Indoor Tournament Indoor practice facilities for winter work (or even bad weather days), good or bad idea???

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This topic was discussed lately between a few coaches & I was wondering what the general OFC population thinks. We were discussing the pressure on these kids to excel as much as possible to compete in athletics. Many of these kids spend a lot of time practicing for that sport in the off-season. This led us to the discussion that it seems that teams located near indoor practice facilities for hitting, catching & pitching seem to outperform the other teams that don't have access to these facilities. (This should stir some interesting discussion as I'm sure there are some very successful organizations out there who do not go to indoor batting several times per week.)

So, OFC...what do you think?

 

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an absolute heck yes it's better to be indoors than sitting idle watching rain drops puddle up in the driveway. Our indoor sessions have helped us tons in combination of better drills and training methods. No other way in my book. As far as frequency goes, several times a week is also key or working in the basement or garage is huge. Doesn't have to be a team event. It does need to be productive and disciplined. Especially working alone on their own.

 

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As Les stated, heck ya. It does need to be disciplined though. Working on your own can get boring. I suggest making goals for this as well. The rewards of working on your own is huge. It will pay off.

 

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Opportunity to practice indoor is the reason why my DDs has played with Ohio Ice for 6years. Spano is awesome.

 

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We hit indoors twice per week all winter. Also you would be amazed how many fielding drills you can do in a confined space. We also play in a couple of indoor tourneys to keep the girls fresh. The DD and I actually put more work in during the winter than the summer months. We try to limit our workouts during the season incase of injury and so she has some recovery time. I am a firm believer that Winter Time Work Brings Summer Time Success!

 

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For a pitcher, having an indoor lane is essential. Unless you are unbelievably talented, it is almost impossible to become an effective pitcher practicing only half the year. DD's team practices once a week indoors. LOT"S of facilities popping up around northeast Ohio.

 

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I agree with everyone, practicing indoors during the off season is essential to becoming a successful player. Our team spends alot of time and money on indoor practice in the winter months. The Spano Dome and other similair facilities are fabulous for the girls to work out and hone their skills when the fields are unplayable. If you are not working out in the off-season, you cannot compete with those that do....it is just impossible.

 

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We hit indoors twice per week all winter. Also you would be amazed how many fielding drills you can do in a confined space. We also play in a couple of indoor tourneys to keep the girls fresh. The DD and I actually put more work in during the winter than the summer months. We try to limit our workouts during the season incase of injury and so she has some recovery time. I am a firm believer that Winter Time Work Brings Summer Time Success!

I will go that one further... Wintertime work helps put you on track to becoming a collegiate softball player. I was never too thrilled about conducting games in the "limited space" facilities, but having a dry, heated space to do serious work on individual hitting, pitching and fielding techniques is invaluable to becoming a better player. And it's not just about how many reps you get in, it's all about focusing on quality and "fixing things" that are holding you back from becoming a superior athlete. Sometimes an athlete can't see the difference in her game skills, because it is a slow process - but come late spring, it's easy to spot the kids who have worked hard over the winter!

 

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Those located close to facilities be glad. We are in the country and practice in a church rec. facility in the winter, lighting rather dim but still beats the outdoors. Thank goodness the Pastor is all for supporting local athletes!

 

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Off Season (indoor practice) is when we see the most growth due to the more individual focused drills on skill work, especially with hitting.

 

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Indoors = Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals, and hitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yahoo:

 

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Indoors during the off season and bad weather is absolutely critical to success in the summer. Drills, drills and more drills!! Indoors is the perfect opportunity to fine tune all of the game fundamentals and it will show its success (or failure) at game time. A girl will get 2-4 at bats a game on average but can get roughly 200 good swings in 45 minutes at your indoor practice. You will also be surprised how many fielding and throwing drills can be accomplished even in limited space.

 

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Don't forget to make it fun. 5 months of gym time can become a serious drag.