High School Softball

Well finally got my softball fix Saturday, after not watching a game since the end of July. WAAAAYYYY too long. 2 games into the season now. DD is struggling bad at the plate. 1-3 both games so far, with only one hit making it out of the infield. Was to be expected though, after a seven month lay off, and I am trying to keep her from getting too down on herself, but not having much luck. Back at it tonight if the rain stays away.

I got home from practice, so... Figured I'd update. Our last defensive starter was named. And... I didn't get named as our starting catcher. I'm disappointed that I'm not starting, but... I made a great showing and I'm at least platooning with the senior starting catcher and get to learn under her for a season. Plus, coach said he'd get me as much time behind the plate as he possibly can. Also, I was named the starting designated hitter for our first game, Friday. So, things could have been worse.

As far as practice, we practiced outside today. The weather wasn't the greatest, mid 40's and overcast. However, a lot of the 18 inches of snow we got last Tuesday is mostly gone. Most of it now is up against the fencing, in foul territory or on the outfield grass. So, practicing in long sleeves and cold weather compression leggings was adequate. The only real bummer of today is that we've already had a few players eaten up by the injury bug...I'm included. Thankfully, none of the injuries are serious...mostly sprains. I'm suffering from shin splints which I think I know the cause of. I switched cleats. I'm used to wearing Under Armour cleats. I bought a pair a week before tryouts and at tryouts, my cleats started coming apart. Those went back and I got another pair of UA' s. Those lasted maybe a week and a half before they started falling apart as well. I don't know if maybe there was a bad batch or what. So, I got a pair of Easton cleats and I like the way they feel on my feet. However, after practice, my legs are killing me. Particularly the front of my legs and my calves. So, tonight, I decided to experiment. I got a pair of Nike Magistras with the whole fly knit technology in them. For those unfamiliar, they're soccer cleats with a sock in it to help support your ankle (at least that's how I understand it). I'm taking a chance with these since my running shoes, field hockey cleats and basketball shoes are Nike. Plus, I got a pair of UA cleats in last year's model incase the Nike cleats don't work.

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I'm suffering from shin splints which I think I know the cause of. I switched cleats

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Shin splints are a pain! take a long time to get rid of, too. I have heard they can be caused by cleats that are too rigid in the sole (like Ringors- not my opinion, just what I've heard)
In my actual experience running track, shin splints were caused by incorrect running form, too much pounding on the heels. when you sprint, your weight should be on the balls of your feet. in softball, that's how you should be running all the time. once you have shin splints, make a conscious effort to try to stay on your toes when standing or walking.

then again, it could be the cleats
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good luck with it either way and keep staying positive! you have a great attitude and that will serve you well not just in softball but in life.
my DD is a junior, a captain and determined to have her best year until a few weeks ago she developed a condition that causes her to physically be unable to breath (normally) followed by stabbing pain when she breathes. two doctors, same diagnosis- just don't do anything until it goes away and take anti-inflammatories. how long will it take to pass? no one has any idea......

DD's team went 4-0 in the first week of district play. Our big test comes Monday, if the rain holds off, against a team who's coach just got her 800th win. They have won the district championship for the past 20+ years. The proudest moment this week was playing for Down syndrome awareness day and both teams wearing crazy socks. Here is a picture of DD during the game.

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Have to be careful with shin splints. We though DD had it in her right leg back in the fall. Turned out it was Anterior Tibial Tendonitis. She was in pain for weeks. When it got to the point where she couldn't run or jump it was so debilitating, her PT sent her to another PT that does dry needling. Dry needling worked wonders. She could run and jump the next day.

About a month after that went away, she stated having the same pain in the left leg and we went straight to dry needling.

It sucked.

DD got to pitch the first 2 innings of the game yesterday. Struck out the first 5 batters then walked 2 settled down and struck out the sixth! 5 at bats, 4 singles and a ROE. Big game today against their only competition in the league.

The girls played good, won 11-6. DD was 2-3 with a triple and a scorched single. DD pitched the last inning. Walked the first two (yikes!) Then got 3 pop ups to the infield to end the game

Well, weather just won't cooperate this year. Up to four games cancelled for cold or rain. Today will be the fifth game. Just checked forcast, and suppose to have rain off and on for the next week. Gotta love March/April.