Print this presentation for your overhead projector exactly as the originals.
Print the presentation comments exactly as the originals.

View PRESENTATION

View COMMENTS

You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. It's FREE!

Now available in Microsoft PowerPoint: Clinic.ppt
or send E-mail to deanSchmitz@mac.com requesting: Clinic.ppt

You must have PowerPoint Viewer to view these presentations.

PowerPoint Viewer is a free download for users who don't have Microsoft PowerPoint® installed on their computers. It allows people who use PowerPoint to share their presentations.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/powerpoint/

You can use this viewer to view files created in both PowerPoint for Windows® and PowerPoint for the Macintosh.

How to put on a
Horseshoe Pitching CLINIC

This outline, with your own little modifications, will give you an idea of how to go about putting on a horseshoe pitching clinic. Getting started on something seems to be the key to getting things done. This should give you a jump start on putting on that clinic that you've always been talking about.

This is just a suggestion of presentation material and commentary. There are probably more transparencies and commentary than what you will be able to use and still keep your audience interested. Pick out the stuff for a beginners clinic and use it for that. Pick out the stuff for a more advanced clinic and use it for that. After all, YOU will be the presenter.

PURPOSE OF CLINIC:
1. Recruit new pitchers
2. Information for those who "know it all"
3. General information for the public
4. Sign-up for league play
5. Information for those wavering on joining a club
6. Part of your Club's Open House
7. Orientation before your club begins league play
8. Starting a new Club
9. Recreation Department Information
10. (You can add to this list.)

CLINIC PREPARATION

Determine: DATE, TIME, and PLACE to hold Clinic
If inside, have a portable court setup.
If outside, on the courts, have a presentation area with seating, electrical power, and free from the wind. You could use a building for the classroom portion and then go out to the courts for practical experience.

Clinic Staff: Chief presenter, presenter assistant, demonstrators (the "good" pitchers), registrar, fees collector, handout provider, court setup crew (all staff should wear their horseshoe pitching shirts). The chief presenter should definitely be the most informed person on horseshoe pitching "book work".

Gather Equipment: Overhead projector, transparencies for the presentation, video player and monitor, video: Basics of Horseshoe Pitching, a fully equipped horseshoe pitching box, different brands of horseshoes, hooks, and other pitching equipment.

HANDOUTS: The least that a clinic could bring about is "free" information. Make sure people go away in hand with something about horseshoe pitching. Gather and have plenty of handouts about your local club, state association, NHPA, NHPF, where to buy horseshoes and equipment, horseshoe pitching newsletters, NHPA Newsline magazine, and whatever else you can gather and make copies of.

Refreshments and treats are always an ice breaker and gives people something to do when coming in.

Displays: You could also have a display area showing individual pitchers trophies and awards (trophies that no one sees after they are won), different brands of horseshoes, newspaper articles about horseshoe pitching, pictures, and whatever else you may think people would be interested in. Anything to peak their interest.

Advertise: Through your local recreation department, poster fliers, sending out personal postcards, newspaper articles, radio, local cable TV bulletin boards, posting on the internet, state horseshoe association newsletters, word of mouth, and you may know of other sources.

CLINIC PROCEDURE:
1. Set-up all equipment and make sure it works
2. Set-up tables for handouts, displays, horseshoes and equipment, etc.
3. Register people as they come in
4. Give them "handouts"
5. Take any fees for joining the club and leagues (have applications available for local and state organizations)
6. Make sure everyone has a place to sit or stand and to be able to see the video and overhead projector screens
7. Turn on Overhead Projector
8. (Slide 1) Welcome them to the clinic and the great game of horseshoes, etc.
9. Introduce Clinic Staff
SHOW VIDEO: Basics of Horseshoe Pitching
PROCEED with remaining set of overhead transparencies
END with demonstrations and "guests" pitching on the courts. Answer personal questions by directing them to the proper people.

Welcome to the Horseshoe Pitching CLINIC CLINIC STAFF Introductions

Commentary 1 (Suggested) 1. Welcome everyone to the clinic 2. Introduce Self; clinic staff participants/pitchers and say sometime about each on their horseshoe pitching careers; and other distinguished people in the audience 3. Say that you invited NHPA President Dave Loucks to the Clinic, but he sent a video instead that you will show 4. Show video: Basics of Horseshoe Pitching

Handout Package 1. Local Club Flier 2. State Association Flier 3. NHPA Rules and Flier 4. Lucky Shoe Pro Shop 5. NHPF Flier 6. Other Information

Commentary 2 (Suggested) For a breaker after the video say this: Horseshoe pitching is a family Sport. Horseshoe pitching boasts of being one of the few sports that has a national champion for men, women, boys, girls, senior men and women, elder men, and can still be played in one's backyard. It can be played by one or more and by the young as well as the old. 1. Briefly explain each handout piece

Sanctioned Pitching What is it? Fees: Local Club Horseshoe Clubs Fees: State Association Membership and League play Fees: NHPA Membership and Tournament play Fees: World Tournament structure and locations

Commentary 3 (Suggested) 1. Explain what a sanctioned court is: Courts meet the specifications and safety standards of the NHPA, can hold sanctioned tournaments on the courts 2. Explain what a sanctioned club is: Courts meet the above standards and all members must belong to the State/NHPA Associations. 3. Explain what the local, state and NHPA fees are, State Newsletters and the NHPA Newsline Magazine $12 per year (show them). Say something about the World Tournament setup, locations, class play, how many days it takes, etc. World Tournament: $100 entry fee payout 7 places (16 in a round robin); Clubs bidding need a building for 48 portable courts, plenty of good camping and motel space is needed (Usually about 1500 participants, families, spectators, etc.)

National Horseshoe Pitchers Foundation 1. Educate the Public About and Promote the game of horseshoes 2. Build a Hall of Fame, Museum & Library in Joelton, Tennessee Location has a building with 18 courts and an open sided building with 20 more Contributions are tax deductible The NHPF P.O. Box 159027 Nashville, TN 37215

Commentary 4 (Suggested) 1. The National Horseshoe Pitchers Foundation was formed in 1996 under the guidance of NHPA President Dave Loucks. Dr. Jack Freeman of Nashville, Tennessee, donated 65 acres of land which has a building with 18 courts and an open sided building with 20 more. The grounds are located about 10 miles northeast of Nashville. The NHPF eventually will have camping and motel space available to host a World Tournament within a few years. Prominent tournaments are now held there yearly. 2. Comment of what this will mean when the NHPA has a "home base" in Joelton, TN; (similar to the Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis) 3. Make sure they have access to the new NHPF brochure. 4. World tournaments will be held there when no club makes a bid.

Game History Horseshoe pitching is patterned after the game of quoits*. Quoits is a modification of an old Grecian game of discus throwing. The camp followers of the Grecian armies, who could not afford the discus, took discarded horseshoes, set up a stake and began tossing horseshoes at the stake. The first horseshoe pitching tournament in which competition was open to the World was held in the summer of 1909 in Bronson, Kansas. The winner was Frank Jackson. The stakes were only 2" high then. *Quoit: A ring of rope or metal

Commentary 5 (Suggested) 1. Comment on the games of Quoits and Washers 2. First tournament in 1909, yes, stakes were only 2 inches high 3. Point out current champs, (use Newsline Magazine with that information), Ted Allen: 10 world championships 4. Walter Ray Williams, Jr. on how he promotes the game, demos during bowling season, etc. 5. Point out current State Champs 6. Local, State and World Champions, if any from local State and/or surrounding area

WHY PITCH HORSESHOES? EXERCISE Throwing, bending, reaching, walking, working the clay CAMARADERIE Local clubs, sanctioned tournaments, life long friends, practice alone or with someone COMPETITION Can be made as serious and as fun as you want AGE/GENDER There's no advantage of being young or old, male or female

