All sports require balance to be successful and softball is no exception.

What should a coach look for in their players at any age? The answer to that question is balance, because a player who demonstrates balance at any age or level is more likely to be successful at the plate, pitching and in the field.  Coaches continue to preach that players should get the balls of their feet on the ground and when that is consistent in a player they have conquered an important part of the game. No matter what your skill set is there are many drills that will help develop speed, foot work, timing, rhythm and hand eye coordination; however, knowing that your feet are supported and your lower half is stable and balanced makes it much easier to get results.

In my practice the first thing that I determine when I’m evaluating a player is what her feet are doing when they hit the ground.  If the player’s foot is flat it can lead to balance problems.  Whatever age the player is, it is very important to check out their feet to see if they are flat footed. A flat foot is an unstable foot and is more likely to break down, fatigue and become problematic.  Flat feet will also affect the player’s ability to transfer her body weight when on the mound at the plate or in the field. I always suggest to coaches that if they truly want to know whether their player will have balance issues, check out their feet. Flat feet or abnormally pronated feet is a major contributing factor to an unbalanced lower half. Flat feet can also lead to foot problems in players such as plantar fasciitis, muscle spasms, lower leg fatigue and not getting the most efficiency out of your lower half.

Many players’ have flat feet and are unaware of how it can affect their balance during the game.  Arch supports and orthotics continue to be the best way to create better balance in the lower half and change a player’s foot mechanics. Arch supports are designed to stabilize abnormal foot mechanics and treat flat feet.  Instant Arches® Softball is an arch support specific for softball cleats and supports the player’s feet throughout all aspects of the game.    

Dr. Steven L. Rosenberg is the official Arch Specialist of Baseball Factory & Softball Factory. Dr. Rosenberg is a podiatrist in private practice spanning over 27 years, specializing in sports medicine, pain management and all other aspects of podiatry. His practice is located in Santa Monica, California. He has lectured worldwide and is a regularly featured blogger on the Huffington Post AOL. He has authored numerous articles on foot injuries, injury prevention, women’s shoe issues, foot biomechanics, and the treatment of foot problems through utilization of eastern and western medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is the CEO and President of Foot Products Enterprises Inc., which manufactures the unique arch product, Instant Arches® for baseball and softball. These Arches are also available for running shoes, all athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops casual and dress shoes. Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches®, sold worldwide, are worn by men and women of all ages from preteens to adults. For more information on Instant Arches visit http://www.instantarches.com/ia-baseball.shtml.

Being Balanced Will Bring Out Your Natural Ability

It’s softball season, so hit the ground running and let the games begin.

The feet are the first thing that hit the ground and without balanced feet a player’s mechanics can be affected.  Standing flat footed at the plate and swinging off-balance can lead to frustration and not actualizing your full potential. The player’s timing is off because his lower half is not properly balanced and the balls of his feet are not on the ground. Having a balanced lower half will allow the hitter to become more fluid and confident and their rhythm, as well as timing, will be better. As kids continue to develop the good habits they learn through good coaching early on, their success will be parallel. As they get older and continue to pursue their dreams the little things to improve will be easier.

Having a fundamentally strong foundation is the first step. Even though all hitters go into slumps, they come out of them because they go back to basics working with hitting coaches who can break them down and then build them back up to give them more confidence. Hitting coaches work on developing muscle memory and mechanical triggers in players and when their lower half is balanced all the triggers and muscle memory work in sync.

As a pitcher it is the legs that drive the power and the feet drive the legs. If the pitcher’s feet are not balanced and they are not able to reach a balance point on the mound, the drive off the mound will be less powerful and that can affect the release point, elbow or shoulder. If the player’s biomechanics are not corrected early in his career it can translate into repetitive overuse injuries and lead to arm, elbow or shoulder injuries somewhere down the line.

I believe that most pitching injuries are due to repetitive overuse of one particular motion over a prolonged period of time. It probably starts as early as Little League because of poor mechanics. Players at a young age usually play multiple positions and can develop poor mechanics and bad habits if they are not careful.  If their throwing mechanics are off as a position player or pitcher, overtime muscles tendons and ligaments in the arm, elbow and shoulder will break down.  Therefore, when they begin to play high school ball and then advance to the next level, the soft tissue damage has already begun.

