie sweating, out of breath, etc.). If the speed workout is not physically demanding, the pitcher has not pushed herself and consequently has not called on extra muscle recruitment. “Speed Drills” are an excellent way to achieve this “push.” During speed drills, the pitcher should pitch (full form) a pitch and quickly return to the rubber in position to catch a quick throw back from the catcher. She then delivers again as quickly as possible. The speed drills can be done in sets of 10, 15, or 20 pitches and should total between 60 – 80 pitches. The total number should be based on the pitchers tolerance. If timed, the sets should average three seconds per pitch ( For example, a 10-pitch set should average 30 seconds).
Effective off-season workouts are crucial to the growth and improvement of a pitcher. This is the preparation for the performance and will directly affect the stamina, health and success of a pitcher.

Friday, March 4, 2011

5 Things Coaches Don't Want to Hear




By: Stacie Mahoe
"I can't": This gets old very fast. If you insist that you "can't" day in and day out, then why should your coach keep you on the team? Plus, keep in mind that your body does what your mind tells it to. So if your mind says, "I can't do this or I can't do that" how is your body ever going to do those things when it's constantly being told it can't?

"I forgot": I am still baffled by how often players say, "I forgot my shoes" or "I forgot my socks." Be responsible. You know when practices and games are scheduled. It's not as if these events are sprung on you at the last minute. Be prepared. Be ready! Don't just rely on your parents to make sure you have everything you need. This is not their team, this is not their practice, and this is not their softball season. It's yours. Even my 5 year old daughter is responsible for having her softball things ready day in and day out. I know you can do it too!

You talking while they are talking: When your coach is talking, your focus needs to be on them and only them. It is very rude and disrespectful, not only to your coach, but to your team if you are talking while your coach is talking. I know listening to your coach can be boring sometimes and you may be wondering when they are going to stop saying the same thing over and over again. But if you're paying attention and your coach knows his/her message is getting through, then may not feel the need to talk so long or to repeat things they've already said.

Excuses: Make it a point to get the job done. Don't let excuses get in your way. The other team is playing on the same field as you with the same umpires in the same weather. Don't blame these things on your bad performance. I'm not saying that these conditions don't make your job more difficult, but complaining and grumbling doesn't make the rain go away, doesn't make the umpires like you more, doesn't make the field easier to play on, and doesn't make the sun stop shinning in your face. Instead of making excuses, focus all of your effort and energy on playing your best despite the conditions. Since it is tougher to get the job done, you certainly don't need to be wasting any of your energy or focus on grumbling when you really need it all to make the plays that need to be made.

"Why is she playing?" You may not always agree with your coach's decisions, but questioning his or her choices in front of your teammates does NOT help the team. When game time comes, you are most helpful supporting and encouraging all of your teammates no matter what; especially if they are playing in the game. Asking why a certain player is playing is not helpful to that player. It does not show confidence in their ability and does not help team unity. If you are bringing a player on your team down, not only are you affecting that one player, but you are hurting the entire team. If that person starts making mistakes in the game it does not only affect them. It affects everyone. Therefore, it's very important that you do and say whatever you need to in order to help every player do their best, whether you feel they should be playing or not. Remember, softball is a team sport. EVERYTHING you say and everything you do either helps your team or hurts your team. There is no in between. With every action and every work, you're either helping your team get closer to their goals or you're bringing your team down. Make sure that everything you say and do helps your team instead of hurts it. If you do have questions about your coach's decisions, then you need to set up a time to talk to your coach one-on-one so that your issues can be addressed by your coach himself.

Coaches like team player with positive attitudes. Do a self check and see if you hear yourself saying any of the things mentioned above. If so, see how you can change and become a player coaches love to have on their team.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Fastpitch Softball Drills for Defense


VARIATIONS
Throw the counter-clockwise: instead of throwing to 3rd base, then 2nd, then 1st, and back home, go the other direction. This is a different pivot, requiring different footwork.
Follow your throw: Have players follow their ball to give players more of a workout during the drill. So when the player at home starts the drill off by throwing to 3rd, they will then follow their throw and run to the back of the line at 3rd base.
More balls: add in another ball or two to speed up the drill and make it more challenging

4 One-Hops: instead of a regular throw, have the players one-hop the ball to each other. It's easier to have them make it a LONG hop instead of a short hop. Have them focus on giving a good hop to their teammate while the receiver is focusing on good fielding technique and footwork.