Commentary 6 (Suggested) 1. It has been said that a round robin horseshoe tournament is more strenuous than a round of golf, you will know it if you haven't pitched for awhile when you brush your teeth the next morning. 2. Examples: Round robins of 6-7 take 3-4 hours to play State Tournament = 2 days of round robins World Tournament = 3 days of round robins

OBJECT of PITCHING SHOES 1. Score Ringers (Usually the one pitching the most ringers wins) 2. Get the Top Score first (Backyard: 11, 21, 25; Sanctioned: 35, 40, etc.) 3. Lead after the Shoe Count is completed (24, 40, 50 shoes, etc.)

Commentary 7 (Suggested) 1. Ringers win games, but not always, points are important Backyard: 11-15-21-25 point count League Doubles, 12 innings, 24 shoes each player League Singles, 40-50 shoes State Tournament: 40 pts.; State sanctioned play: 35 pts. State Doubles Tournament: 50 shoes per team, count all World Tournament: 40 shoes (3 hour time slots have to be kept to keep tournament moving 2. World Tournament Championship play: 40 pts. (Jim Wiltse 75, MI vs Frank Buhan 84, PA, threw 96 shoes in one game '99 WT)

Commentary 8 (Suggested) 1. Point out the parts of the shoe and purpose of parts 2. Explain what a balance shoe means: Try to find a shoe that will turn or flip with your style of pitching. Try different models of shoes to find the right "fit" for your pitching style. 3. 40+ or more styles of pitching shoes 4. About a dozen manufacturers 5. Order from Lucky Shoe Pro Shop, or any NHPA distributor 6. What shoe to pitch? Deadeye, Allen, Imperial, Diamond, M & M, Gordon, Mustang, Ohio, any many others, try them to see the difference

Shoe Specifications All shoes must be sanctioned and approved by the NHPA 1. Weigh no more than 2 lbs., 10 oz., (there are no minimum standards) 2. Not exceed 7-1/4 inches in width 3. Not exceed 7-5/8 inches in length 4. Opening of the shoe must not exceed 3-1/2 inches. (A 1/8 inch tolerance to 3-5/8 inches is allowed on used shoes) 5. May not exceed one inch in thickness

Commentary 9 (Suggested) 1. Explain the specifications 2. Explain how the shoes are checked at the World Tournament, must fit in the "shoe check box," sold by Lucky Shoe Pro Shop

Commentary 10 (Suggested) 1. Explain the difference between an indoor and outdoor set-up, pit sizes 2. Emphasize safety, fencing, removing stakes if not fenced (10 ft. minimum distance between courts)

The Pitching Court 1. 40 foot Distance: measured front to front of each stake 2. Back stops: 12" high 3. Pitching platforms: 18" wide 4. Stakes: 1" cold rolled steel, 14-15" high, measured perpendicular from pit area with 78° (3 inch) lean 5. Foul lines: 36" in front of stakes 6. Pitching platform and pit area: 6 feet square

Commentary 11 (Suggested) 1. Continue from #10 with court information

Commentary 12 (Suggested) 1. Other methods of fastening stakes, wood, etc. 2. Long stakes hammered into ground 3. Removable stakes for indoor pits 4. Walter Ray's small portable pits that he carries with him (in his vehicle)

Pit Material SAND CLAY (blue or potters) KLAWOG processed clay mixture Klawog comes in 50 lb. bags, skids of 40 bags, plus shipping.) Synthetic Clay $2.00 a lb. or more

Commentary 13 (Suggested) 1. Sand: not good for indoor pits Some mixtures of sand work best for outside 2. Poor clay can be mixed with sawdust to hold moisture 3. Clay is good when played on and worked often (putty like substance) 4. Synthetic clay used by the Sarbaugh Courts in Ohio and in Las Vegas tournament, it is dustless, (sold by Donnie Roberts of Ohio?) 5. Those who haven't pitched in clay usually don't like it at the beginning, why? One needs to hit the stake, no sliders, sand or dirt is gouged out into a real "pit", most of the time clay isn't prepared correctly 6. Clay is the preferred pit mix, however, some sanctioned tournaments are held on courts with sand pits

OTHER EQUIPMENT & ITEMS Horseshoe carrying box, Hooks, gloves, file, calipers, band aids, percentage calculator CLOTHING: 1. Always wear comfortable clothes & shoes 2. NHPA Jackets, caps, shirts, tee-shirts,

Commentary 14 (Suggested) 1. Show samples of equipment, SHOW what's in a horseshoe pitchers box 2. Hooks (can't be any longer than 36" and have more than a 2" protrusion, for safety purposes) 3. Point out what pitchers wear at tournaments, NHPA clothing, (Lucky Shoe Pro Shop carries clothing items) 4. Wearing apparel need not be expensive. The shoes on your feet should be comfortable and have soles that will grip the surface on which you are to stand. Any type of sportswear will do, but it should be two things, comfortable and neat. A players last name, hometown and state should be on the back of their shirt in two inch letters. The first name should be on the front of the shirt. By wearing your pitching clothes every time you play, you will never be conscious of your attire when you compete, thereby eliminating one more possible distraction. (Some State Associations and the World Tournament require you to wear a tournament shirt.)

Basic Rules 1. Observe FOUL LINES (37 feet for 40 footers and 27 feet for 30 footers) 2. Elders, Females, Juniors pitch at 30 feet (Those under age 70, who qualify under the NHPA health clause, pitch at 30 feet) 3. Stay on pitching platform when pitching 4. Agree on the score before picking up the shoes 5. Court Maintenance

Commentary 15 (Suggested) Expand on whatever you want to talk about for Rules 1. Have a "demonstrator" point out foul lines with demonstrations 2. Stay on platform 3. Don't pick up shoes until score is agreed upon 4. Don't walk in vision line of another pitcher 5. All pitchers must maintain the courts 6. Can't step on or level clay during play without opponent permission 7. Can't paint stakes during play without opponent permission 8. Demonstrate HOW TO WATER & TURN THE CLAY

Basic Etiquette 1. Flip a shoe to see who starts game 2. Shake hands before and after competition 3. Step off to right in front of pit after pitching 4. Stand quietly, behind opposite platform when not pitching 5. Be a good sport-- win or lose 6. Encourage and help each other to enjoy the game

Commentary 16 (Suggested) USE WHATEVER YOU WANT FROM THIS LIST 1. A player is expected to stand at the back of the opposite pitching platform, out of vision range while the opponent is pitching. 2. During mixed play (mixed distance) the short distance pitcher must walk to the rear of the full distance platform 3. Exit the pitching platform in a clockwise rotation (unless pitching a left-handed player). Enter the pitching platform from the rear of behind the player pitching first. 4. Harassment will not be tolerated, either by spectators or opponents. 5. If the conduct of your opponent is other than acceptable, please do not put your "brand" on them; see the director or the judge 6. Loud profanity is not acceptable (we all mutter on occasion). 7. Stay within the boundaries of your court. 8. Do not pick up the shoes until the opponent has had time to observe the position of the shoes and mutual agreement is reached as to their value. 9. Be aware of the foul line, you may not touch it with your foot while delivering the shoe. 10. Carry your own, accurate, measuring tools. 11. You are encouraged to settle point determinations. If you cannot agree on a point or a ringer please call for a judge. 12. The decision of the judge is final. 13. Please observe carefully before leaving your immediate court. It is discourteous to walk in the line of vision of another player. 14. Painting stakes and leveling the clay during play is not allowed unless agreed upon by you and your opponent. Stepping on the clay to level it during play is not allowed unless the opposition agrees. 15. Please do not take extended breaks during play. 16. There may be times when you disagree with the way the Club conducts league play. Please take the issue to a Club officer as there may be a reason that is not readily apparent. 17. Each player is expected to water (if needed) and turn a pit prior to commencing a game. 18. Use proper scoring calls and always look at the scorekeeper when calling the score.