So the question is?

Do arch supports in softball cleats improve a player’s ability to have success at the plate, on the pitcher’s mound or in the field?

It is my opinion that it does.  In order for a player to be balanced from the ground up, it starts with their feet.

Arch supports are designed to place the ball of the foot on the ground as well as stabilize and balance the joints of the foot which in turn will strengthen the muscles of the foot and prevent the arch from collapsing. When the arch continually collapses during the normal course of the game the muscles in the arch could fatigue, tire, cramp or spasm.  Most of the time, it is because the player has flat feet. Flat feet can lead to a player’s inability to be consistent at the plate, in the field or on the mound. As a result the player’s performance could be compromised.  Therefore, it is important for feet to be supported in softball cleats and realize the role they play in the overall success of playing softball. Do not take them for granted.

There are many arch support products available today that players can choose from, one of these products is Instant Arches® Softball, the only softball specific arch support that can be placed in softball cleats and provide the support needed to keep players balanced and the balls of their feet on the ground.

Dr. Steven L. Rosenberg is the official Arch Specialist of Baseball Factory & Softball Factory. Dr. Rosenberg is a podiatrist in private practice spanning over 27 years, specializing in sports medicine, pain management and all other aspects of podiatry. His practice is located in Santa Monica, California. He has lectured worldwide and is a regularly featured blogger on the Huffington Post AOL. He has authored numerous articles on foot injuries, injury prevention, women’s shoe issues, foot biomechanics, and the treatment of foot problems through utilization of eastern and western medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is the CEO and President of Foot Products Enterprises Inc., which manufactures the unique arch product, Instant Arches® for baseball and softball. These Arches are also available for running shoes, all athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops casual and dress shoes. Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches®, sold worldwide, are worn by men and women of all ages from preteens to adults. For more information on Instant Arches visit http://www.instantarches.com/ia-baseball.shtml.

Megan Schulmeister | C | OS Firefighters
Megan is a very strong athletic player.  On the field, she displays above average instincts. As she combines her instincts with improve fundamentals, she will become a solid leader on the field.
 
Alexis Belco | 1B/3B | Shelton Astros
Alexis shows nice speed and quickness for her age. Has some solid fundamentals in the field and will continue to grow as a hitter..

Mia Buffano | OF | St. Petersburg Sharks
Mia is very athletic and she is a rising star in softball.  Her overall presence on the field is fantastic.  She has that look that special athletes get when they are bound for greatness.  Look forward to watching her play at the collegiate level.
 
Alivia Rivernbark |RHP, C| Palma Ceia Little League
Alivia show great athleticism and awareness on the field.  As she continues to work fundamentals and improve on her skills Alivia should have a ton of success in the game of Softball.

Shannon Shivery | LHP, C | R.5 1-12 All Stars
A solid hitter at the plate, Shannon showed the instincts and athleticism to be a leader on the field. She will be a player to follow as she continues to refine her game.
 
Marissa Mills | RHP | Tri-City Little League
As a pitcher, Marissa displays the solid foundation to become a leader on the mound. With good arm action and speed, she will continue to develop into a quality pitcher.

Having Balanced Feet Equals Power and Positive Outcomes!

Strength and conditioning coaches preach balance, strength, agility and quick feet to be a successful player. That usually translates into power at the plate, speed on the base paths and quickness in the field.  When softball coaches evaluate and brake down players during practices and showcases they look to see how balanced they are and if the balls of their feet are on the ground. It all starts from the bottom up.  A solid foundation translates into positive results and if your lower half is weak it affects outcomes on the field. If your lower half breaks down it can affect your upper half resulting in muscle imbalances and overuse injuries.  So whatever position you play it is important to have good feet. That means feet that are balanced and quiet in the batter’s box, on the balls of your feet behind the plate which will give you the quick release or pop time and the ability to respond to a ball hit in your direction when playing the field.

When evaluating a player’s footwork no one ever considers the player’s foot structure.  The foot structure or foot type; flat feet or high arches, is a factor in determining how good a player’s footwork will be.

Flat Feet versus High Arched Feet

The foot is structurally designed to adapt upon contact creating a strong base with the ground and stability when running to propel you forward. However, abnormal foot mechanics can alter that design resulting in a reason for a player to have bad feet, a weak foundation and poor outcomes. If a player has flat feet they are more susceptible to being unstable and imbalanced when hitting, fielding or pitching.  They also are more vulnerable to lower extremity injuries such as plantar fasciitis, arch cramps and spasms, bunion deformities, hammertoes, shin splints, knee problems and low back pain.

Players that have high arched feet can develop similar foot and lower half problems but in my experience there appear to be more athletes with flat feet then high arched feet. High arched feet can lead to ball of the foot pain because of the design and slope of the arch. There is more pressure placed on the ball of the foot resulting in metatarsal head bursitis. Plantar fasciitis, arch cramps, muscle spasms, hammertoes and shin splints are other byproducts of this type of foot type.

Little League Players Foot Problem

Calcaneal apophysitis or Sever’s Disease is a problem that can cause imbalance issues in younger players’ feet. Kids try and compensate to keep pressure off the affected foot. It occurs in kids around the ages of 10 – 15 years old.  Kids complain of pain in the back of their heel which can radiate into the ankle or lower leg when jumping for a ball and coming down on the hard dirt or running the base paths.  The heel pain originates at the back of the heel bone where the two parts of the growth plate are fusing together. It is aggravated when wearing softball cleats because of where the spikes are located on the heel of the cleat.  This problem is self limiting and will resolve on its own when the growth plates completely close.

Although it is painful at times it will not prevent kids from playing softball. Placing a soft insole in the cleat or having an orthotic made will help reduce the impact on the heel and reduce the pain.

How to Stay Balanced

Most players, young and old, will benefit with some type of an orthotic device placed in their cleats to aid in balancing and supporting their feet. The benefits are to support the arch, control motion and realign the joints of the foot to become more stable, which results in better balance. If the foot is stable the lower half will be stronger and the player will be able to generate more power.

There are many types of orthotic devices designed to address the support and balance issues in sports but not specifically softball. The more traditional types of orthotics are made by podiatrists who are doctors that specialize in foot problems.  Hand casted functional orthotics fall into that category. They are permanent supportive devices made out of hard plastics, high density foams or graphite materials. Soft orthotics can also be made by foot specialists but are often times too bulky to fit in cleats. Prefabricated orthotics and over the counter arch supports are also available. These types of supportive devices can be found through the internet or at sporting goods stores.  Instant Arches® Softball is an over the counter product that specifically caters to the softball community.  

Staying balanced is one of the keys to success in softball and wearing arch supports in cleats can make a difference in a player’s performance.

Always consult with your sports medicine physician regarding any injuries.

Dr. Steven L. Rosenberg is the official Arch Specialist of Softball Factory & Baseball Factory. Dr. Rosenberg is a podiatrist in private practice spanning over 27 years, specializing in sports medicine, pain management and all other aspects of podiatry. His practice is located in Santa Monica, California. He has lectured worldwide and is a regularly featured blogger on the Huffington Post AOL. He has authored numerous articles on foot injuries, injury prevention, women’s shoe issues, foot biomechanics, and the treatment of foot problems through utilization of eastern and western medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is the CEO and President of Foot Products Enterprises Inc., which manufactures the unique arch product, Instant Arches® for softball and softball. These Arches are also available for running shoes, all athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops casual and dress shoes. Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches®, sold worldwide, are worn by men and women of all ages from preteens to adults. For more information on Instant Arches visit http://www.instantarches.com/ia-baseball.shtml.

Coach Jarvis:

We just wanted to extend our thanks to you, the Softball Factory and to the coaching staff from the Christmas Training and Competition in Clermont, Florida.  The entire event exceeded our expectations.  The training and competition was well-organized from beginning to the end.  The facilities were superb and the fields were better than any field we have ever played on.  Every coach was great in their area – warm-ups, strengthening and conditioning, infield, outfield, hitting, bunting, pitching, catching.  Each of you were knowledgeable and patient in providing instruction needed to improve a players performance.  You took the time to learn the girls names on the first day which made this event so personal.