2 One-Hops: you can also do the one-hop drill, but have the person fielding the one-hop make a regular throw to the next base so that they are fielding the ball and making a throw. So you'd have the person at home one-hop the ball to 3rd, the person at 3rd field the ball and make a regular throw to 2nd, then have that person throw a one-hop to the player at 1st and that player fields the one-hop and makes a regular throw home. I would highly suggest having player follow their ball in this one so everyone gets a chance to field the one-hops and make a throw or simply alternate what you do first (i.e. start with a regular throw between home and 3rd, then go with the short hop between 3rd and 2nd).

Obviously you can use these variations in combination with each other or even all at the same time (go counter-clockwise, have the players follow their throw, use an additional ball, and do one-hops). WOW!
My Own Fly Ball
Here's one you can incorporate right into your daily throwing warm-up.  After the players are warm, have one line back-up so everyone is throwing farther than the base path (*note: adjust the distance for younger age groups).   Start all the balls with the players lined-up on the foul line. 
Have one player call out a "Ready, Go!" or some other indicator to start.
One the players call, the entire line throws their ball up in the air over their own head to simulate a fly ball.  In other words, they are throwing a pop up to themselves.
When the ball comes down, the catch it and fire it over to their partner.

Things to look for...
Proper catching technique:
Don't allow players to basket catch the ball or catch it down by their stomach.  Everyone should be catching the ball up above them and out in front.  Encourage the use of two hands on the catch.

Proper Positioning:
Players should throw the ball up high enough to allow themselves time to get into proper position for the catch.  If they need to move back or forward, make sure they are moving their feet and not just staying planted and reaching for the ball behind them or out to the side. 

All players should be stepping to the ball with their glove foot on the catch.  They should not catch the ball with their feet next to each other or with their throwing foot forward.  Catching the ball with feet side by side or the wrong foot forward will result in a slower, weaker transition into the throw.  The step with the glove foot should land just before the catch is made.  Just as a player should step to the ball on a regular catch (throw being made to them), they should step to the ball on a fly ball or pop-up catch as well especially if they have a throw to make immediately following the catch. 

Proper Throwing Technique: You may also looking for proper throwing technique after the catch, but this drills is primarily to give the players reps catching fly balls/pop ups with correct positioning, footwork, and catching technique. Encourage players to keep the ball down on their throw, not throw it way up in the sky as younger players may tend to do.  Again, depending on skill level, you may want to focus on one aspect at a time and not bombard your players with feedback on EVERYTHING at once.  
The Triangle Drill
Split your fielders up into 3 even groups and put them at the points of the triangle.
Coach stands at point #3.
Coach hits the ball to fielder at point 1.
Fielder at point 1 throws to player at point 2.
Player at point 2 catches the ball and throws to the player standing next to the coach at point 3.
Players follow their ball after they make a throw. (player standing next to the coach will run to point 1 after receiving the ball from point 2 and giving it to the coach).
Repeat until all players back into their original spots.  Of course, you can make them go more than one round if you wish.
For the drill described above the ball will go in a clockwise direction around the triangle. You can also reverse the direction and have the player practice their footwork for getting the ball around the triangle in the counter-clockwise direction.
You may also vary the distance of the players.  Bring them in closer for practice with quick short throws.  Move them away to practice footwork for longer throws.
Ball First
This softball drill is basically to get the girls focused on stopping the ball when it's coming to them.  In this softball drill, eliminate the throw entirely so that their only focus is stopping that ball.  Make sure they are approaching the ball well.  Make sure they are using proper fielding technique and footwork. Emphasize these things and most of all, emphasize stopping the ball!
You can't do anything on defense unless the control the ball.
Since the players won't be making a throw, they can concentrate fulling on fielding technique.  Then simply have them run the ball over to a bucket and run back in line to field again.
Of course, where you place the bucket is up to you.  If you only have a few players in the drill you'll probably want to keep it close so you the flow of the drill isn't interrupted by the players having to run over and drop the ball off.  If you have more players you can move the bucket further away to keep the players moving and make the drill physically challenging.
Teaching the Relay
Before putting your team through this drill explain:
  • What a relay is
  • What the purpose of a relay is
  • When a relay is used
Show them and teach:
  • What the role of each part of the relay is
  • How to properly execute each part
Split your team into 3 groups.  One group will be in the outfield, one group in the cut position, and the other in the receiving position at the end of the relay.  Remind each player what you expect in each role.
Hit the ball to the outfielder and have your team relay the ball in.  Each player in the each group should get a chance to execute their role (outfield/cut/receive) before you rotate the groups.
Things to Emphasize:
Outfield role: proper catching/throwing technique, accurate throw through the cut
Cut role: getting lined up, proper body position and calling for the ball from the outfielder, getting into proper catching position upon catch, moving to get the ball if necessary, making quick accurate throw so receiver can make a tag on the runner (keep the ball low, chest high is not where we want this throw).
Receive role: help cut line up, call for the ball, proper positioning on bag and for making the catch, quickly apply a secure tag on the runner, moving to make the catch if necessary