Basic Etiquette Without loss in competitive spirit, all participants shall maintain a friendly, civil attitude with one another, officials, scorekeepers and spectators, all of whom are expected to reciprocate in like manner. Boasting, fault finding, whining and complaining only serve to lessen respect for individuals and for the sport. Horseshoe pitching should be based on skill, not distraction or psychology.

Commentary 17 (Suggested) 1. Read the overhead, taken from NHPA unwritten rules 2. Same "Quiet" rule that applies to tennis and golf is also used in horseshoe pitching 3. If things aren't to your liking, you can always become an executive committee member and help change things and help run the Club 4. You have 30 seconds to deliver both shoes. Don't rush, but don't stall and delay the game

Scoring 1. Count all (All points are counted) 2. Cancellation (Ringers cancel, closest point counts) 3. Backyard Rules (11, 21, 25, etc.) 4. League Rules for various leagues Ringers = 3 points Within 6 inches = 1 point OR Within width of shoe = 1 point

Commentary 18 (Suggested) 1. Explain and/or demo each item 2. Use doubles 12 inning score sheet to demo count all (one that is already filled out) 3. Use World Tournament score sheet to demo cancellation (one that is already filled out) 4. Show how to use the 6" gauge on the hook (Demonstrate on overhead projector: What is a ringer, no 3 pt. touch)

Commentary 19 (Suggested) (Hugs and kisses method of score keeping) 1. Sanctioned, singles/tournament scoring, pitcher that scores calls the score 2. Doubles, the score call is different, everyone scores, i.e. (4 Darrell - 3 Mike or, 4-3 Darrell) 3. Make sure to look at the scorekeeper when calling the score. Why? Noise factor, hearing impairment, lips and sound can be put together, scorekeeper can always ask for a repeat call, and players can make a second call if they find they made a mistake, (use courtesy) 4. Stay in the game by being aware of what the score should be, after all, a scorekeeper is under pressure too, and can make a mistake, be courteous at all times.

Various Score Sheets 1. Singles 2. Doubles 3. STATE 4. NHPA

Commentary 20 (Suggested) (You will have to make transparencies of some old score sheets to supplement this slide.) 1. Put transparency of each score sheet on projector and go through a couple of innings on each. Singles Doubles State NHPA WT

Pitching the Shoe WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH Open Shoe: An open shoe landing Distance: The same distance constantly Alignment: Making sure of hitting the stake (the most difficult) Rhythm: Pitching with ease and comfort

Commentary 21 (Suggested) 1. The first thing of OPENING the shoe with a beginner is to impress upon them the importance of controlling the action of the shoe. Once a beginner has confidence in opening the shoe, they can concentrate on ALIGNMENT and DISTANCE. The last step, that of developing a RHYTHM pitch, is a result of the first three put together. 2. Each pitcher will fall into a natural rhythm of their own and should not try to copy someone else in exact detail. 3. A natural rhythm permits a pitcher to pitch with ease and comfort. A pitcher who forces their shoe is an erratic pitcher and can go on only a short period of time. They are streak pitchers, blowing hot and cold. For the long game fought against a player or equal caliber, one can not worry about anything except pitching ringers. 4. Will break this down with the transparencies that follow---

Commentary 22 (Suggested) 1. The grip is a personal thing as is all the other parts of delivering a shoe to the stake 2. Whether your turn is as little as 1/4 turn or as much as 2-1/2 turns, it will be regulated by the position of the hand on the shoe and the angle at which the shoe leaves your hand. For example, the turn and a quarter can be held fairly flat during the release and will angle during the swing. Attempting to hold the shoe flat throughout the swing will destroy the alignment. 3. Use the shoe weight as much as possible in making the shoe turn. This will make your pitch easier and help in the development of a natural turn. Success in using the shoe weight in your turn depends on how much you use the weight in your swing. Just as in bowling, getting the shoe out away from the body and letting it drop will cause an increase in momentum, which in turn develops a natural release and turn.