Our daughter, Janna Gaburo, will carry the knowledge gained from this event into her winter training in preparation for the upcoming high school season.  She plans to share much of what she learned with her pitching/hitting coach and high school coach.  We know she will be a better player in the 2012 season thanks to her participation.

Dot Richardson was an inspiration to us all.  She couldn’t have been more personable and motivational to the girls and to us.

Again, thank you so much for making this a quality experience for everyone.  We look forward to receiving the video and evaluation from Softball Factory. 

Sincerely,

Janna Gaburo and the Gaburo Family

Coach Jarvis,

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and the Softball Factory Staff this week at the Christmas Camp and Tournament in Clermont, FL.  The coaching staff was very nice and knowledgeable.  I LEARNED SO MUCH!  I can’t wait to get home and add the use of the HeavyBat to my workout. 

I’ve attached my student athlete profile, which I plan to email to colleges, once the Softball Factory link with the highlight video from this week is available.  Could you take a look at my profile for me?  ANY advice would be appreciated.

Again, I ENJOYED working with you and the Softball Factory Staff and hope to work with y’all again!

Summer Atkins

Coach Jarvis,
Thank You for inviting me to the Softball Factory Hitting Camp!  I really enjoyed myself and I feel like a learned a lot from the experience!  Opportunities come in disguises as Coach Harris says and that was definitely true about the camp!  I already have seen a difference in my hitting just from changing a few things!  Again, thank you and I hope to see you soon.

Jordan Cargile

Coach Jarvis,
Roger and I wanted to let you know that Summer had a GREAT time in Pearland, TX at the Softball Factory National Tryout and Evaluation.  As an athlete, Summer was not completely satisfied with her performance, but she was glad to meet some new people and share in the learning experience with some of her teammates.  We just wanted to shoot you an email letting you know that overall she enjoyed working with you and your staff.
Thank you,

Cheree’ R. Kay-Atkins

Thank you Softball Factory for the awesome opportunity for Emily to attend your Christmas camp! She and I learned so much and are very excited about the future! We are researching colleges! The coaching staff was fabulous with the girls! Thanks again!

Dawn Dewald Mattes

Thank you Softball Factory for putting on an awesome Christmas Camp and Tournament! Kasey Frederick learned so much and had a great time. Thanks to all the coaches that were there teaching these young ladies how to be their best! Looking forward to another camp!

Justin Jennifer Talbert Frederick

Guest Blogger: Instant Arches
by Steve L. Rosenberg, DPM
Arch Specialist for Softball Factory
http://www.archspecialist.com/ia-baseball.shtml

No matter what type of softball cleat you wear, staying balanced is the key to success in softball.  That is because softball requires so many specialized skills to become successful including speed, power, coordination, transferring weight and staying on the balls of your feet. In order to perform these skills your feet have to be balanced and supported properly in softball cleats.

Softball cleats are designed to protect the foot and consist of many different parts which have specific functions.  If the player’s feet are not properly supported in their softball cleats it could translate into not performing up to their potential.  They do provide the player the ability to absorb shock better, create traction and stability when running, stealing, fielding, pitching or hitting.

Softball Cleat Anatomy

Every cleat has a fiberglass or hard rubber molded outer sole which provides stability to the sole of the shoe.  It is made out of light weight materials to prevent foot fatigue during performance.  Metal or plastic spikes are attached to the front and back of the outer sole to allow for that first quick step, better traction and stability when running, fielding, pitching or hitting. The configuration and number of the spikes varies with each manufacturer.

The midsole of the cleat is made out of a light weight molded EVA foam that helps absorb the impact load and shock that the foot experiences when playing on the field. Mostly all cleats have a light weight removable foam inner sole which is designed to cushion the foot as well as absorb shock. The top of the foot is protected by the upper which is made out of leather or synthetic materials and provides ventilation for the foot during practice or a game.