College Recruiting Tips for High School Student-Athletes


Tip#1 - Grades Matter - I don't care how much talent or skill you have, you're no good to a college coach if you can't stay eligible academically. Why should they waste a scholarship or a spot on their team with a recruit that will never smell playing time because of academic ineligibility? It's in your best interest to prove, during high school, that you can take care of academics as well as athletics. Taking care of business in the classroom helps open up more opportunities during the recruiting process. All else being equal, having better academics than another recruit just may be the factor that sets you apart from other student-athletes. Grades are important. Don't slack in the classroom.
Tip #2 - Attitude Counts - If you think attitude goes unnoticed by college coaches during the recruiting process, think again. Just one player with a bad attitude can infect the entire team. Most coaches I know would rather have a team full of decent players who work hard, play together as a team, and know how to pull together when it counts than a team full of all-stars incapable of playing together to reach their team goals. Demonstrate your ability to work hard, support your teammates, and be coachable!
Tip# 3 - Test Early - If you plan on going to a school that has SAT/ACT requirements, try to take these tests during your Junior Year in high school (if not earlier). Often times College Coaches will offer scholarships in the fall of a recruit's Senior Year in high school, sometimes even sooner. If you've already gotten your tests taken care of and they know you'll be able to get into their school, it's that much easier for them to decide that you're a recruit they want.
Tip#4 - Send Information - Too many student-athletes mistakenly think "If I'm good, someone will find me". Don't make this mistake! Guess What? College coaches can't recruit you if they don't know you exist. Put together a video, if possible, and send it to programs of your choice along with an athletic "resume" highlighting your achievements. Include stats, awards, high school transcripts, information on SAT/ACT scores, and letters of recommendation from coaches and teachers. Don't forget your contact information!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Softball Stats

