Softball coaches can't seem to remember life before the pitching machine.

For example, the computerized scorebook, an electronic method for keeping statistics and for charting pitches and analyzing plate performance, already has swept the nation.

For example, the type and location of a hit has always been recorded in the scorebook. Now a fly ball to right field hit on a 3-2 pitch can be compared with other full-count at bats without flipping through game after game in the scorebook. Computerized programs also have helped sports information departments produce quicker and more accurate box scores and team statistics.

"It really doesn't help much until you are 20 games or so into the season, though, because each at-bat changes things so much," she said. "But when you are playing 50 games in a season it can really help."

Softball biokenetics

The computerized scorebook isn't the only way to incorporate computer technology into know-how for coaches.

University of Arizona coach Mike Candrea is using two computer applications that may eventually become second nature to coaches. One system allows Candrea to videotape the pitcher and catcher, save the clips to a computer and conveniently sort the information later.

"It's kind of the Cadillac of technology that's available," Candrea said. "It allows us to edit game film in real time. What that means is that we can save plays during the game to look at later. It saves time from what we used to do by going back and searching (through video) to find a play. You would end up fast-forwarding and rewinding all the time."

According to Candrea, the ease in sorting plays allows coaches to examine player performance in specific situations. For instance, coaches can select a player and sort through all of her at bats to determine what she has done in full-count situ ations, or with runners on base, or against different pitchers.

"It allows me to enhance and accelerate learning," Candrea said. "I can bring a kid in now and take five minutes to review all of her at-bats and teach her something. Before, you would take longer than that just rewinding and fast-forwarding to find the at-bats you wanted. Plus, you can loop the at-bats to just play the shots over and over. It saves time for us, and it gives us great information about the mechanical side of the game. It also gives us a way to look at opposing pitchers."

Although the players may be learning from video reviews, Candrea has learned, as well.

"Last year, we would actually film the game and then have someone come in and save the clips," Candrea said. "Now we have a laptop that will allow someone to do this work while the game is still going on. It is a time savings not to have to watch the game again."

"I learned a lot," Candrea said. "It helped me confirm a lot of things I have always thought and taught."

Data for each batter include bat speed, stride length, head movement during the stride, head movement during the swing, bat quickness, bat path and axis of rotation.

"This was a dream come true," Candrea said. "I've always thought this would teach us a lot and help develop information specific to the softball world."

In-game use

While biokenetic analyzation isn't likely to be affecting game-time decisions, other computer-enhanced information has the capability to provide inning-by-inning updates, sparking a debate within the softball community.

The NCAA Softball Rules Committee addressed the use of such information during its annual meeting last June.

"The committee doesn't want to discourage ingenuity," said Dee Abrahamson, the committee's secretary-rules editor and associate athletics director at the University of Northern Illinois. "If coaches can find a better, more efficient way to teach, we want to support that. We just wanted to limit the use of video, computer and other scouting information from being used during the game. We want the game to be won and lost by the players on the field."

The restrictions have many supporters, including some with the capability to employ the technology.

"I'm a firm believer that we want to keep electronic feedback out of the game," Candrea said. "I don't agree with being able to use this information during the game."

Others believe that policing technology during games is not necessary.

"I hope this type of information will help our game," said Lu Harris, head coach at the University of Georgia. "I think people are hitting better than they were just five years ago, and I believe we still have a lot to learn. I think we can learn a lot from video.

"I think people who have it should be able to use when they want. Arizona State has a beautiful facility, and I don't. Does this mean that they shouldn't be able to use their field? I don't see the difference. They may have information that the other team doesn't, but you aren't going to teach during the game."

"Video is a great tool, and it doesn't lie. When it comes right down to it, though, does it really make you a better coach and help your players? It could end up being more distracting than helpful. The game is still more about strategy and players than it is about stats and tendencies."

The influence of technology in softball, though unpredictable, remains constant. As revolutionary as the pitching machine was when it was introduced, it's been taken for granted now for some time. Perhaps someday, softball coaches won't be able to remember when a laptop wasn't a regular in the dugout, too.