The junior fastpitch section of the Chichester Falcons Softball Club had a major helping hand on Thursday 11 February when their weekly practice session was run by a guest coach from GB Softball.
Robbie Robison, Head Coach at BSUK’s Academy Softball and High Performance Academy, and a former Assistant Coach with the GB Women’s Fastpitch Team, led the young Falcons’ players through a series of drills to improve their fundamental mechanics in throwing and hitting, while also sharing knowledge with the Falcons’ coaches to help the Chichester club going forward.
Slowpitch and fastpitch
The Chichester Falcons, who play slowpitch softball in the Solent Softball League and run an annual slowpitch charity tournament, started a junior fastpitch programme over two years ago, and are trying to grow this side of the club, with support from BSUK.
Falcons’ Manager David Morris said, “The players have been working hard, practicing weekly indoors at Midhurst Rother College, where they have been learning to throw, hit, catch and pitch. To get help from a coach of Robbie’s calibre is a very big deal for our club. With softball set to return to the Olympics in 2020, we are determined to send at least one player from Chichester represent Great Britain on the softball diamond. Thanks to the help of our sponsors, Philips Respironics, we can continue working with Robbie and other fastpitch coaches throughout the year and work together towards our goal.”
Next steps
Indoor fastpitch sessions for the young Falcons will continue through March, and sessions will then move outdoors in April.
Next steps for the club will include sending some players to Academy Softball sessions and perhaps playing games this summer against youth fastpitch teams in London.