The heel counter of the shoe provides stability to the heel and limits heel rotation during movement.

The toe box is located in the front of the cleat and should be deep enough so the toes have enough room to move around.  A tight or narrow toe box could cause ingrown toe nails, cramping or overlapping of the toes in the cleat which can cause skin irritations forming painful corns on the top of the toes.

If The Cleat Fits

Have your feet measured correctly to make sure you are wearing the correct size cleat. To properly choose the right cleat size to wear, there should be at least a thumbs width between the longest toe and the end of the cleat. That does not mean a half size bigger. The extra room will allow the foot to elongate when playing without the toes jamming at the tip. Always buy your correct cleat size to eliminate potential foot problems.  A larger size can cause blisters, unnecessary sliding of the foot, instability and can effect balance.

Staying Balanced From the Ground Up

The skills required to play softball at a high level starts with a solid foundation. It starts with the structure of the foot in order to be balanced from the ground up.  As a hitter, In order to be balanced it is important to be on the balls of their feet. The more stable and quiet their feet are in the batter’s box, the more success they will have. As a position player, they must have good foot work to field the ball cleanly and get into a balanced throwing position. As a pitcher, being balanced will lead to repeatable mechanics which will lead to better quality pitches. Having a strong foundation from the bottom up will improve the pitchers chances for success.  Whether the pitcher is a righty or lefty in order to throw hard they must have all of their weight on the ball of the right or left foot while in a balanced position.

No matter what position the player plays, if their feet are unstable and imbalanced they need to consider purchasing an arch support for their cleats. When the foot abnormally pronates, the arch collapses due to unstable joints in the foot. Abnormal foot biomechanics can cause muscle imbalances in the feet and lower legs which creates an unstable lower half and is a recipe for losing power, efficiency or speed. Custom made orthotics or over the counter arch supports are specifically designed to transfer the weight to the balls of the feet. It is the only way to keep the player balanced from the ground up.

Orthotics

Orthotics and over the counter arch supports are the best ways to control abnormal foot pronation and improve foot biomechanics. Depending on the rigidity of the orthotic or arch support material the more supportive the foot will be. These devices can be made from a variety of materials such as high density foams, plastics and graphite. Custom orthotics can be made through podiatrists and other foot related medical specialists and over the counter arch supports such as Instant Arches® Softball can be found on line or at local sporting good stores. Orthotics stabilizes and aligns the bones and joints of the foot below the ankle. They create better muscle balance and force the ball of the foot to be firmly placed on the ground. These devices can also reduce the risk of injury.

Since the spring season is just around the corner, finding the right styled cleats to wear and adding supportive devices to them will provide the player the keys to a successful 2012 season.

Dr. Steven L. Rosenberg is the official Arch Specialist of Baseball Factory & Softball Factory. Dr. Rosenberg is a podiatrist in private practice spanning over 27 years, specializing in sports medicine, pain management and all other aspects of podiatry. His practice is located in Santa Monica, California. He has lectured worldwide and is a regularly featured blogger on the Huffington Post AOL. He has authored numerous articles on foot injuries, injury prevention, women’s shoe issues, foot biomechanics, and the treatment of foot problems through utilization of eastern and western medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is the CEO and President of Foot Products Enterprises Inc., which manufactures the unique arch product, Instant Arches® for baseball and softball. These Arches are also available for running shoes, all athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops casual and dress shoes. Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches®, sold worldwide, are worn by men and women of all ages from preteens to adults. For more information on Instant Arches visit http://www.instantarches.com/ia-baseball.shtml.

December 27-30, 2011
National Training Center, Clermont, FL

___________________________________________

Links/Info:

National Training Center Information
1935 Don Wickham Drive  Clermont, FL 34711

___________________________________________

Rosters
* Please note it is possible for rosters to change between now and the start of camp

____________________________________________

Itinerary

EYEBLACK.COM & BASEBALL FACTORY JOIN FORCES TO CREATE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

Rockville, Md. – EyeBlack.com, the official EyeBlack of athletes and fans, and Baseball Factory, the nation’s leader in player development and college recruiting, today announced the creation of a formidable partnership that will enable each company to strengthen its position within the baseball and softball marketplaces, as well as other future verticals.

