Aug. 19, 2016
by Tony Jones
2016 Fall Clinic REGISTRATION LINK
2016 ‘Under The Lights’ Clinic REGISTRATION LINK
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame softball team is set to host a pair of unique clinic opportunities this October at Melissa Cook Stadium. A special under the lights instructional session will serve as the lead-in for the annual Notre Dame Softball Fall Clinic the following day.
Irish softball is excited to offer a primetime clinic experience on Oct. 1, immediately following a three-team round robin of exhibition games at Melissa Cook Stadium. Notre Dame hosts Northern Illinois at noon (ET), followed by Northern Illinois taking on Loyola-Chicago at 2 p.m. The Irish cap the day’s games against Loyola at 4 p.m.
Immediately following the Loyola game, Notre Dame softball will present a multi-skills clinic from 6:30-9 p.m. on field at Melissa Cook Stadium. The session will include extensive offensive and defensive instruction with the Irish softball coaching staff and a bonus speaking session for clinic registrants.
The cost of the special clinic session is $140 per player, and is limited to the first 40 players to register. This session is open to advanced softball players in grades 7-12 only.
The four-session fall clinic on Oct. 2 featuring instruction from the Notre Dame coaching staff, the 2014 and 2016 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Mid-Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year, and select players is officially scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (ET) and is open to players ages 6-18.
The day’s first instructional period, “The Irish Swing,” is slated to run from 10-11:30 a.m. The offensive training session will cover the necessary mechanics of a powerful and efficient swing. Hitters enrolled in the session will be taught specific drills and techniques to maximize their potential as a powerful hitter at the plate. The session is $75 per player, and each hitter is required to bring their own bat and batting helmet.
Pitchers and catchers will also take part in a 10-11:30 defensive session, “Pitching & Catching,” inside Melissa Cook Stadium. Both pitchers and catchers will learn the dynamics of being a high level player, along with drills and to enhance their defensive skills and pitch development. Pitchers and catchers will not be inter-mixed except for a small crossover portion, so pitchers must bring along someone who is able to catch for them. Catchers are required to bring their own catchers gear. The cost of this clinic session is also $75 per player.
Another offensive sessions is slated for 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., entitled “Irish Offensive Practice – How to Prepare Like the Best,” at Melissa Cook Stadium. Hitters will be engaged in two designed one-hour practice sessions that Notre Dame hitters utilize during practice throughout the season. Through drills and live situational work, players will learn how to create their own practice sessions to get the most out of their swing. The session is $100 per player, and hitters are required to bring a bat and a helmet. All players are asked to wear softball pants and be prepared to slide during the live situational portion.
The final session of the clinic, “Defending Your Game,” caps the day of instruction from 2-4 p.m. Participants will engage in a designed day of defensive practice that Irish players use to prepare for games. A combination of position specific fundamentals and drills and team related drills will enhance defensive skills development. All positions are welcome to sign up for this $100 session, and all players are required to bring a glove. Catchers are required to bring their own catchers gear.
For additional information on 2016 Notre Dame softball fall clinic offerings, contact Notre Dame associate coach Kris Ganeff at Ganeff.2@nd.edu.
–ND–
Tony Jones, athletics communications assistant director at the University of Notre Dame, has been part of the Fighting Irish athletics communications team since 2012 and coordinates all media efforts for the Notre Dame softball and men’s soccer programs. A native of Jamestown, New York, Jones is a 2011 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, and prior to arriving at Notre Dame held positions at the University of Louisiana Monroe and with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills.