findsailor1

How might one eat an elephant? You eat it one bite at a time! Actually, it is the same way you should go about undertaking any giant task. Taken in its entirety, it can look very intimidating. Break it down into its elements, into small bite-sized tasks, and the whole project looks possible. The steps can be larger or the steps can be smaller. However, they each must be easy enough and "do-able". When you have done all the small-task steps, you will look back and find out that now you have the entire task conquered. It's exactly the same way with how to have a solid defense. Here then is how you can approach the elephantine task of fielding a softball, in seven simple yet actionable steps.
Step 1 . Always be alert.. This means that you need to be ready at all times. Take note of who the batter is and their position in the lineup. Obviously for 3rd and 4th place hitters you may want to take step back and when you reach the bottom of the lineup you may want to come in. Of course this depends on the overall skill level of the team you are playing... Neglecting this step will most likely lead to poor results.
Step 2. Know how many outs there are. This can be extremely important because if the ball is hit to you, you need to know the best place to throw the ball ).
Step 3. Make sure you keep your glove down. Which means that have to bend your knees. Additionally, it means that keep your head down and eye on the ball at the same time.
Step 4. Never turn your head. This will require some confidence in yourself...
Step 5. Be vocal. One of the important points to note here is the more informed the entire defense is, the smarter it will play. This is always crucial because knowing the game situation is half the battle..
Step 6. Do not be scared to take smart risks when the potential reward merits it..
Step 7. Remember the proper positioning when getting ready to cut the ball. Now you are nearly there! Don't forget, having a strong defense is very possible. Its just a matter of remember some key elements and remaining consistent..
When you take the steps explained above, the large elephant-problem you had will be "eaten up" one step at a time, "devoured" and sorted out. Follow these steps and you'll have success. Once you complete your project, reward yourself for a job well done and remember that anything is possible! Congratulations on your own victory! You looked the task in the eye and won, one small step at a time!

Spring is just around the corner. The snow and ice are melting and your front yard grass is beginning to take on the look of green. You have called all twelve guys from your slow pitch softball team and have been told by each that yes they very much want to play again this year. It matters not if your team is simply a beer league team or a top-notch A rated jock squad. The first item on agenda needs to be the getting of these guys back into shape to play ball.
Everyone knows that some form of running needs to take place. It is important to have each man begin to run at least a few miles every day, at a comfortable pace, to start to get the legs and lungs back into shape. Along with the needed road work sprints of at least forty yards also need to be done. While the base-paths may only be sixty feet running twenty yards does not give the workout needed. Make sure all of your teammates are aware of this.
While running is important there are a few other steps that need to take place. 1 is that before anyone runs they need to stretch those muscles that have not been used all winter. The hamstrings and quads need to be stretched very well and should not be stretched only before running but also before all outdoor activities. These large muscle groups need to be stretched and warmed up before running and before all practices and games. The last thing anybody wants to suffer is a pulled or torn muscle as this will severely limit any playing time.
Ok, you have gotten everyone on board and they are doing what they need to do in order to have their legs ready to play. Now it is time to begin working the arms. Most players know that they need to slowly build arm strength by throwing with a partner but they also need to work on the muscles used to swing the bat. They should start by simply swing a bat in their back yard, garage, or even living room. After a few days of this type of exercise then they should be ready to move to the batting cages.
Legs and arms are coming back into shape. Now it is important to remember to also work on your back. It is important that you loosen these muscles before beginning any type of activity as pulling or hurting any muscle in your back could easily prevent you from playing for several weeks to a few months.
Playing week night or weekend softball games can be very fun. Spending time with friends and getting a little bit of a workout while having fun is one of the best ways to slow the aging process. Before you start make sure you get your body ready, do the drills that will insure you and your teammates are getting back in shape.