Sandstorm & Softball: What is it?

In Finland softball is not that familiar to many but we play it in Helsinki where our team is also located. We are Sandstorm Helsinki Softball Club 🇫🇮 and we are subdivision of Baseball Puumat organisation. Baseball Puumat is a club that has offered the opportunity to practice baseball in Finland since 1981. It is the longest running baseball club in Finnish history. Its mission is to enable the club's members to enjoy a sporty lifestyle all year round in guided activity. Baseball-Puumat ry has a long history of promoting baseball in Finland and participating in international events. Over half of the baseball team is made up of players from diverse international backgrounds.

In recent years Baseball Puumat has welcomed a growing number of softball enthusiasts, particularly women in the Helsinki area, who are passionate about creating and developing accessible softball opportunities. While some players have experience in Finnish baseball (pesäpallo), the core of our softball community consists of international players who moved to Finland for studies or work.

Softball is an awesome sport that mixes physical skill, strategy, and mental grit. Whether one is just starting out or have been playing for a while, improving the techniques is key to shining on the field and helping the team succeed.

In this post, some knowledge is shared that can help one to understand it a bit better and the components it consists of!

Let’s start with one of the basics: throwing and catching. To nail your throws, you’ll need solid footwork, the right arm angle, and a good follow-through. I like to practice with different targets at varying distances—it really helps me build both accuracy and speed. And don’t forget catching! Game-like drills are great for getting your reactions sharper so you can be a dependable defender.

Next up is batting. Having a strong, consistent swing can make a huge difference. It’s all about your stance, grip, and how you transfer your weight. Some of my favorite drills focus on hand-eye coordination and timing, helping me spot pitches faster. It also doesn’t hurt to work with a coach or mentor to tweak your mechanics and make sure you’re making solid contact with the ball.

And then there’s baserunning, which can really set you apart as a player. Speed, agility, and making smart calls on the fly are all part of the game. If you can read the field quickly, you’ll find those perfect moments to steal a base or stretch a single into a double. I’ve found that sprint drills and agility exercises really sharpen my quickness on the basepaths. Staying strong, fast, and injury-free are all super important. There are tons of exercises specifically for softball players that build strength and stamina, which makes a huge difference during long games or tough plays.

Undoubtedly, excelling in the physical aspects of the game is only one aspect of the process. Softball also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and effective communication. Backing your teammates both on and off the field can significantly enhance your collective performance, bolstering the team as a whole and fostering a fantastic environment.

All in all, excelling in softball techniques is an ongoing process that demands dedication, self-control, and a genuine enthusiasm for the sport. By emphasizing skill enhancement, tactical comprehension, and physical fitness, individuals can achieve great success along with their team!