Softball training: Monica Abbott shows off her balance and demonstrates a great way to build core stability

It take some serious skill to do this.

Here’s Team USA pitcher Monica Abbott demonstrating a drill where she balances on top of a workout ball and pitches from there.

Pitchers rely quite a bit on their legs for power and balance. This exercise removes the pitcher’s legs from the equation.

Without her legs to help her, the pitcher must have excellent core stability to stay balanced while she throws.

Thus, the exercise improves core stability and balance.

As Abbott’s trainer explains, it’s important to start slow and work up to balancing on a fully-inflated physioball. He suggests balancing on a partially deflated basketball (and keeping the tips of your toes on the ground) to start.

Related: Change up your fall training with our softball training gear.

Softball tips: Cat Osterman’s keys to a good wrist snap

While a lot of folks concentrate on pitch speed, Cat Osterman likes to focus on movement.

In this short video, the Team USA pitcher shares her pitching philosophies, including her tips to getting a good wrist snap and getting the best possible movement on your pitches.

Related: Step up your game with our selection of softball pitching aids.

Softball tips: Cat Osterman explains finger placement

It’s important to get a good grip. Really important.

In this video produced for Stack TV, former Texas pitcher Cat Osterman explains the importance of finger placement and using the seams to not only drive your ball, but improve accuracy and spin too.

Related: Check out Wilson’s A2000 Cat Osterman Softball Glove.

Softball tips: How to throw a change-up

Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith shows how to throw a change-up in softball.

Related: Fine-tune your pitching with our selection of softball pitching aids.