Commentary 23 (Suggested) 1. Just where you stand at the start of your step will depend on the length of your stride. Stand so that the step will carry the front foot almost to the foul line. If you have a short stride stand even with the stake. If you have a long stride back up as far as you must to avoid stepping on the foul line. 2. Right handed pitchers should stand on the left side of the stake. It is permissible to pitch from the other side, but if you do pitch from the right side be sure to do so at both ends of the court. The opposite is true for left handed pitchers. 3. World Champion right hander Curt Day pitched a 3/4 reverse and stood on the "wrong" side of the pit to pitch, he was an exception. 4. It is recommended that you adopt a stance which is comfortable and stay with it.

ADDRESS the Stake Preparing to pitch, getting comfortable with good balance, staring at the stake, taking a deep breath, taking aim, blocking out distractions, concentration

Commentary 24 (Suggested) 1. Whether you call it sighting, addressing the stake, taking a bead on the target, or some other name, there is a precious moment just before you start your delivery which is very important. In that moment you get mentally "ready" to pitch. 2. Some pitchers hold the shoe in front of their faces and look through it. Some hold it at various angles and look over it. Some hold it near the chest, over the head, beside the right ear, or down at the side while staring at the opposite stake. Some swing their arms and others shuffle their feet. 3. All are trying to get the feel of the shoe and be at ease so that the delivery is natural and easy. Regardless of the method you choose it is fundamental to all that you square your shoulders with the target and avoid dropping the right side too low. Have both feet facing the target stake.

BACK SWING the back swing of your arm, starts with pushing the shoe in-line toward the stake, the height of the back swing is usually when your arm is parallel to the ground or comfortable behind you

Commentary 25 (Suggested) 1. The backswing is the beginning of the step, delivery, and follow through. You are working on a pendulum swing. 2. At the beginning of the step the weight should be distributed equally between the two feet in such a way that the pitcher feels perfectly balanced. The weight must shift to the right foot as the step begins toward the target stake just as though the pitcher were starting to walk. The knees bend and the pitcher leans forward as the backswing begins. The arm and the shoe should fall freely and close to the leg and should define an arc which is in line with the target stake. 3. If the step is natural, and allows you enough leverage to lift the shoe to the target, any length of backswing will be satisfactory.

The STEP Balance: Distributed equally between the two feet. Weight shift from right foot to left foot. Observe foul line. The placement of the feet in relation to one another is a thing which varies widely and is the controller of the step. The most natural seems to be to stand with the feet even. However, good pitchers will trail with the right or left foot. Placing the left foot forward tends to shorten the stride while placing the right foot forward will lengthen the stride. These different positions of the feet will change your entire delivery.

Commentary 26 (Suggested) 1. Read the slide and comment 2. The delivery-step governs the swing and follow-through to a great degree. This step serves a twofold purpose. It makes it easier for the player to swing the shoe and maintain balance. Employ a normal step, like that used when walking. A short, easy stride is sufficient to place ample propelling power behind your shoe. A too long step will throw you off balance and cause a too low trajectory. The step is started a split second before the arm reaches the summit of its back-swing. The step is completed about the moment the shoe passes the standing leg, during the front-swing. The step must be perfectly timed with the swing. To acquire control of your shoe, you must learn to control your feet. 3. Observe the foul line. Walter Ray Williams, Jr. steps so that he remains 4 inches behind the foul line. Jim Knisley of Indiana was one foot behind the foul line after releasing the shoe. Step so that you are comfortable and the foul line is not of any concern. 4. In Sanctioned Tournament play stepping on the foul line causes you to have a "dead" shoe on that pitch.

