Progress Report: First 8 Weeks of Fastpitch Softball Pitcher Development Program

October 16, 2016

S:  Fastpitch softball pitchers participating in Courtney Hudson’s Pitcher Development Program (PDP) based out of Hunstville, AL have a level of expectation set by Courtney’s reputation. PDP for 2016 began August 1, 2016 and concludes January 27, 2017.  Parents can trust main objective is injury prevention. This is accomplished with attention to detail of the pitching mechanics along with physical assessments and strength training programs. Commitment to weekly lessons from both student and instructor is crucial to the development of the fast pitch softball pitchers. The long term goal is to help each athlete develop injury free “college body” that will impress college coaches, strength coaches and athletic training staff. Second priority is to teach students about muscles, movement patterns, and why each motion is necessary to reach their speed and movement goals. This will arm them with the knowledge to make smart decisions and adjustments outside of pitching instruction. Long term goal is to develop smart athletes. Third priority is to use the off season to set repeatable mechanics and muscle memory. Once spring games begin, pitchers can focus on game management strategies, pitch sequence and staying 1 pitch ahead of the batters. The physical part of pitching will be autopilot allowing pitchers to completely focus on strategy. 
All students were given the option to participate in sports performance evaluations with Mark Noble at University of Alabama in Huntsville Human Performance Lab. Mark assess athletes on range of motion, muscle kinetic output, and power output of lower extremities. Athletes receive custom stretching and exercise programs based on test results.

O:  A total of 35 fast pitch softball pitchers are taking weekly lessons with Courtney at Play Ball Sports Academy. Four athletes participate in online PDP. The exact drills used during weekly lessons are recorded and sent to participants by wednesday of each week. A total of 9 athletes elected to use Mark Noble for custom workouts and have completed initial evaluations.
I encourage athletes to play multiple sports and 12 athletes participate in volleyball, basketball or soccer. Seven athletes participate in other strength training programs at school or enrolled in speed and agility classes offered at other facilities.
Only five athletes expressed injuries or performance limiting pain. Injuries include chipped bone in knee cap, sprained knee, broken 4th metatarsal, and patellar tendon pain. Zero injuries were reported from pitching and zero upper extremity injuries were reported. Two out of three 2017 graduates are committed and scheduled to sign college scholarships.  

Age Groups

• 14 students ages 9-11
• 14 students ages 12-14
• 11 students ages 15-18

Weekly Lesson Components

Warm up

• J-bands (shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, horizontal abduction and adduction at 45 degrees above and below horizontal, pushing a pulling phases)
• Weighted ball forearm fire
• Board Drill
• Overhand throwing
• Double ball fastball spins

Instruction. Through the first 8 weeks of my Pitcher Development Program, we have covered basic pitching mechanics and focused on learning how to lift weights.

• Proper load of hips prior to drive
• Mechanics of push phase
• Landing and role of Stride leg
• Exaggerated arm whip and spin
• Long Toss techniques

Weight Training (In house program)

• Jobes 2x
• Rotary torso
• Wrist rolls
• 2 minute planks
• Leg extensions
• Leg curls
• Bicep curls
• Tricep extensions
• (Or students follow custom strength training program from Mark)

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