SB: Mavs to host pitching clinics
12/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
ARLINGTON, Texas - With instruction from UTA pitching coach Camden Decker, UTA softball is set to host youth pitching clinics January 8th and 22nd at Allan Saxe Field.
Hosting two sessions each day allows the UTA staff to give specific instruction to each individual. The morning session, beginning at 10 a.m. is structured for beginners (age 12 and under), with the second more advanced participants (age 13 and up) scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.
The morning sessions covers the basic pitches and pitching mechanics. In the advanced clinics, pitchers will learn skill pitches, accuracy techniques, velocity development and more advanced mechanical issues. The beginning session costs $60 per participant with the advanced, afternoon session running at a price of $75.
There are still spots available for the Mavericks Winter All-Skills Clinic. The camp, hosted by members of the UTA softball program is set to take place Jan. 14 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Allan Saxe Field. Games will take place in the afternoon after specific drills and instruction at positions will be covered in the morning.
The All-Skills Camp is open to anyone between the ages of 13-18 ,exceptions can be made by contacting coach Decker. The cost per player is $175.
Coach Decker is entering his third season as pitching coach of the Mavericks. Under his direction, pitcher Sam Clakley earned Second-Team All-Conference in 2016, while ranking 50th in Division I in saves with three and limiting one of the top offenses in the country to only one run in the 3-1 win over No. 5 Louisiana (the first win over a ranked opponent since 2003). Decker came to UTA after spending one season as a volunteer assistant at University of Arkansas, and as a former member and catcher for the USA Men's Fastpitch National Team.
Decker has spent time as an assistant at the Doug Gillis International Fastpitch Institute. In that position he helped in the instruction of pitching staffs at Evansville University and the University of Missouri. He has also instructed players at the Bulls/Sox Training Academy in Lisle, Ill., while also helping current Japanese Professional League pitcher, Michael Bowden, of the Seibu Lions and formerly of the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, develop pitches and work on his mechanics.
The Aurora, Ill., native was a two-year captain for the Waubonsee Community College baseball team where he was twice named an all-conference and all-region performer while leading Waubonsee to a seventh-place finish at the 2010 NJCAA Division III World Series. He then transferred to Trinity International University, where he was a member of the baseball team, volunteer assistant for the softball team and earned his bachelor's degree in May 2013.
To register for the pitching clinics or the Mavericks all-skills clinic click here.