Fish playing softball

Team Building Activities


Ice breaker games make a crucial difference to your meeting, training or team building. They help create an open and trusting atmosphere and are a great way to build team dynamics, energize, spark ideas and have fun.
Here are a few  ice breaker games designed to ease introductions, boost energy and creativity in any group setting.
Treasury Box
This icebreaker creates team individualism and builds team spirit by helping members explore each others skills, talents and special knowledge. It also builds self-esteem as members share their strengths and discover what makes them unique and productive.
Start by explaining  that skills and talents are portable and every member of the team is bringing  a box full of knowledge and skills to the team. This next activity will help  fill the team's treasury box.
Distribute 3 x 5 cards. Ask participants to write their names on the cards and below their names list two specialties or skills that they bring to the team e.g., knowledge of project management, organizational skills, or proposal writing. When participants complete the cards, have them stick  the cards in a flip chart and engage everyone in exploratory conversations about the items.
During the discussions team members will be able to learn new things about each other and become aware of each others strengths.
Once the discussions are finalized put all the cards in a box, labeled treasury box. Itemize it after the meeting and place the box in a popular spot in the office. Encourage team members to open it and read it every time they need encouragement or support on special tasks.
Solution-Seeker
This ice breaker helps obtain several possible solutions of suggestions for the participants current challenges or issues.  The seating is an important element in this exercise. All the participants should be sitting in a circle. Ask each person to think about an actual job-related problem or concern. Each person writes his or her problem on a blank sheet of paper. E.g “how can I get more team engagement?” Or,” how can I get my team more punctual?” After allowing a few minutes to think about and write out their problems, ask each person to pass his or her problem sheet to the right. That person reads the problem just received and  writes down the first thought(s) that come to mind  for addressing that problem. Allow 30 seconds to respond to that individual sheet. Repeat this  rotational process every 30 seconds, and the process  going until each person gets his or her own sheet back. Time permitting, they can then discuss some of the more practical solutions they received. 
One of the most intercative of ice breaker games is the Puzzle- Making. It's fun and deliveres strong messages.
Puzzle-Making
Participants enjoy this activity because it engages them in cooperation quickly. Use it at any time to make a point about interdependence, the necessity of having everyone's input, or the importance of regular communication. Bring a 50-piece puzzle and divide the pieces from each puzzle into four small bags. Put one complete puzzle,four bags on each table. Organize participants into four sub-groups.  
Ask each group to pick a bag of puzzles. Explain that they are going to put a puzzle together with their teammates, but they have to follow instructions closely: For the first 2 minutes, they should begin putting their puzzle pieces together by alternating turns. They are not allowed to talk or touch one another's pieces. When the 2 minutes have passed, they should continue taking turns putting pieces in silence, but they may begin touching one another's pieces. Continue for 2 minutes. Finally, they will have 5 minutes to finish putting the puzzle together in any way they would like. Talking will be permitted during the last 5 minutes.
After the final 5 minutes, stop the puzzle making. Ask participants for observations and feedback. Deliver the message that we often find ourselves doing things in isolation without involving one another. When we involve one another, using all of the pieces and communicating in many different ways, we have a greater chance for successful completion of a project.

How to be an Impact Player


By: Stacie Mahoe

As a high school softball coach, I believe every player can be an “impact player”. You may be thinking how can that be? Not everyone is an all-star. Not everyone is an ace pitcher or a homerun hitter. That’s true. But every player has a role. Every player contributes in some way. Every player should have an “impact” on the team.
But what about the "backup" players?
I know for a fact that even the weakest softball player on the team can positively affect teammates. While they may never get the game winning hit or the crucial last out, they still contribute to the team’s success. How is that? Most times their contribution is hard work and a positive attitude. Wouldn’t you agree that back-up players that work hard in practice push the starters in front of them? They keep starters on their toes and keep them performing at an optimal level. Starters can get discouraged during a game. A positive attitude on the bench helps them bounce back faster and get back on track mentally. A starting line-up can get deflated and stay that way without a bench to support them and pick them back up. That’s why I believe that every player is essential. Everyone’s role is important and vital to the success of the team, no matter how big or how small.
Where do I start?
First, figure out what it is that you contribute to the team. It doesn’t always have to be an “on the field” thing. But before you can go any further you need to identify one way you contribute most to your team. Once you do that, set out to be the best on your team at that one thing. This doesn’t mean that you slack in other areas, but make it a point to be the “team leader” in at least this one area.
Start small if you have to. It can be as simple as being the best in attendance or being the best at showing up on time every day. Or you can challenge yourself and decide you’re going to have the least strikeouts on the team or the best on-base average. Choose something and make it a focus when you train. Again, don’t let down in other areas, but train to be the best at something. Then feel free to add to it, revise it, or modify it as the season goes on. You may find that you’re more of an “impact” player than you thought. You may not always get your name in the paper. You many not have DI schools knocking on your door, but your team wouldn’t be the same without you.
Your Choice
Just like anything else in life, you have a choice. You can choose to be an impact player and make a difference on your team. Or you can be the “weak link” on the team that everyone else has to “make up” for. The choice is yours. Choose to be an impact player.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Mental Preparation – The Key Factor for Consistent Performances


