FUN-DAMENTALS

By TJ MAXWELL

Cove Leader-Press

Around 25 future Lady Dawgs learned fundamentals of the sport of softball during a four-day camp held this week at the Copperas Cove High School softball field. Braving scorching temperatures, the young hopefuls learned techniques on fielding, pitching, throwing, hitting and base running. Camp director and Lady Dawgs varsity head softball coach, Bryan Waller, liked what he saw from those who attended. “I’ve seen a lot of good hand-eye coordination with all levels, which is a big key to this sport and all sports in general,” he said. “The ones I have coming in as freshman, there are some that will not necessarily be a forced to be reckoned with but will surely push the ones coming back.” Waller put the girls through a series of drills that tested their abilities in the field and at the plate, reaction times, proper techniques and overall knowledge of the game. Although teaching the fundamentals is a key aspect of these camps for Waller, it’s more important the players understanding why certain drills are used and to have fun doing it. He knows people typically don’t continue to do and excel at things they don’t enjoy. “The biggest thing is understanding why we do what we do,” said Waller. “Understand why you throw a certain way, why the fundamentals of hitting are a certain way and how your body works in relation to your skills. “On top of that, have fun doing it. As long as you’re having fun with the game, you’re going to want to play it, be around it and get better.” Waller is happy with the attendance numbers but wants to see them continue to grow and not stay stagnant. Next year he plans to hold the camp much earlier to coincide with the city leagues that conclude in late June or early July. “(The attendance numbers) are about the average – around the 25 range,” he said. “I’m going to probably have the camp earlier next year – follow right after the volleyball and basketball camps. That way it’s in June and they’re still in their (recreation) league seasons and I think that will be easier. He didn’t get the attendance from the younger groups he was expecting with just three of the younger group attending, but the ones that did come gave their full effort, said Waller “The three little ones we had were spunky, fun and they go at it,” he said. Waller feels good about the turnout and that each camper improved over the four-day camp. “The girls had fun and we got to see a lot of good things from them,” he said. “I think everybody has gotten a little better at certain skills. They are all different skill levels out here and that’s what makes it unique.” The Lady Dawgs softball team will get their 2016 season underway.