MVLA Nova

Fall Ball is Coming!!!

 Nova is busy planning the upcoming fall ball season. Fall ball is similar to our summer tournaments, however it’s less intense. The venues are the same, just a little more relaxed. We’re likely to play 4-6 tournaments throughout the months of September and October. The closing tournament is Halloween weekend and the girls choose a costume theme of their choice for their uniform. If your player is interested in fall ball, please send an email NOW to webmaster@novasoftball.org. Be sure to include your player’s name and date of birth. Thank you for your prompt response!

Safety, Safety Safety!!!

Our number one priority is safety. 

To that end,  we have provided GameFace Face masks to all of the teams for the protection of the pitchers.  At this time,  the use of these masks is not required by either ASA or USSSA.  As far as we know there are no immediate plans for such a requirement to be in place. However, its just common sense! 

Our girls are pitching faster and faster.  The batters are hitting harder and harder. And the bats are hotter and hotter.  The reaction time from bat to pitcher or infielder is very short and the reaction times for even our most talented players is challenged. 

While we are encouraging pitchers to wear the safety masks,  we are not going to require the masks at this time.  This will be a decision between the players and their parents.  The Nova Board has asked all of the coaches to require the pitchers to spend some time practicing with the masks to become familiar with them. 

For more information about Game Face-including some eye opening (and scary) testimonials visit GameFace.

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14U’s mid-week “friendly’s help sharpen skills

The 14U’s scheduled friendlies against the Magic and Crush to help sharpen their game skills. They have 3- 4 more games scheduled over the coming weeks with the Thunder, Quicksilver, and Magic. John says there are lots of teams willing to play friendlies (most have players sitting on the bench that team staff would like to develop).

These “friendlies” give the girls much needed game experience against "tournament competitive" teams. Friendlies enable the coaching staff to develop emerging pitchers, catchers, and position players differently to continue their development. This strategy has already paid huge dividends for our team. It allows players to build their confidence and be prepared for tournament play. John believes that “friendlies” are a good training opportunity and has the net experiential effect of two tournaments worth of pool play not to mention increased team morale. “The parents seem to enjoy them and it lets the coaching staff try new things we might normally be afraid of trying”, said John. Simply stated, the “friendlies” takes the pressure off of the girls and with a little encouragement, they feel enabled to take risks and stretch and develop their skills.

Oh, and for the record and like the song says, sometimes "girls just want to have fun! "

Topic submitted by John Parks

 

Last Edited-6/26/08