Fastpitch Softball Fastpitch Softball: The Windmill Pitcher the Windmill Pitcher

by Barry Sammons

Book Overview

The Windmill Pitcher is the most comprehensive book on fastpitch pitching that I have read. It is an excellent reference for both coaches and pitchers. -- Ernie Parker, world-renowned pitching coach "I now have a comprehensive reference book to offer the people who contact me about pitching. The chapter on increasing ball speed is outstanding. There was an incredible need for this book and I thank Barry for writing it." -- Sherry Werner, PhD,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570281408
• ISBN13: 9781570281402
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.5" x 11.5"

Customer Reviews

Best material I've used

I have a collection of tapes from various people. It would seem that video would be the best medium for this kind of instruction. Maybe it's because I viewed and re-viewed the tapes so often, but I honestly got more detail out of this book than anything else I've used. The discussion of each piece of the mechanics along with drills I haven't seen on any tape was very, very helpful.I would strongly recommend this book. It's straight-up, no hype instruction. Excellent for beginning or intermediate pitchers and/or coaches.

The "bible" of windmill pitching

Mr. Sammons uses his practical knowledge of pitching to educate the coach and player about the mechanics of pitching and most importantly the mental aspects of pitching in an easy to read format. He personally illustrated the book to show the proper grips and forms to assist the reader. I rate it a classic. By the way, at the age of "50 something" Mr. Sammons pitched a perfect game in the competitive Milwaukee WI mens fastpitch league. So much for them that can't play.........teach........he does both.

Excellent introductory and reference.

Barry's book is a wonderful source of fundamental windmill fastpitch information. It is valuable to the beginning pitcher or coach. For the more experienced it is an excellent reference work. I return to it again and again, and always find something useful and new.

The single best fastpitch softball pitching reference book.

Barry Sammons book is a must have for anyone who is serious about fastpitch softball.Pitching is the heart of the game,and this reference demonstrates the basics better than any other.Prior to this,windmill pitching was a mystery to all but the most experienced players and coaches,especially those trying to crossover from baseball.The reason for this was the confusion of two very different styles of windmill pitching which look similar to the untutored eye.Mr. Sammons is very experienced as a pitcher and coach of both styles - the "leap and drag" and the "stepping" style.With the aid of line drawings reduced from actual video,he is able to demonstrate the detailed fundamental mechanics of both styles.Once the player or coach understands this,they are able to analyze mechanics,correct flaws and communicate about what is happening.

The best pitching book for fastpitch softball...period!

This book is a "must have" for all fathers who want to be involved in helping their daughters to become successful pitchers in fastpitch softball. (I also think it would be an excellent resource for most softball coaches to have in their library.)While I own 8-10 different video training tapes on pitching, Barry Sammons book is my most often used reference. It was originally recommended to me by one of the top pitching coaches in the Pacific Northwest.The book does an excellent job of covering pitching mechanics and how to teach them. It also describes how to correct problems, and offers several excellent drills.Other topics include: excellent descriptions and diagrams on throwing the various pitches; sections on strategy and the mental aspects of pitching; fitness training; and how to coach the pitcher.If I could only have one book or video to use in working with my daughter, this book would be it. Even though my daughter also has a pitching coach, Barry Sammons book has allowed me to be more helpful as an "assistant pitching coach".