Off-Season Clinics
The following off-season clinic opportunities are listed in order by date, with the soonest clinic appearing first. Please be sure to view the entire page to see all of the opportunities available.
Slap Hitting
Slap hitting is an alternative approach for hitters who are typically small and quick, and possibly not finding success at the plate when trying to hit hard so far in their career. Typically slap hitters are left-handed, or willing to switch to bat left-handed, and can outrun a bunt or short hit, making it to first base before the throw.
This video explains slap hitting a bit further: https://youtu.be/XmAgLPqSf3M
Wisconsin Heights Youth Softball is not forcing or even encouraging players to become slap hitters. We are simply offering an alternative approach to batting in softball that some players may find successful. Coaches may be in attendance to help learn this approach as well.
Ages
Current 5th-8th graders
Cost
FREE
Instructors
Tim Graham, former youth softball coach
Avery Graham, current Wisconsin Heights Varsity player
When & Where
Sunday, March 9 from 11 am-Noon
Wisconsin Heights High School, South Gym
What to Bring
- Bat (If you don't have one, let us know and we'll have some available. Email us at whyouthsoftball@gmail.com)
- Batting helmet
- Water
Catching
This clinic is for those who already specialize at the catching position on the field, or who have played the catching position and want to learn more. General skills needed to be a catcher at the U12 or U14 levels will be covered, including stance, blocking, and throwing down to second base to get a runner out when they are trying to steal a base.
Ages
Current 5th-8th graders
Cost
Free
Instructor
Jeremy Slaney, youth softball coach and board member
Chesney M, current youth player
When & Where
Saturday, March 15 from 9-10 am
Wisconsin Heights High School, East Gym
What to Bring
- Catching gear, if you have some.
- Glove
- Water
Sliding & Base Running
This clinic will cover both sliding and basic base running. We will also cover tagging up for fly balls.
Note: Some of our younger players may not need to slide at their current level of play, but the sooner they learn this skill the easier it will be to master it for games.
Ages
We'll have two groups for this session:
- 3rd-5th graders (2-3 pm)
- 6th-8th graders (3-4 pm)
Cost
Free
Instructor
Kristin Westphal, youth softball coach and board member
When & Where
Sunday, April 6 from 2-4 pm
Wisconsin Heights High School, South Gym
What to Bring
- Sneakers for running in the gym
- Wear softball pants, leggings or joggers (cover your legs)
- Water
Long Throws, Cutoffs and Tagging Runners
This clinic will discuss throwing mechanics for long throws. We will also cover how to handle cutoffs during game scenarios as well as tagging runners correctly where there is a play at the base.
Ages
We'll have two groups for this session:
- 3rd-5th graders (2-3 pm)
- 6th-8th graders (3-4 pm)
Cost
Free
Instructor
Kristin Westphal, youth softball coach and board member
When & Where
Sunday, April 13 from 2-4 pm
Wisconsin Heights High School, East Gym
What to Bring
- Glove
- Water
Hitting
Get ready to swing this season with this hitting clinic. We will work on swing fundamentals and batting form. In addition, 6th-8th graders will work on bunting.
Ages
We'll have two groups for this session:
- 3rd-5th graders (9:45-10:45 am)
- 6th-8th graders (11 am-12:30 pm)
Cost
- 3rd-5th graders: $15 per player
- 6th-8th graders: $20 per player
Instructors
Olivia J and Regin S of 608 Skills Academy out of Sauk Prairie
When & Where
Sunday, April 27 from 9:45 am-12:30 pm
Wisconsin Heights High School, South Gym
What to Bring
- Bat (If you don't have one, we will have some available)
- Batting helmet
- Water
2025
For the Off-Season 2025, the Wisconsin Heights Youth Softball program is offering some skill- and position-specific opportunities to prepare our players for success during the Summer 2025 season.
- Catching - March 15
- Hitting - April 27
- Long Throws, Cutoffs and Tagging Runners - April 13
- Slap Hitting - March 9
- Sliding & Base Running - April 5
Note: Pitching instruction was offered in late fall and winter.
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