As leaders within their respective industries, this partnership also aids each company’s long-term growth strategy as there are multiple synergies between the two organizations.  The initial term for the deal is two-years.

“I’ve long admired the work Baseball Factory does and our companies share such similar synergies, that this relationship is a homerun for both organizations,” said Peter Beveridge, founder and president of EyeBlack.com.  “We look forward to working with Baseball Factory to provide an established product that not only helps enhance a player’s on field performance, but allows fans the opportunity to show their team spirit or support a player by wearing that same EyeBlack.com design.  We are proud of our track record as the product has been well-tested and received high marks from the highest level of professional sports, to the beginning stages of amateur athletics.”

EyeBlack.com becomes a key part of the Baseball Factory team, whose other major partners include the likes of Under Armour, Louisville Slugger and Little League® Baseball.

“We are excited to partner with EyeBlack.com and name them as the official EyeBlack of Baseball Factory,” said Steve Sclafani, CEO and Founder of the Baseball Factory.  “Our players are serious athletes that are always looking for the best products to help their on-field performance, which is why the relationship with EyeBlack.com makes complete sense.  Knowing our parents, they are also going to want to show their support by wearing the EyeBlack.com designs in the stands.  With over 20,000 players attending our events yearly, we anticipate this partnership having a tremendous effect on the EyeBlack.com brand through our grassroots efforts.”

EyeBlack.com will have a significant presence at all of Baseball Factory’s programming, including camps, regional events, tryouts, etc.  The relationship includes a strong digital presence with both entity’s online assets, promotional avenues and more.    For Baseball Factory, part of the relationship will enhance their softball initiatives as it will enable the company to benefit from EyeBlack.com’s relationship and product line with Jennie Finch, arguably one of America’s best-known female athletes and the most popular domestic name in women’s softball.  Baseball Factory will be able to offer its customers a series of cool, edgy products through the EyeBlack.com extensive catalog of themes and designs.

About EyeBlack.com

Based in Rockville, Md, EyeBlack.com produces innovative sports products that are used worldwide by athletes to enhance their on-field performance, while enabling fans to express their support of a team or a specific athlete. The company offers five main products, manufactured solely in the United States, and made from latex free medical grade tape that is safe, tested and can breathe on the skin.  EyeBlack.com is an official licensee of Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Lacrosse (MLL), and has partnerships with National Football League players Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks), Stevie Johnson (Buffalo Bills), Adrian Wilson (Arizona Cardinals) and LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh Steelers), along with World Tennis Association female athlete Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Olympic Gold Medal softball star Jennie Finch. Additionally, more than 400 collegiate programs across the nation wear custom EyeBlack.com products.

Away from the athletic field, EyeBlack.com collaborates with a number of nonprofits, corporations and others to create customized EyeBlack for their respective events, charitable causes, etc.

About Baseball Factory, Inc.

Baseball Factory (baseballfactory.com) was founded in 1994 by Steve Sclafani to provide a service that would advise and educate players on the college recruiting process.  Today, Baseball Factory holds over 500 events each year and provides players nationwide with the very best instruction, tournament competition, and college planning and guidance. It has developed programs to provide players, parents, high school coaches, college coaches, and professional scouts with year round advice and training so that they all can benefit from Baseball Factory’s longstanding relationships in the baseball community.  Baseball Factory provides life changing experiences through world class instruction and ongoing college recruiting assistance to insure that our players find success at the high school, college and professional levels.  Baseball Factory events have featured more than 260 players who have played or are currently playing in the Majors and over 40,000 alumni have gone on to play in college.  98% of all Division 1, 70% of Division 2 and 60% of Division 3 college baseball rosters have at least one Baseball Factory alum.

— www.EyeBlack.com —

Contact: Tim Richardson – Maroon PR                            Kate Korson – Maroon PR

Tim@MaroonPR.com or 443/864.4246                Kate@MaroonPR.com