By: Rhonda Revelle, University of Nebraska

Adversity is guaranteed in athletics. The most consistently successful athletes are those who learn skills to handle adversity through compensating and adjusting to ever-changing circumstances during competition. Mental preparation and skill development enables an athlete to maintain this consistency even when external conditions are inconsistent.
Mental preparation and physical preparation are the same in that they are both skills that need to be constantly sharpened in order to become a consistently high level performer. Athletes understand the need for ongoing physical practice, but sometimes don’t quite grasp the how’s and why’s of mental training. As a coach, one of my biggest responsibilities is to have the athletes understand the correlation between preparation and consistency of play.
Athletes enter college often times without giving much thought to mental skills. In talking with them about the mental game, they just figured either someone “had it” or “did not have it.” We not only let them know that everyone can “have it” but it is a skill that needs to be trained just like any other skill and ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual to develop her own talents.

The Goal Setting Blueprint



By: Mike Jones

Why is goal setting important? Because without goals you don't go anywhere!

Whenever you see anything worthwhile being done anywhere, it's because someone is behind it with a passion, a belief and a goal!

When it comes to your personal life and your business, goal setting can make the difference between mediocrity and excellence and accomplishment.

Much is said about goal setting.

But just how do you set and accomplish goals?

Is there some goal setting formula or strategy that can be employed to increase your chances of success?

Thankfully, YES!

What follows is a blueprint for success in goal setting.

The Goal Setting Blueprint

STEP 1. Develop a DESIRE to achieve the goal. The desire must be intense. How do you intensify desire? Sit down and write out all the benefits and advantages of achieving your goal. Once the list goes between 50 and 100 your goal becomes unstoppable.

STEP 2. WRITE your goal down. Once it goes into writing it becomes substantial and starts etching itself into your subconscious.

STEP 3. IDENTIFY 1) the obstacles you will need to overcome, 2) the help you will need to acquire, e.g. knowledge, people, organizations. In each case write them out in a clear list and analyze them.

STEP 4. DEADLINE your goal. Analyze where you are now in relation to the goal and then measure how long you will reasonably need to complete the goal. Then set the latest outside date.

STEP 5. Take all the details of steps 3 and 4 and make a PLAN. List all the activities and prioritize them. Rewrite the list, optimize it, perfect it.

STEP 6. Get a clear MENTAL PICTURE of the goal already accomplished. Make the mental image crystal clear, vivid in the mind's eye. Play that picture over and over in your mind.

STEP 7. Back your plan with PERSISTENCE and resolve. Never, never, never give up even when you hit setbacks.

When are the tournaments? What is included?


All Star Package For The Following Dates:

July 4–9, 2011 (16U)-$399.00 Per Player/Coach plus a $295 umpire fee.
July 11-16, 2011 (14U)-$399.00 Per Player/Coach plus a $295 umpire fee.
July 18-23, 2011 (18U)-$399.00 Per Player/Coach plus a $295 umpire fee.
July 25-30, 2011 (12U)-$399.00 Per Player/Coach plus a $295 umpire fee.

  • Thirteen meals
  • Player home & away uniforms (jerseys, socks, and headband)
  • Induction into the U.S. Girls Softball Hall of Fame
  • Seven games guaranteed (weather permitting)
  • Pool Play - 80 minute time limit with two innings of California tie-breaker when necessary (game ends in tie if no winner is decided after the two extra innings)
  • Bracket Play – 80 minute time limit with no ties (California tie-breaker rule until a winner is decided)
  • Championship Game – 7 innings no time limit (extra innings played until winner is determined)
  • Championship day seeded into two tournaments (1–18 Gold and 17–36 Silver)
  • Five days, five nights accommodations
  • Coaches gear (hat, two shirts)                                                         
  • U.S. Girls Softball Hall of Fame bracelet/pendant for players
  • U.S. Girls Softball Hall of Fame rings for male coaches, bracelet/pendant for female coaches 
Laundry:
Laundry is available for the week for $18 per person.  Each player on the team needs to sign up for the service in order to participate.  The entire team's laundry will be picked up in the evening, washed, dried, folded and returned the next morning prior to the first game.

