KCKCC softball camps to focus on offense, pitching, defense

by Alan Hoskins
Two summer softball camps – one focusing on offense and one on defense and pitching – will be held at Kansas City Kansas Community College starting Monday, June 23.
The Defensive Camp and Pitching Clinic will be held Monday through Wednesday, June 23-25, with the Offensive Drill camp the following Monday through Wednesday, June 30-July 2. Both camps will run from 9 to 11 a.m. on the KCKCC softball field at 7250 State Ave.
The camps will be run by KCKCC head coach Kacy Tillery and assistant Taci Beatty with assistance from KCKCC student athletes and former Blue Devil all-conference players. Both camps are open to young players of all ages with all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Pitchers will work on proper mechanics, movement of pitches, gaining power and developing location skills. Defensively, emphasis will be on throwing mechanics and the proper way to field ground balls and catch fly balls. In addition, individual attention will be given to the various positions both in the infield and outfield as well as behind the plate.
Hitting, bunting, slapping, base running and sliding will all be covered in the Offensive Drill camp. Participants will go through various drills to help improve swing mechanics, contact and power and strike zone and pitch recognition. Offensive strategies such as bunting and slapping, proper base running and sliding techniques, stealing bases and the mental approach to successful hitting will also be covered.
The cost of each camp is $50 although participants taking part in both camps will be eligible for a discount. Each player needs to bring a glove, cleats or athletic shoes and water bottle. In addition, participants in the Offensive Camp need to bring a bat and warm-up pants for sliding drills. Registration forms are available in the KCKCC Athletic Department in the Field House at the north end of the campus or may be requested by contacting Kacy Tillery at 913-288-7356 or [email protected].