NSL players participate in a dynamic warmup as part of the Slowpitch Softball Academy

Over the past three weeks, BaseballSoftballUK has been running a series of short Academy sessions aimed at Slowpitch softball players. These sessions are a trial for the Slowpitch Softball Academy, which will relaunch later in the year, to provide critical feedback on the future programme curriculum.

Each of the sessions has been designed to cover a single area of the game so that the total programme will enhance the playing ability of Slowpitch softball players in the UK.

This summer’s sessions started with a batting clinic for both beginners and advanced players, run by Crista Reed-Thomas. The clinic attracted 28 players over the four 30-minute sessions in Manchester on Saturday 22nd July, with both Crista and the training programme garnering rave reviews.

The next clinic focused on first base play, with Men's National Team player and Co-Ed National Team coach Luis Arrevillagas instructing. The three 40-min clinics took place during the final weekend of National Softball League play at the National Baseball & Softball Complex at Farnham Park on 29 August, with 20 players representing leagues as far away as Glasgow and Swindon.

An additional session centred around a dynamic warm-up was run on Sunday 30th July, with 10 participants benefiting from Jenny Horton’s physical training experience before the final day of NSL play.

Crista Reed-Thomas delivers a session of the Slowpitch Softball Academy

What does this mean for the Slowpitch Academy?

These Slowpitch Academy sessions will continue throughout the outdoor playing season, with plans being made for the off-season both on sessions and tutor training. The feedback from the sessions being run now will be crucial in creating the curriculum for future Academy sessions, as well as helpful in determining where the Slowpitch Academy will run during the offseason.

What about baseball and fastpitch?

The Academy will return later this year for all three formats of the sports - fastpitch softball, slowpitch softball, and baseball - with a completely new focus, and open to all ages. The High-Performance Academy will relaunch as well, as an elite talent pathway for the Olympic-eligible formats of fastpitch and baseball. More details will be announced in the coming months. 

Get involved!

The next Slowpitch Academy session will take place in Manchester, during the Manchester Main tournament on the 5th of August, focussing on Middle infield positioning and communication, and all the details can be found here.

Those interested in hosting the Slowpitch Academy in their area, or looking to get involved as a coach, can contact Luis Arrevillagas here.