Team Mom:
We also encourage teams to invite their "Team Moms" to participate in the experience.  Team moms stay for $100 less than players and coaches.  Their registration includes room and board, admission to the complex, activities and a "Team Mom" t-shirt.



Umpires:
COE provides umpires for all games.  The umpire fee per team is $295 due with final installment on April 1, 2011.

If you would like to register for any of the tournaments please go to our website (catsvillage.com) and register.

How to "Get in the Zone"

By Stacie Mahoe

One thing I’ve learned as a coach is that many top athletes establish routines as part of helping themselves get in “The Zone.”
Every time I step into the batter’s box, even now in non-competitive situations, I always go in with the same routine.

Half Cuts

I step in with the same foot first every time. I always take my practice “half cuts” no matter how quickly the pitcher likes to make her delivery after I get in the box. In college, before hitting the field, I ate Cheerios and Power Bars, and if I could get a hold of M&Ms on game day, I’d only eat the green ones, and maybe the brown ones. Doing all of those little things, following the routines I established, helped me feel comfortable and in control going into competition. I felt like everything was in harmony. Going through those routines calmed me down, took away anxiety. When you are calm and anxiety-free it’s easier to be confident.

The Power of Confidence

Playing with confidence, of course, greatly affects your performance in a positive way. It’s often the difference between success and failure. For players in “The Zone” everything just feels right. Hitting the ball and making plays feels simple and stress-less.
So, was I superstitious? I still like to think that I’m not. I simply practiced a technique that many athletes are taught today. I established routines that helped me feel confident, that helped me get into the right frame of mind to perform my best. These routines helped me get closer to being in “The Zone.”

Developing Your Own Routine

Do you have any routines you go through? Are there things you do that you know calm you down and make you feel balanced? Make you feel confident? These things are important, don’t change them unless you find something else that makes you more comfortable and confident.
If you don’t have any routine and you sort of just fly by the seat of your pants, maybe it’s time to establish just one small routine that you do before each game, or before each at bat, or before each pitch on defense.
Something that lets your mind and body know it’s time to be calm, you’re in control, you’re ready for whatever happens next, and you can handle anything that comes your way. You don’t need to go overboard, just start small and see what works for you. Have fun with it, enjoy the game, and get in “The Zone.”

What are we all about?

