Rating: 
Summary: The "bible" of windmill pitching
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: The Bible of fastpitch - First Edition
Review: This book covers just about everything you'll need to know about fastpitch softball pitching, including mechanics, control, speed, power, physical conditioning, getting batters out, and real-time game considerations. The section on mechanics, from explaining the two types of movements (leap and drag and stepping style), to breaking down the pitching motion into its parts will prove to be, I believe, Biblical in importance for the sport of fastpitch softball. Included are appendices that provide excellent drills for each stage of the pitching motion, and excercises for power and conditioning. The diagrams were very helpful, and there are plenty of them. No photos.
Criticisms: Very wordy, and makes many cross references, especially when you are on, say, page 45 and are sent to Figure 1-18, which is on some previous, unreferenced page. You have to flip back through the book to find it.
Noteworthy: Actually treats men as qualified to pitch fastpitch, and doesn't assume this is a women's game.
Prognosis: I hope Sammons will take into account the criticisms, and produce an even better Second Edition, perhaps with photos, higher quality figures, tighter cross-referencing (just reproduce the relevant figure at the appropriate place) and more quotes from softballers.
Bottom Line: If you want to pitch fastpitch softball, and you will work at it, get this book. I did, I worked with it, and now pitch MUCH better. Had I not gotten this book, I would not be the pitcher I am today.
Rating:
Summary: The best pitching book for fastpitch softball...period!
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: The best pitching book for fastpitch softball...period!
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book To Help You With Pitching Techniques
Review: This book is very useful in showing how to pitch different pitches. It also gives a very clear understanding of Fastpitch Softball for anyone new to the game. The book also has a section that tells you how to go about Fitness Training during the season and during the off season. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in pitching fastpitch.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Parent Source for Learning Sound Windmill Form
Review: This is a must book for parents that want to learn and follow the windmill pitcher. The book is written in simple terms with good graphics to explain essential windmill methods. My only criticism, is that when the book has been read, you want just one more chapter. Great Job, Mr Sammons !! How about a sequel?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Parent Source for Learning Sound Windmill Form
Review: This is a must book for parents that want to learn and follow the windmill pitcher. The book is written in simple terms with good graphics to explain essential windmill methods. My only criticism, is that when the book has been read, you want just one more chapter. Great Job, Mr Sammons !! How about a sequel?
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