FRONT SWING The front swing of your arm. The height of the front swing is usually shoulder high, in-line with the stake, in front of you.

Commentary 27 (Suggested) 1. The swing forward should retrace the path of the backswing with the release coming at eye level and the arm continuing upward after the release to the natural completion of the swing. 2. All movement should be in-line with the stake. Distance can vary up and down on the stake if you are in-line constantly.

RELEASE & LIFT At the height of the front swing, shoulder high, letting go of the shoe, elbow should bend as arm goes up, no stiff arm release. The shoe will not turn at all if you hold it level and release it without dragging your fingers and/or rolling your forearm.

Commentary 28 (Suggested) 1. Generally speaking, the height of the shoe should vary from seven to ten feet. The shoe should not be gripped too tightly. The whole routine should be as simple and natural as possible. The more simple the delivery, the less chance for error. A higher shoe is better than a low shoe. You always have a chance of catching the stake with a high shoe. But as in golf if you putt short you don't have any chance, same for horseshoe pitching.

FOLLOW THROUGH The nice easy motion of allowing your body to stay in place as you watch your shoe go on for a ringer, the front swing should continue straight up after releasing the shoe.

Commentary 29 (Suggested) 1. The follow through is important because it is here where the finishing touch is put on the pitch. Once you have turned the shoe loose, its fate is decided. Many a pitcher has hurled epitaphs at shoes after they have been released, but not one shoe has every changed its course in flight. The shoe goes exactly where you pitch it. The leveling of the shoe, the turn, the height, the alignment are all wrapped up in the point of release and the follow through. 2. The lift of the shoe must come from the whole body as the knees straighten, rather from too much arm motion. The height of the shoe should vary from seven to ten feet. The shoe should not be gripped too tightly. The whole routine should be as simple and natural as possible. The more simple the delivery, the less chance for error.

Commentary 30 (Suggested) 1. Timing or pitching rhythm is difficult to acquire and difficult to keep. Some never get it, others who do get it lose it in pressure packed situations. A few seem to always have it, these pitchers are the tough ones. 2. Timing or Rhythm is nothing more than doing the right thing at the right time. The bending of the knees and the lean forward must blend with the backswing, the forward step must blend with the forward swing, and the lift of the body must end with the release of the shoe. 3. Have an "expert" demonstrate in slow motion and with a natural pace.

Learn at Home Videos, Books, Websites, Newsline Magazine State and Local Newsletters

Commentary 31 (Suggested) 1. Show examples of videos, where to get them and books: Lucky Shoe Pro Shoe Shop 2. Newsline magazine 3. State Newsletters

Demonstrations 3/4, 1-1/4, 1-3/4, Flip or any variation Short game Demonstration with Scorekeeper. Pitchers will call the score as in sanctioned pitching

Commentary 32 (Suggested) 1. Have "demonstrators" demo their grip and toss a few (if they haven't demonstrated already) 2. Short Singles Game demonstration - keeping score league/tournament style about 4 innings 3. Make a transparency of a score sheet and keep score on the overhead so everyone can see how the sheet is marked

Hands on, Let's Pitch! Observation, Tips, and Coaching by the "Experts" PRACTICE by joining a Local Club COMPETE by pitching in tournaments

Commentary 33 (Suggested) 1. Practice: In the first phase of learning to pitch, practice is a must. It may be more beneficial to practice alone than against an opponent. Your attention could be more profitably directed to the parts of your own game, than to the thought to trying to win one. Once you learn how to pitch you will develop confidence to compete against other pitchers. The old adage "practice makes perfect" is still true, but only perfect practice. Practice every chance you get until you understand what makes a ringer go on the stake. 2. Practice by joining a league. 3. Compete by joining the State/NHPA Association. 4. Break up onto courts with beginners/inexperienced pitchers, "Experts" will coach. 5. Thank everyone for coming.

Send comments about CLINIC to: Dean Schmitz