Every so often, usually just a few times in an individual’s lifetime, an idea comes along that transcends and transforms a sport. Once that concept is brought to fruition and introduced - the sport will never be the same, and there is no “turning back” to the way it used to be.
That is exactly what Olympic Gold Medalist, Catherine Leigh “Cat” Osterman, is planning on achieving when the “Cat Osterman Experience” opened in the summer of 2010. The Cat Osterman Experience is a multi-million dollar facility located on 40 acres in Bellevue, Nebraska (the third largest city in Nebraska located 10 minutes outside of Omaha).
The facility will be a state-of-the-art complex with world class softball fields, a players village, pro-shop, cafeteria and amenities to numerous to mention them all. The complex is designed to host weeklong tournaments for girl’s fastpitch softball teams for the 12-, 14- and 16-year-old and under classes. The teams will actually stay onsite where they will eat in the cafeteria and board in the air-conditioned player’s village, as well as get the opportunity to play against teams from across the nation. Some other exciting elements of the stay will include: each team having the opportunity to participate in activities that will include Cat Osterman and/or one of her Olympic teammates; participate in skills challenges (fleet foot, homerun derby, around the horn, etc.); opening and closing ceremonies; and player inductions into the U.S. Girls Softball Hall of Fame.
The idea was hatched from Osterman’s desire to re-create what she felt and experienced the first time she walked onto the softball field at the University of Texas, or when she stood on the mound at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, as she participated in international venues, and when she was selected number one in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Rockford Thunder. All of these experiences have culminated to create a lifelong love of softball and the ideals that are associated with team sports that she can never abandon. “Everyone deserves to have similar feelings and experiences that they can turn to throughout their lives”, said Cat. “I have forged memories and relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime because of these experiences”.
“I know it’s an overused cliché - but I really want to give back”, stated Cat. “I feel I would be very ungrateful if I didn’t give back to the sport that has given me so much, and I want to give these young women an opportunity to participate in something that has no equal when it comes to fastpitch softball. You won’t find anything like this at a weekend softball tournament or an academy or camp!”
It has been this attitude of giving back to the sport she loves that has compelled Cat to the coaching ranks. She currently serves as an assistant coach at DePaul University, even as she plays fulltime professional softball for Rockford Thunder and participates in international softball events. In the past, she has also found time in her busy schedule to coach the Austin Storm, a 16U Red Team of an Austin-based select fastpitch club who boasts an unparalleled record of college recruitment in Central Texas.
The dream is becoming a reality, as Cat has coupled with a group of investors (WBV, LLC) and the city of Bellevue to make this an actuality for girl’s fastpitch softball. “The city of Bellevue deserves recognition and a lot of credit for making this a reality”, explained Osterman, “they have ‘bent over backwards’ and made significant commitments and contributions to make this happen – I can’t tell you how excited I am to introduce the rest of the country to this great city and their generous citizens!”
Another aspect of the Cat Osterman Experience is that it has been designed to be a “family experience”, in other words an event the whole family can enjoy. When Cat elected to play her collegiate softball at the University of Texas, one of the reasons she chose that university is because it was close enough for her family to come and watch her play. Family has always been a big part of Cat’s life and success, and she believes the same holds true for a lot of athletes – especially younger ones.
That’s why; as the complex was being designed and created there were activities and features that were implemented for the enjoyment of both the family and the athlete. Some of these elements include: a three-story water slide; video arcade; basketball and sand volleyball courts; tours of the U.S. Air Force base; web broadcasts; wiffleball fields; and a pro-shop where you will be able to find your favorite paraphernalia. Each evening at the village will also include a family activity – ranging from: opening and closing ceremonies; a live comedy show; outdoor movies displayed on a giant screen; live bands; and family barbecues. Some of the local attractions consist of: Henry Doorly Zoo (nationally acclaimed); Omaha Children’s Museum; Omaha Magic Theater; AK.SAR.BEN Aquarium & Nature Center; Lozier IMAX Theater; Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's botanical center; Joslyn Art Museum; River City Star; and the Orpheum Theater. And, for the adults who are looking for a little fun and excitement of their own the complex is located 15 minutes from Council Bluff, IA where you can enjoy some “down time” at one of the local casinos.
The concept of stay-and-play facilities has actually been around for a number of years, but they’ve only been available to baseball players that consist mainly of boys. These facilities have been a huge success amongst baseball players, and in some cases you have to sign up a few years in advance to secure your spot at the tournament. Some naysayers have said this concept will never work for girl’s softball, but Cat, like she has done so many times in her career, is out to prove them wrong. She believes girls fastpitch softball has come of age, and that young women want the same opportunities that are readily available to the boys.
At this point, you might be asking yourself – “so, what does an experience like this cost”? It’s surprisingly affordable; the standard all-inclusive price per player and coach for the six day experience is $599 (including meals and accommodations for 6 days, 8 games guaranteed, home and away jerseys, access to site attractions and entertainment, etc). However, for the inaugural season there is an early sign-up incentive that actually drops the price to $399 for each player and coach, and all teams that sign-up by August 1st of 2009 are eligible for the incentive. Additionally, through Softball the Magazine there is a “signed-shirt” bonus, in which all teams that sign-up within the early incentive period will also receive an autographed shirt by Cat Osterman! (Shirt’s will be handed out upon check-in)